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How many hours will I be expected to work per week? Will I get weekends off? Is there vacation time? What is the compensation? What other benefits are available? When can I start? What kind of person does SAFER typically employ? Why do I need to seek sponsorship for my position? What is AmeriCorps? What positions are available? What schools/loans can I use the education award for? What if I don't know how to do construction? Does SAFER have part time positions? What if I don't have my own transportation? Do I need my own tools? What if I get sick or injured? I have heard that there is a lot of violent crime in New Orleans, is this true and will I be safe? Where will I live? |
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| How many hours will I be expected to work per week?
1700 hours over the course of 10 months works out to about 42.5 hours each week. This is an average and you are welcome to work more or less than that each week. However, you must work at least 32 hours per week in order to receive a stipend. Will I get weekends off? SAFER works 7 days a week but each member is only expected to work 5 days each week. While many people decide to take the weekend off, you are welcome to take any two days off you'd like, and it can change from week to week. Is there vacation time? While the commitment of the term is 10 total months, there is built in room for time off. You will have from August 15th, 2008 until August 14th, 2009 to finish your term, which affords you 2 extra months of time off. This flexibility can allow you to either start your term later (as late as october 15th, 2008) or end your term earlier (as early as June 15th, 2009). Alternatively, you can divide this time throughout your term and take four 2 week breaks, two month long breaks, eight one week breaks, etc. 'Vacation time' is unpaid so you will not receive a stipend for the time that you are not in service. What is the compensation? Each member will receive a monthly stipend of $1,060 as well as a scholarship worth $4,725. What other benefits are available? Each member will be eligible for up to $155/month in food stamps, free health/vision/dental coverage, access to affordable housing and/or rental subsidies, as well as student loan deferrment for the lenth of your term. When can I start? Hiring will take place from March 1st until June 1st. Positions start as early as August 15th and as late as October 15th. What kind of person does SAFER typically employ? Most of SAFER's staff tends to be recent college graduates who are self motivated, creative, and are commited to rebuilding New Orleans. Members come from all over the country and a variety of backgrounds. There is room here for all interests and abilities. Feel free to check out the profiles of some of our current staff here. Why do I need to seek sponsorship for my position? Each position requires SAFER to provide matching funding to the government. While we certainly recognize the sacrifice our members make to spend nearly a year of their lives helping to rebuild New Orleans, we feel that the best candidates for these positions are those who have the support of their family and friends. Also, in order to assure that the full benefit of the money we raise for our general fund is passed along to the homeowners in our programs, we ask that each applicant spend time before enrolling raising money to secure their position and assure that SAFER's money will go to who it was intended for. Learn more about where to begin seeking sponsorship for your position here. What is AmeriCorps? AmeriCorps is a government run program that provides living stipends and scholarships to volunteers who work full time with sponsored organizations, such as SAFER. Read more about AmeriCorps here. What positions are available? SAFER is recruiting for a variety of positions ranging from office staff to construction crew. Read more about the available positions here. What schools/loans can I use the education award for? Most colleges, universities, and lenders accept the AmeriCorps education award. For more information, visit here. What if I don't know how to do construction? SAFER provides all training and supervision necessary for the work that we do. Additionally, you may be interested in one of our full time office positions. Does SAFER have part time positions? Unfortunately we can only offer full time, 10 month positions at this time. We are always looking for volunteers though, so check out our volunteer page. What if I don't have my own transportation? Transportation to and from the work site/office will be provided. We encourage everyone to bring a bike, however, as New Orleans is a very good city for bike travel. Do I need my own tools? Thanks to the generosity of our donors and sponsors, SAFER provides all the tools and equipment necessary. If you have your own tools you are welcome to bring them, but are encouraged to keep them separate from SAFER's tools to avoid confusion. What if I get sick or injured? AmeriCorps offers a comprehensive health care program as well as workman's compensation and liability insurance. You can also be placed on medical leave until you are healthy and ready to finish your term. I have heard that there is a lot of violent crime in New Orleans, is this true and will I be safe? SAFER works in a variety of neighborhoods, some of which do have some crime. The vast majority of crime that takes place here only affects those who put themselves in danger by doing something they should not be involved with. We have always had good relationships with our families' neighbors and do not work in areas that are not a safe working environment. Where will I live? SAFER has a volunteer house that is available at very affordable rates for all members who chose to live there. All rooms are either singles or doubles and come furnished. For those who want to pursue housing independently, we will provide subsidies if available. |
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