BRPC seeks an AmeriCorps member for a full-time position starting in September/October 2026 to support critical digital accessibility and skill needs across Berkshire County.
This role involves three distinct focus areas:
- Supporting BRPC’s Economic Development Program by teaching digital skills, in group class and 1:1 format, to low-income and older adults at two housing authorities in Berkshire County.
- Supporting BRPC’s Public Health Program by gathering information about the digital skill and accessibility needs of older adults, people in active use/early recovery from substance use disorder, lower-income adults, and those experiencing homelessness.
- Assisting with evaluating and remediating BRPC’s digital materials, including plans and reports, in accordance with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) digital accessibility requirements.
Eligibility Requirements
To serve in AmeriCorps you must:
- Be 17 years of age or older (no upper age restriction)
- Be a U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, or Lawful Permanent Resident
- Possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent
- Pass a National Service Criminal History Check (NSCHC) that includes: an FBI fingerprint check, a National Sex Offender Registry check, and state-specific criminal history checks for both the State of Service and State of Residence.
- Not hold other full-time employment; other obligations should be temporary or part-time in nature and must not interfere with the program schedule and requirements (i.e. 35-40 hours/week, training dates, etc.). (ACC Program specific requirement)
- Not be enrolled in a full-time Undergraduate or Professional degree program during the term of service. (ACC Program specific requirement)
- Agree to maintain full healthcare coverage during the entirety of the term of service, recognizing that LFA provides healthcare coverage to all full-time Members that are not otherwise covered.
Host- Site Specific Activities
Economic Development Responsibilities
- Participate in a 5-week online training to be certified in the American Association of Retired Persons’ (AARP) Older Adult Technology Systems (OATS) curricula.
- Deliver OATS curricula to housing authority residents through presentations, hands-on workshops, and 1:1 technology support to help them learn to use their existing devices (e.g., phones, computers) and become proficient with new iPads awarded through a state grant.
- Liaise with housing authority directors and resident coordinators to report on progress and discuss challenges.
- Document successes, challenges, and lessons learned for required mid-point and final reports to the funder and draft a sustainability plan that includes potential grants the housing authorities can pursue after the grant ends.
Public Health Responsibilities
- Conduct a series of stakeholder interviews with the staff of libraries, councils on aging, recovery centers, and similar about what their patrons/members might need in terms of digital skills, resources, and support.
- Prepare a short analysis and summary of findings from the stakeholder interviews about perceived digital and community support needs of priority populations.
- Establish a schedule of on-site digital navigation hours in response to stakeholder needs and schedules.
- Develop population-specific digital literacy guides or presentations based on stakeholder needs (as applicable).
Administrative Responsibilities
- Complete assigned accessibility training and review additional materials as needed.
- Remediate digital materials from BRPC’s website and archives to meet accessibility standards.
- Support the development and maintenance of internal guidance for accessible content creation.
- Track, document, and report progress on the remediation process.
- Assist with the identification of materials for archival or disposition without remediation in accordance with municipal record retention guidelines.
ACC Program Activities
- Conduct an initial listening tour in the first 1-2 months to assess community needs by hosting individual or group conversations with community members that represent the diverse range of demographics present in your community.
- Complete bi-weekly timesheets and monthly impact reports.
- Meet monthly 1:1 with your designated ACC Program Coordinator.
- Complete key training modules and certifications, including On3Learn eCourses.
- Attend required ACC meetings and trainings, including bi-weekly Pods, quarterly training retreats, and Life After LFA webinar series.
- Lead event planning and implement activities for two National Days of Service in your local area for both MLK Day of Service (January) and AmeriCorps Week (March).
- When applicable, recruit and coordinate local community volunteers to ensure buy-in and long-term sustainability of your projects.
- Serve productively and effectively across service environments and adhere to LFA, host site, and AmeriCorps
policies and procedures. - Meet AmeriCorps service hour benchmarks and complete the full term of service as indicated in the Member Service Agreement.
Position Qualifications
AmeriCorps Competencies
- The knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the service activities described in the position description. This includes both required and preferred qualifications.
- Required knowledge, skills and abilities for all ACC AmeriCorps Members: Comfortable speaking to groups and giving short presentations on a topic; researching complex topics; facilitating meetings and discussions; attending virtual and online events; good written and verbal communication skills (including phone and email), and possess basic skills related to Excel/Google sheets and notetaking.
Minimum Qualifications
- Experience with public outreach and engagement
- Strong attention to detail
- Ability to manage tasks and time independently
- Ability to follow written guidance and communicate questions or issues clearly
- Willingness to be a team player
- Ability to responsibly and professionally represent BRPC with external partners
- Comfort with writing and public presentations
- High level of digital proficiency, including ability to quickly learn and navigate new software and tools
- Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Adobe Acrobat
- Interest in teaching digital skills to under-resourced populations
Preferred Qualifications
- Interest in digital equity, accessibility, and/or public-sector work
- Related coursework or similar exposure to digital skills and accessibility
- Ability to review materials against defined standards
- Familiarity with the Microsoft Office Suite and/or the Adobe Suite, including accessibility tools or other related resources
- Familiarity with WordPress, SharePoint, and Canva
- Enrollment in or completion of a bachelor’s degree program
- Interest in developing skills in grant execution and management
- A writing sample is appreciated
AmeriCorp Member Benefits
Full-time members receive:
- $33,000 stipend
- Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage (available to those who are not already enrolled in Medicaid or other State plan, a spouse’s plan, or a family member’s health care plan)
- Student Loan Forbearance and Interest Accrual Payments (for most Federal loans)
- Childcare Support
- Upon successful completion of AmeriCorps term of service, eligible to receive Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $7,395 that can be applied to current educational expenses at eligible institutions or to repay qualified student loans.
Training
- ACC Orientation & Leadership Training
- Winter Training Institute with your cohort
- Scholarship opportunity to attend the National Digital Inclusion Alliance summit or a similar professional conference of your choice
- Graduation ceremony and summit
Support
- Monthly 1:1 calls with a dedicated ACC Program Coordinator to support your professional and personal goals and planning for the future.
- Regular virtual Zoom trainings and pod sessions with your cohort.
- Access to a Member Assistance Program for legal, financial, tax, and mental health resources.
- Opportunity to participate in LFA Mentorship Program to forge meaningful and lasting relationships with LFA Alumni and seasoned career professionals, receive invaluable insight, and flourish after term of service.
Alumni
- Financial incentives to further your education, including scholarships, discounts, and waivers, through Lead For America’s partnerships with prestigious educational institutions across the country.
- Membership in a lifelong alumni network of talented, passionate, and dynamic leaders across the country.
To Apply, please click this link: https://berkshireplanning.org/berkshire-county-digital-navigator-americorps-member/
Additional Info
Job Type : Full-Time
Experience Level : Mid to Senior Level