MEMBER SERVICE APPLICATION
Make a change. Help strengthen your community through a term of service with the Habitat Build & Repair Corps. This hands-on experience provides you an opportunity to learn from trades professionals while building back local neighborhoods and local families. Get paid to train on an active build site and walk away with scholarship funds to continue your career goals.
Complete applications or program questions should be sent to Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity at 314 Columbus Ave., Pittsfield, MA, (413)442-3181, info@berkshirehabitat.org. Paper copies and electronic copies accepted. Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, skin color, sex, age, veteran status, or disability. You have the right to request reasonable accommodations for known mental or physical disabilities in order to complete the member application, selection process, and position requirements.
Currently accepting applications for the 2021-2022 service year for Half Time Positions. Apply Now Application Period Open: November 15, 2021 - January 15, 2022
Position
AmeriCorps is a network of national service programs that that works to improve lives and foster civic engagement. Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity (CBHFH) is looking for members ready to commit their time to addressing affordable housing in the Berkshires, to building their professional skills, and to being a leader in their neighborhoods.
CBHFH is an independent affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a global nonprofit housing organization working in nearly 2100 communities across the United States and in 70 countries around the world. CBHFH welcomes people from all walks of life to partner in service and has been providing homeownership opportunities for more than 25 years in Central and Southern Berkshire County, MA.
Our vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live.
As a Construction Crew Member you will play a vital role in building and repairing homes on a local level. You will learn and perform construction tasks on new and rehab homes; demolition, site prep, framing, roofing, siding, insulation, drywall, flooring, finish carpentry, and landscaping. You will attend site safety trainings and work with staff to maintain a safe and efficient build site. Leading groups of skilled and unskilled volunteers you will make homeownership possible for partner families striving for a better life. No previous experience in construction required.
Responsibilities
- Actively assist staff, volunteers, and homeowners to build, rehabilitate, or repair homes.
- Offer guidance and leadership to volunteers partnering with Habitat on the construction site and community projects.
- Assist with hands-on construction tasks including but not limited to:
- Demolition
- Flooring
- Roofing
- Finish carpentry
- Cabinetry
- Landscaping
- Site prep
- Framing
- Insulation
- Drywall
- Maintain site safety through modeling of safety practices and guidelines. Attend safety trainings with construction staff.
- Help with materials management on site and at affiliate storage locations including set up and clean up of project sites.
- Participate in planning, debriefing, and safety meetings as needed.
- On occasion, members may participate in larger community projects such as lot cleanups, community gardens, etc.
- Attend required meetings, trainings and events:
- On site and affiliate orientation
- OSHA 30 safety licensing
- First Aid / CPR
- Lockton Safety courses
- Buildin’ it sessions
- Getting Ahead skill building course
- MSA AmeriCorps Opening Day
- MLK National Day of Service / Veterans Day of Service
- Evaluations with Direct Supervisors and Host Site Manager
- Staff meetings, Construction Committee meetings, and home dedications as appropriate
- Professional Development trainings & host site events as needed
Qualifications
Required
- US Citizen or a permanent resident
- High School or GED education
- 17 years of age or older
- Complete a minimum of 1700 hours (full time) or 900 hours (half time) of documented service with Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity during the program term.
- Program runs August 30, 2021 through July 29, 2022 for full time positions.
- Program runs January 31, 2022 through July 29, 2022 for half time positions.
- Members will serve Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 4:30pm (40 hours per week).
- Weekend and/or evenings may be required for various events or trainings
- Complete all required AmeriCorps documentation and monthly reporting.
- Ability to work in a team and collaborate.
- Be able to lift 50 lbs. without strain and work on your feet for several hours at a time.
- Comfortable with heights and going up and down extension and step ladders.
- Transportation or ability to commute to CBHFH's local job sites.
- Criminal Background Check: Members are required to complete a federal criminal background check before beginning their term of service. Immedicate disqualifications include, being listed on the sex offender registry or being convicted of a violent crime. Check here for the full criminal background check policy.
Member Benefits
- A living stipend of $16,000 for full time members ($340.43 per week).
- A living stipend of $8,851 for half time members ($340.43 per week).
- Education award upon successful program completion ($6,345 for full term or $3,172.50 for half time).
- Scholarship can be applied to past loans, future education, professional training certificates for up to 7 years.
- Paid time off including holidays and personal days (10 days for full time or 5 days for half time).
- Over 125 hours of professional training and networking in the construction and trades field and the non-profit sector.
- Minimum Essential Health Care coverage if needed.
- Loan and interest accrual deferment for qualifying loans during term of service.
- Childcare benefits assistance for qualifying members.
Term of Service
Service Year 2021 - 2022
Full Time Members
Start Date: August 30, 2021
End Date: July 29, 2022
Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm
1700 hours of service
Living Stipend: $15,100
Education Award: $6,345
Location: Pittsfield, MA
Half Time Members
Start Date: January 31, 2022
End Date: July 29, 2022
Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm
900 hours of service
Living Stipend: $8,851
Education Award: $3,172.50
Location: Pittsfield, MA
Members must complete their entire term of service in good standing to receive full benefits including the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award.
Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, skin color, sex, age, veteran status, or disability. You have the right to request reasonable accommodations for known mental or physical disabilities in order to complete the member application, selection process, and position requirements. Please contact Program Director, Beth Frederick, at (413)442-3181 ext.9 to discuss reasonable accommodations or our non-discrimination policy.