AmeriCorps Life Skills Educator

UCAN AmeriCorps Volunteers engage in meaningful service that meets critical community needs throughout Southern Oregon. UCAN projects improve access to social services by bridging barriers to educational opportunities, mentoring, job skills development, employment resources, family stability, and having healthy futures. Our Volunteers engage clients in their dedicated service project within one of our many social service programs. Our positions are a dynamic combination of serving in a dedicated project (85%) and engaging in civic and professional development opportunities, alongside our AmeriCorps cohort (15%).

Within all our projects is the chance for our AmeriCorps Volunteers to gain valuable experience through professional development. We are committed to providing our AmeriCorps Volunteers with comprehensive training that will assist in their ability to access meaningful career opportunities. Through a variety of trainings, certifications and networking opportunities, we are confident that anyone who serves in our program will leave with tangible assets that will benefit them in their professional journey.   

SERVICE TERM

September 2, 2026 – July 31, 2027 (Full-time; 11 months – 1700 hours)  

VOLUNTEER LIVING ALLOWANCE

$20,400 living allowance paid over the 11-month service term 

EDUCATION AWARD

$7,395 Segal Education Award upon successful completion of the term of service 

POSITION TITLE

AmeriCorps Life Skills Educator

PROJECT HOST SITE

United Community Action Network – Gary Leif Navigation Center  

PROJECT LOCATION

Douglas County | 948 SE Mill Street. Roseburg, OR 

POSITION SUMMARY

Join UCAN as an AmeriCorps Life Skills Educator and help support our guests at the Gary Lief Navigation Center, which is a low-barrier 24/7 shelter that provides our unhoused community with a day center and overnight sheltering services. At UCAN, we're committed to enhancing prosperity and well-being by delivering vital services to people in our community who are unhoused. As the Life Skills Educator, you will be providing services such as leading workshops on budgeting, job readiness, healthy cooking, health and hygiene, and tenant readiness. You will also be planning fun and engaging activities for our guests like games and movie night, coordinating walking groups, and leading wellness and stress-reducing activities. In addition to other services you will support, our goal is to provide programs for our guests that help build their skills to live independently and thrive. Furthermore, you will help support our emergency warming and cooling shelters when they are activated in response to extreme weather conditions. 

As the AmeriCorps Life Skills Educator, you'll play a pivotal role at UCAN's Gary Lief Navigation Center, contributing to our efforts in supporting people who are unhoused in Douglas County. Serving within this project will require a passion for leading educational activities and the desire to help people who are experiencing difficult situations. You will frequently interact with our guests, helping them develop the knowledge and ability to navigate situations necessary to access and maintain stable housing. In addition, this position will be serving alongside our Douglas County Housing Support Navigator, who will be leading an adjacent service project. There will be frequent opportunities for these two positions to interact and support each other.

Your service project will be key in expanding programs for our shelter guests in Douglas County. Join us in making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES (to include, but not limited to)

• Plan, coordinate, and facilitate life skills workshops.
• Develop a wellness and stress-reduction program.
• Create fun and engaging activities to lead with guests
• Explore new initiatives & programs.
• Assist outreach for unsheltered population.
• Collaborate with the Housing Support Navigator to achieve project aligned goals.
• Build relationships with local churches, businesses, nonprofits, and volunteer groups to increase program support.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of strategies aimed at enhancing the experience of our guests.
• Maintain knowledge of rules, regulations, and best practices to ensure the safety of guests and staff.
• Participate actively in ongoing training and professional development opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge relevant to supporting unhoused individuals.
• Solicit guest feedback to help direct programs and services.
• Foster a positive and inclusive work environment by promoting collaboration, respect, and empathy among team members, contributing to a culture of mutual support and growth.
• Complete and submit all necessary UCAN paperwork and reports in a timely manner. 
•  Attend and complete all UCAN training and service requirements including orientation, trainings, team meetings, and National Days of Service (Make A Difference Day, MLK Jr. Day, and June Service Event).
• Wear AmeriCorps apparel and/or appropriate identifiers while performing service or attending official events.

MARGINAL RESPONSIBILITIES (to include, but not limited to)

• Attend regular team meetings and trainings
• Complete agency reports regarding program progress
• Collaborate with other AmeriCorps Volunteers and UCAN staff to support community outreach events.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate with diverse populations.
• Knowledge of community resources and understanding of poverty and homelessness.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals in crisis while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality.
• Follow all agency safety rules and practices and perform duties in a safe manner.
• Strong communication, organization, and record-keeping skills.
• Ability to independently prioritize tasks, use sound judgment, and adapt to changing priorities.
• Familiarity with or ability to learn shelter policies, emergency procedures, and the Shelter Intake Agreement.
• Ability to use standard office equipment and automated systems.
• Ability to maintain positive working relationships with guests, coworkers, volunteers, donors, and community partners.
• Ability to remain calm and make sound decisions during confrontational or high-pressure situations.
• Valid driver’s license
• 18 years of age or older, at beginning of service term.
• U.S. citizen, U.S. national or lawful permanent resident.
• Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent, or commit to earning one prior to receiving an education award.
• Ability to commit to the full term of service for which they are applying.
• Must successfully pass a National Service Criminal History Check provided through UCAN and/or Project Host Site.
• Regular and reliable attendance.
• Have not previously served the equivalent of two 1700 hour terms in an AmeriCorps*State or National program. Volunteers are only eligible for the equivalent of two full-time education awards in their lifetime.
• Applicants must disclose if they have ever been removed for cause from any national service program. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working with low-income or homeless populations.
• Experience in crisis intervention, de-escalation, or trauma-informed care.
• Previous experience in shelter operations, social services, or community-based programs preferred.
• Familiarity with community resources and organizations serving low-income populations.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.
• Experience with motivational interviewing, trauma-informed care, or other relevant areas of professional development.

SERVICE CONDITIONS

• May require flexible service hours during high-volume periods or special projects.
• Service may include assignments at the UCAN Warming Center during winter months when temperatures reach freezing levels.
• Service environment may involve exposure to dust, noise, heat, cold, and other disagreeable conditions.

PHYSICAL & INTELLECTUAL DEMANDS

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, reaching, pushing, pulling, carrying, lifting, and keyboarding.
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time.
• Ability to frequently lift, carry, push, and pull up to 40 pounds.
• Occasional lifting of heavier items may be necessary.
• Ability to prioritize and complete tasks efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to exercise initiative, independent judgment, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to maintain attention to detail and accurate documentation.
• Ability to manage stressful or emotionally charged situations with professionalism and composure.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both written and verbal forms.

EQUIPMENT USED

• Standard office equipment, including computers, telephones, printers, and automated systems.
• Communication devices and other equipment are necessary for shelter operations.

TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION

• Organizational vehicle is available for service activities. Volunteer is covered by organization’s vehicle insurance policy.
• Project site is accessible by public transportation.
• Personal vehicles are recommended. 
  
  

VOLUNTEER BENEFITS INCLUDE

• $20,400 living allowance paid over the 11-month service term (approx. $886 bi/weekly, before taxes).
• $7,395 education award upon successful completion of the term of service which can be used to repay student loans or for further education in an accredited institution of higher learning, vocational or trade schools. The education award is taxed in the year that it is used. Volunteers that are 55 and older may transfer the award to one child or grandchild.
• May be eligible for Loan Forbearance & Interest Accrual Repayment on qualified loans (after successful completion of a term of service, AmeriCorps will pay the accrued interest on qualified loans, which is taxable).
• Basic medical insurance (covers Volunteers only, not dependents; vision and dental not included).
• SNAP benefits for those who qualify. 
• Child care allowance for those who qualify.
• Professional development, trainings and networking opportunities. 

EQUITY & INCLUSION
UCAN values diversity and seeks to provide an inclusive space that rejects intolerance. Qualified individuals with disabilities and those from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. UCAN is an AA/EEO employer. UCAN provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals and conducts all activities in fully accessible settings.

Salary : $886