Service Term:

Full-Time AmeriCorps Member (1,700 hours; approximately 40 hours/week)
Some evenings and weekends required

 

Position Summary

Project POWER AmeriCorps Members serving with Children First/Communities In Schools will focus on strengthening organizational and community capacity to address food insecurity and social determinants of health for children and families in Buncombe County.

Building from the previous Community Resource Assistant role—which included direct interaction with students and program delivery —this position shifts to a capacity-building model, developing systems, partnerships, and infrastructure that expand long-term impact.

 

Key Service Activities

All activities are capacity-building in nature and do not displace staff or volunteers.

Food Security Program Development

• Support the coordination and expansion of food distribution programs (e.g., backpack programs, food pantries, mobile distributions)

• Develop systems to track food access, utilization, and community need

• Assist in identifying gaps in food access and recommending program improvements

• Strengthen partnerships with local food banks, farms, and community organizations

Afterschool & Summer Programming Support (Capacity Building Focus)

• Assist in designing and refining systems that support afterschool and summer enrichment programming

• Develop tools, schedules, and planning resources to improve program organization and delivery

• Support the integration of food access initiatives (e.g., snacks, meals, take-home resources) into programming structures

• Create and organize enrichment activity guides that align with academic and developmental goals

• Support data tracking systems to monitor participation, engagement, and program outcomes

• Assist in coordinating logistics for programming, including materials planning and partner engagement

• Develop processes to improve communication with families regarding programming and available resources

• Support volunteer and partner coordination for afterschool and summer initiatives

Note: Members do not serve in roles that include direct supervision, instruction, or sole responsibility for children, but instead strengthen the systems and structures that enable high-quality programming.

Community Resource Coordination

• Build and maintain resource directories for families addressing needs such as housing, healthcare, mental health, and nutrition

• Support referral systems that connect students and families to critical services

• Assist in developing streamlined processes for resource navigation

Partnership & Network Building

• Cultivate and support relationships with community partners addressing social determinants of health

• Coordinate communication and collaboration among partner organizations

• Assist with planning and facilitating community meetings, coalitions, or working groups

Data Collection & Impact Measurement

• Design and maintain systems for tracking program outputs and outcomes

• Analyze data trends related to food insecurity and service access

• Support reporting for AmeriCorps and organizational evaluation efforts

• Use data to inform program improvements and strategic decisions

Volunteer & Community Engagement Systems

• Develop and enhance volunteer recruitment, onboarding, and management systems

• Create tools and materials to support volunteer engagement in food distribution and resource programs

• Strengthen community awareness through outreach and engagement strategies

Program Infrastructure & Sustainability

• Assist in developing standard operating procedures, toolkits, and training materials

• Support grant readiness through documentation, data organization, and program narratives

• Contribute to long-term sustainability planning for food security initiatives

Prohibited Activities

Members will not engage in AmeriCorps prohibited activities, including political advocacy, religious instruction, or displacement of staff roles.

 

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree preferred

• Interest in public health, social work, education, nonprofit management, or related fields

• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively

• Experience or interest in working with diverse populations

Preferred Skills

• Experience with data tracking, program coordination, or community outreach

• Familiarity with issues related to food insecurity or social determinants of health

• Comfort with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, or database systems

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds (e.g., food boxes, supplies)

• Ability to travel locally for partner meetings and program support

Member Benefits

• Living allowance (distributed monthly)

• Health Insurance  

• Segal Education Award upon successful completion of service

• Professional development and training opportunities

• Networking and career pathway support

 

About Project POWER

Project POWER AmeriCorps strengthens community organizations by building capacity to address critical needs related to food insecurity and social determinants of health across Western North Carolina.