WASHINGTON SERVICE CORPSSERVE TODAY FOR A BETTER TOMORROW.

Managing Your WSC/WRC AmeriCorps Member and Site Orientation

Trainings

Training Topics:

• Preparing for your member’s service term

• Member orientation tools/resources

• Best practices for member management and support

Preparing for Service

• Make sure you know who your WSC/WRC Program Coordinator is and how to contact them—contact info here: https://washingtonservicecorps.org/who-we-are/contact-us/

• Review the WSC/WRC policies and procedures for AmeriCorps members: https://washingtonservicecorps.org/policies-and-procedures/

• Read the Member Service Agreement—contact your Program Coordinator with clarifying questions

Preparing for Service

• Develop a plan for supporting your member throughout the service term—identify key support staff with your organization

• Have a clear understanding of the member’s role in your organization (reach out to your WSC/WRC Program Coordinator if you have questions)

• Schedule site-specific orientation and trainings your member will need to be successful in their role

Site Orientation Resources

• Be prepared to orient the member to your site

• Take them on a tour of the facilities—show them important places they need to be aware of

• Introduce your member to other site staff, and make sure they know who they can reach out to for guidance

• Share an org chart to help the member understand the structure of your organization

• Review site-specific policies and procedures that the member is required to follow (e.g. dress code, communication methods, etc.)

Site Orientation Resources

• Review these checklists when planning member orientation topics: https://www.nationalservice.gov/resources/member-and-volunteer-development/encorps/orientation-checklists

The following slides will include links to helpful resources you can reference during member orientation

Site Orientation Resources

• “What is AmeriCorps”: https://www.nationalservice.gov/programs/americorps/what-americorps

• History of the WSC/WRC: https://washingtonservicecorps.org/who-we-are/our-history/

• AmeriCorps Pledge: https://www.nationalservice.gov/programs/americorps/current-members/americorps-pledge

Site Orientation Resources

• Member Stipend/Benefits Overview: https://washingtonservicecorps.org/become-a-member/program-benefits/

• Childcare Benefits: https://washingtonservicecorps.org/member-resources/members-childcare/

• Education Award: https://washingtonservicecorps.org/member-resources/members-childcare/

• Health Insurance: https://washingtonservicecorps.org/member-resources/members-healthcare/

Site Orientation Resources

• “Managing Member Hours” policy: https://waservicecorps.files.wordpress.com/2017/06/pol120-managing-member-hours.pdf

• “Managing Member Leave” policy: https://waservicecorps.files.wordpress.com/2017/06/pol123-managing-member-leave.pdf

• Member Service Agreement (member contract) copy included in enrollment paperwork—contact Program Coordinator if you need a copy

Member Management—Best Practices

• Be a mentor! Schedule regular meetings (at least once every 2 weeks) with your member throughout the service term. Use this time to:

• Get to know your member—what are their strengths and growth areas, career goals, communication styles, etc.

• Check in for questions/concerns about the service experience

• Connect your member with resources to help them achieve personal and professional goals

• Build a support system at your site—identify who the member can contact with questions. Review your org chart and contacts

• Mentoring resources: https://www.nationalservice.gov/resources/mentoring

Member Management—Best Practices

• Help your member get to know your community—connect them with knowledge about local resources and events.

• Share the following general information sources, and encourage members to explore more helpful resources on our website here: https://washingtonservicecorps.org/become-a-member/planning-for-service/

• 2-1-1 Information HUB: http://www.211.org/

• Foodbank/Food Security: http://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank/

• “Freecycle” Used Goods: https://www.freecycle.org/

• Entertainment: https://www.nearify.com/; https://www.festivals.com/

Member Management—Best Practices

• When to contact your WSC/WRC Program Coordinator:

• If your member will be absent for 5 or more consecutive service days

• If you are worried your member is falling behind their service hour goals (full-time, 40 hour/week service)

• If you think your member might require reasonable accommodations to successfully complete their service term

• If you are unclear about member duties/responsibilities

• If there have been any disciplinary concerns with your member

• If your member will be serving at an alternative service site that has not yet been pre-approved by the WSC/WRC

Member Management—Best Practices

Contact your Program Coordinator anytime you have a question—we’re here to help!

QuizPlease click on this Survey Monkey link to take the quiz on these materials: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CMJKMWX

Having Trouble or Have Questions?

Please contact your WSC/WRC Program Coordinator Immediately

Washington Service Corps

Phone number: 1-888-713-6080 (toll free)

Website: https://washingtonservicecorps.org/who-we-are/contact-us/

WASHINGTON SERVICE CORPSSERVE TODAY FOR A BETTER TOMORROW.