The HAP Foundation has received a federal grant from AmeriCorps Seniors to develop a Seniors Workforce Program in Illinois.
In January 2024, we will launch a pilot program to recruit 10-15 individuals in Peoria County with expansion to Sangamon, Knox, Macon, and Rock Island counties over the next three years.
AmeriCorps Seniors (Ages 55+) Workforce Program
The Seniors Workforce Program at The HAP Foundation will provide adults 55+ with the opportunity to develop skills to be a Community Health Worker. If you are a trusted member of your community, demonstrate empathy and compassion for others, enjoy connecting community resources with people, and promote a healthy lifestyle, this could be a great career for you!
What is AmeriCorps?
AmeriCorps is the federal agency for national service and volunteerism that provides opportunities for Americans of all backgrounds to serve their country, address the nation’s most pressing challenges, and improve lives and communities.
What will the program provide?
The program will train people who are 55+ to re-enter the workforce as Community Health Workers (CHW). A CHW serves as a link between healthcare and social service organizations to remove barriers and improve health outcomes.
What will I do?
Weekly, participants will attend 4-5 hours of in-person classroom training and volunteer at a healthcare or community-based organization for 5-6 hours.
Volunteer work at the organization will include working on a project identified by the organization. Projects will vary based on the organization, and every effort will be made to match the participant with a project that interests them.
Projects may include:
- Developing and delivering a presentation to educate community members about a health issue
- Motivating and encouraging people to obtain general primary health care and other services and support self-management of disease prevention and management of health conditions.
- Educating individuals and communities about how to use health and social service systems, such as hosting a community event on how to sign up for Medicare.
- Educating health systems and medical staff about community experiences and cultural norms.
- Providing necessary information at local agencies and community events to help people understand and prevent diseases or manage health conditions, chronic disease, and serious illness.
- Making health care referrals and providing follow-up.
- Participating in care coordination and/or case management.
- Conducting health awareness campaigns and disease prevention education
- Participating in design, implementation, and interpretation of individual and community assessments, and community based participatory research.
Each project is designed to reach 30 members in your community.
Who is eligible to apply?
To be eligible for this AmeriCorps Seniors program, you must be:
- 55 or older at the time you begin the program.
- A U.S. citizen or permanent resident; and live in or close to Peoria, Sangamon, Knox, Macon or Rock Island counties.
- Able to provide proof of health insurance.
- Able to provide proof of auto insurance if the on-the-job training assignment requires driving, however, having a car and driving is not a requirement to participate in the program.
- At this time training is only available in English
Commitment:
- Individuals must commit to 10 hours a week.
- Attend a 5-hour training, weekly:
- Thursdays, February 15 –May 9th
- 9:30 am – 2:00pm
- Held at the Main Branch of the Peoria Library
- Work 5 hours each week at a local organization. Days and times to be determined.
- Commit to the program for 13 weeks. The duration of the program can be extended if additional time is needed to complete the project or education.
What are the benefits of participating in the AmeriCorps Seniors Workforce program?
Participants will:
- Receive at least 40 hours of training in areas that are recognized nationally as core competencies to be a Community Health Worker.
- Receive job training at a healthcare or community-based organization.
- Receive a monthly stipend of $200. To receive the stipend participants will need to meet eligibility requirements.
- Financial assistance may be available for eligible CHWs through the Illinois Public Health Association’s (IPHA) Community Health Worker training program, funded under HRSA Grant 22-124. Assistance may be applied to costs associated with transportation, training, childcare, and educational supplies.
- After completion of the project and training, you will receive a certificate confirming completion of basic CHW core competencies.
- Support in finding employment upon training and project completion.
How can I learn more?
The program is launching in Peoria in January 2024. Informational Sessions will be held at the:
Peoria Public Library:
Main Branch at 107 N.E. Monroe. - 1st Floor Meeting Room
1/17/2024 - 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Lincoln Branch: 1312 W. Lincoln Ave. - Hot Air Balloon Room
1/18/2024 - 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
If you are unable to attend one of the informational sessions, contact Rachael Telleen with questions:
Rtelleen@TheHAPFoundation.org
312-741-1290
We anticipate the program beginning in Sangamon County in July 2024. Over the next two years the program will be developed in Knox, Macon and Rock Island counties.
How do I apply?
At this time we are only accepting applications for individuals living in or close to Peoria County.
Please click here to complete your application.
Please bring a government issued identification to confirm your birthdate and eligibility to work in the United States.
Applications for Peoria are due no later than January 26, 2024.
Applicants who submit a complete application and meet eligibility criteria will be contacted to schedule an interview either in-person or via Zoom.
Contact Information
Rachael Telleen
Executive Director of Workforce Development and Education
The HAP Foundation
Rtelleen@TheHAPFoundation.org
312-741-1290
Non-Discrimination Statement
The HAP Foundation, the AmeriCorps Seniors Workforce Demonstration Program, and its host sites do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law (including Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972).
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