VOCAL AmeriCorps Member at HANA

HANA Center (HANA) is a community-based nonprofit organization serving the Chicago area, dedicated to addressing the critical needs of Korean, Asian American, and multiethnic immigrant communities while fostering systemic change. The Community Education program at HANA provides English-language learners within Korean and multiethnic immigrant communities the knowledge, tools, and resources they need to develop essential skills and achieve their goals, including naturalization, pursuing higher education, and securing employment opportunities.

About the role

HANA’s VOCAL AmeriCorps member is instrumental in enhancing adult literacy programs for low-literate and limited English-speaking adults. Core responsibilities include pairing students with one-on-one and small-group tutors, organizing Literacy Works training certification for tutors, fostering tutor retention, delivering personalized engagement and level assessments for students, and identifying resources to enrich the educational journey of those served by HANA. The VOCAL AmeriCorps member is placed at HANA through a partnership with Literacy Volunteers of Illinois (LVI).

Responsibilities

• Volunteer Support
  • Assist with volunteer management including recruitment, student and tutor pairing, and tracking volunteers and students
  • Conduct regular individual and group check-ins with tutors and students including surveys, civics skills testing, etc.
  • Assist with volunteer data management and coordinate volunteer recognition activities
• Literacy Support
  • Conduct basic skills and literacy evaluations for adult learners
  • Track learner progress through regular assessments and reporting
  • Encourage and support adult learners by helping them develop confidence and a positive attitude about learning
  • Respect learners and involve them in decisions about the learning process
• General Support
  • Assist site supervisor with regular report filing
  • Connect community members with other HANA education programs and services
  • Support tutors to select materials and approaches that are suitable for adult learners’ ability and needs
  • Other responsibilities as assigned

Requirements

• Age: 18 years or older
• Education: At least two years of college completed (Bachelor’s degree preferred)
• Skills: Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Experience: Prior involvement in nonprofit work, education, adult education, or community development is a plus
• Background Check: Successful completion of a criminal background check
• Citizenship Status: Must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident (Authorization to work in the U.S. alone is not sufficient; individuals with DACA status are not eligible for AmeriCorps service at this time)

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Commitment to immigrant rights and social, economic, and racial justice
• Familiarity with Korean American, Asian American, or immigrant community issues
• Confidence in the ability of communities to support, organize, and achieve shared goals
• Capacity to work independently and collaboratively
• Intermediate or higher Korean language proficiency is highly valued
• Adaptability to work both on-site and remotely

Benefits

• Living Allowance: $21,000 annual living allowance, paid bi-weekly during the service term
• Health Coverage: Comprehensive health insurance provided at no cost to full-time AmeriCorps members
• Child Care Assistance: Financial support for eligible childcare costs during service
• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award: A post-service education award that may be used toward qualified student loans or future educational expenses
• Loan Forbearance: Deferment of qualifying student loans during service, with accrued interest paid by the National Service Trust upon successful completion of service
• Professional Growth: Individualized professional development plans and cohort-wide trainings on topics such as Mental Health First Aid, Conflict Resolution, Self-Care, Resume Building, Leadership Development, and other career readiness skills

Reports to: Community Education Team Lead