Texas Club Corps AmeriCorps Program

AmeriCorps Member Service Agreement

  1. PURPOSE

It is the purpose of this agreement to delineate the terms, conditions, and rules of membership regarding the participation of [enter member name here] (hereafter referred to as the “member”) in the Texas Alliance of Boys & Girls ClubsTexas Club Corps AmeriCorps Program (hereinafter referred to as the “Program”) at the Boys Girls Club of (hereafter referred to as the “Site”) under the umbrella of OneStar Foundation and the federal agency called the Corporation for National and Community Service (hereafter referred to as “CNCS”).

  1. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The member certifies that he/she is a United States citizen, a United States national, or a lawful permanent resident alien and at least 17 years of age. By signing this contract the member will also certify, under penalty of law that she/he has a high school diploma or equivalency certificate or agrees to obtain one before using the education award.

In addition, the Texas Club Corps AmeriCorps program requires that members have:

  • functional oral and written communication skills
  • leadership abilities, emotional maturity, sensitivity to the targeted community
  • ability to complete tasks on time
  • and other qualifications outlined in the signed member position description
  1. CRIMINAL HISTORY RELEASE

The member consents to a background check that includes a fingerprint-based FBI check and state repository check, as well as the National Sex Offender Registry.

The member understands that understand that the results of these checks will be kept confidential, but could affect eligibility to serve as an AmeriCorps member withTEXAS CLUB CORPS.

All background check findings shall be considered when making initial and continued employment or volunteer decisions. The Program will not consider an applicant eligible for service, if such individual:

  • refuses to consent to a criminal background check,
  • makes a false statement in connection with such criminal background check,
  • is registered, or is required to be registered on a State or National sex offender registry,
  • has been convicted of a felony consisting of:
  • murder, manslaughter or homicide
  • Is registered, or is required to be registered on a state or national sex offender registry
  • child abuse,
  • cruelty to animals,
  • a crime against children, including child pornography,
  • crimes involving sexual assault, rape, criminal sexual contact or lewdness,
  • sale of controlled substance,
  • spousal abuse, o a crime involving rape or sexual assault,
  • arson,
  • physical assault, battery,
  • has been convicted of a drug related offense committed within the last seven years
  1. TERMS OF SERVICE

A. The member’s term of service will be the exact dates below. Please mark the box indicating you understand the exact start and end dates of the service term.

September 6th, 2016 and completing on exactly May 19th, 2017

The program and the member may agree, in writing, to extend this term of service for the following reasons:

  1. The member’s service has been suspended due to compelling personal circumstances.
  2. The member’s service has been terminated, but a grievance procedure has resulted in reinstatement.

B. The member will be serving as a half-time AmeriCorps member and will complete a minimum of 900 hours. Of these hours, a maximum of 20% may be training and/or education for a total of no more than 180 hours. Training and/or education can include on-site orientation, program orientation and conferences, workshops, webinars, program directed conference calls, Boys & Girls Club Intranet, staff meetings, Club trainings, self-guided learning as outlined in the member manual, etc.

C. The member understands that to successfully complete the term of service, as defined by the program and consistent with regulations of CNCS, and to be eligible for the education award, he/she must complete at least 900 hours of service, complete the entire duration of the service term outlined in this agreement, satisfactorily completetraining that relates to the member’s ability to perform service and develop personally and professionally,complete all required service and time reports in a timely manner, and participate in or complete the following program activities:

monthly “all corps” conference calls;

Semi-monthly timesheets – timesheets are due the day following the end of each payroll period. These will be submitted via OnCorps reporting system. Members are required to submit their timesheets accurately and on-time.

Monthly Reports – members are required to submit a monthly report to hat collects data on their services provided at the club, information on volunteer recruitment and management, youth enrollment, attendance, and homework completion data, and achievements.

Program mandated Service projects that occur on national days of service or other service projects initiated as a part of club and community support.

D. The member understands that to be eligible to serve a second term of service the member must receive satisfactory performance reviews for any previous term of service. The member’s eligibility for a second term of service with this program will be based on at least a mid-term and end-of-term evaluation of the member’s performance focusing on factors such as whether the member has:

  1. Completed the required number of hours;
  2. Satisfactorily completed assignments, tasks, or projects; and
  3. Met any other criteria that were clearly communicated both orally and in writing at the beginning of the term of service.

E. The member understands, however, that the mere eligibility for an additional term of service does not guarantee selection or placement.

  1. POSITION DESCRIPTION

Each member and site supervisor has received and signed a copy of the program’s member position description. A summary of the position is below and a copy of the position description can be found in the member file.

This AmeriCorps position is responsible for working in partnership with Club staff, school staff, and families to support the academic success of a targeted group of youth. Each AmeriCorps Member will provide concentrated assistance (1 on 1 and small group) to a group of 20 youth at their assigned club every day, after school during the Club’s regular operating hours. As a result of the member’s time, the targeted youth will participate throughout the program, complete homework daily, and participate in and complete key programs such as Project Learn and Diplomas to Degrees.

The name of the member’s direct supervisor is .

The name of the member’s Program Director is Caroline Anthony.

  1. BENEFITS

The member will receive the following benefits as a result of successfully participating in and completing this program:

  1. Living Allowance – The living allowance is designed to help members meet the necessary living expenses incurred while participating in the AmeriCorps program.
  2. A living allowance in the amount of: $6,436.03
  3. The living allowance is taxable, and taxes will be deducted directly from the living allowance.
  4. The living allowance may be prorated if the member is not in service for the full duration of a pay period. This may include instances of starting service late, being suspended, or early termination. Our policy is as follows:

If a member begins service within the first 5 days of a pay period, he or she may still receive the full living allowance for the pay period. For example, if a pay period runs from September 6th to September 20th and a member starts service on September 8th, he or she may receive the full living allowance payment for that pay period. However, if he or she starts more than 5 days into the pay period, they shall receive a prorated living allowance payment based on the number of days in the pay period they have served. For instance, if a pay period runs from September 6th to September 20th and a member starts on September 14th, he or she shall receive 7/15th of the payment. Likewise, if a member’s service term ends within 5 days of the end of a pay period, he or she shall receive the full payment amount for given pay period. If a member ends service greater than 5 days before the end of a pay period, he or she shall receive a prorated stipend amount.

This policy does not apply to instances of suspension or termination. If a member is suspended or terminated, they are not considered in active service. Payment shall be prorated based on the final day of service. He or she shall receive a prorated living stipend based on the number of days the member was actively serving during the pay period. Members shall not receive payment for days they are not actively in service.

  1. Members are expected to work Monday through Friday at approximately 5 hours per day, accumulating 25 hours per week. Members who fail to consistently meet these expectations shall receive a warning followed by a write up. Members shall request prior approval from their host site supervisor for any absences. Approval from the Program Director is required for any member missing 3 or more consecutive days. The member shall be suspended from service should they fail to communicate with the Program Director regarding an extended absence.
  1. The living allowance will be distributed semi-monthly according to the following schedule.
  1. General Liability Coverage, including coverage of members engaged in on- and off-site project activities.
  2. Upon successful completion of the member’s 900 hour term of service and the complete duration of term of service as outlined in this document, and satisfactorily completing orientation and ongoing training requirements, the member will receive an Education Award from the National Service Trust. Upon successful completion as previously described, the member will receive an education award in the amount of $2,887.50.
  3. If the member has not yet received a high school diploma or its equivalent (including an alternative diploma or certificate for individuals with learning disabilities), the member agrees to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent before using the education award. This requirement can be waived if the member is enrolled in an institution of higher education on an ability to benefit basis or the program has waived this requirement due to the results of the member’s education assessment.
  4. The member understands that his or her failure to disclose to the program any history of having been released for cause from another AmeriCorps program will render him or her ineligible to receive the education award.
  5. Members can earn a maximum of 2 full time education awards
  6. The member has seven years from the end of their term of service to utilize the education award or pass it on to children or grandchildren, as applicable
  7. Upon enrollment and acceptance into the program, the member is eligible for forbearance of any qualified student loans. If the member has received forbearance on a qualified student loan during the term of service, the National Service Trust will repay a portion or all of the interest that accrued on the loan during the term of service only if the member successfully completes the term of service and completes the appropriate paperwork found at the website pasted below. You can initiate the request by going to the following website, completing the form, and turning it into the Texas Club Corps Program Director:

Specific types of loans that qualify for forbearance are detailed on the Loan Forbearance Request form from found at the link above. It is the responsibility of the member to determine prior to service if their student loans qualify for this benefit.

  1. Career and Life Skills: AmeriCorps members receive valuable training during their term of service that can assist them in future personal and professional steps.
  1. RULES OF CONDUCT
  1. At no time, may a member engage in any activity that is illegal under local, state or federal law or engage in activities that pose a significant safety risk to others
  2. While charging time to the AmeriCorps program, accumulating service or training hours, or otherwise performing activities supported by the AmeriCorps program, OneStar Foundation, or CNCS, members may not engage in the following activities:

1. Attempting to influence legislation;

2. Organizing or engaging in protests, petitions, boycotts, or strikes;

3. Assisting, promoting, or deterring union organizing;

4. Impairing existing contracts for services or collective bargaining agreements;

5. Engaging in partisan political activities, or other activities designed to influence the outcome of an election to any public office;

6. Participating in, or endorsing, events or activities that is likely to include advocacy for or against political parties, political platforms, political candidates, proposed legislation, or elected officials;

7. Engaging in religious instruction, conducting worship services, providing instruction as part of a program that includes mandatory religious instruction or worship, constructing or operating facilities devoted to religious instruction or worship, maintaining facilities primarily or inherently devoted to religious instruction or worship, or engaging in any form of religious proselytization;

8. Providing a direct benefit to—

(i) A business organized for profit;

(ii) A labor union;

(iii) A partisan political organization;

(iv) A nonprofit organization that fails to comply with the restrictions contained in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 except that nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent participants from engaging in advocacy activities undertaken at their own initiative; and

(v) An organization engaged in the religious activities described in paragraph (g) of this section, unless CNCS assistance is not used to support those religious activities;

9. Conducting a voter registration drive or using CNCS funds to conduct a voter registration drive;

10. Providing abortion services or referrals for receipt of such services; and

11. Such other activities as the CNCS may prohibit.

Individuals may exercise their rights as private citizens and may participate in the activities listed above on their initiative, on non-AmeriCorps time, and using non-CNCS funds. Individuals should not wear the AmeriCorps logo while doing so.

  1. The member is expected to, at all times while acting in an official capacity as an AmeriCorps member of the Boys & Girls Clubs:
  1. Comply with the rules and standards of the host agency.
  2. Demonstrate mutual respect towards others.
  3. Follow directions.
  4. Direct concerns, problems, and suggestions to the direct site supervisor and then, as needed and appropriate, to the Program Director at 512.301.7771.
  1. The member understands that the following acts also constitute a violation of the program’s rules of conduct:
  1. Unauthorized tardiness.
  2. Unauthorized absences.
  3. Use of inappropriate language (i.e. profanity) at a service site.
  4. Failure to wear appropriate clothing to service assignments.
  5. Stealing or lying.
  6. Failure to complete and submit timesheets, monthly reports, or other program requirements as listed in the Terms of Service section. Late submission of a timesheet may result in temporarily withholding of living allowance payment. Payment will be released on the first pay date following submission and approval of the missing timesheet.
  7. Falsification of time sheets, personnel records, or other institutional records
  8. Failure to adhere to responsible work habits such as reporting for scheduled service appointments, being on time, staying on task, being friendly and helpful in the school and community, reading emails thoroughly,responding to emails and phone calls in a timely manner, and maintaining a professional manner and appearance
  9. Refusal to follow instructions or to perform designated service that may be required of the Member or refusal to adhere to established rules and regulations
  10. Failure to maintain required service hour targets. Any member 24+ hours behind a monthly target will complete an action plan.
  11. Unprofessional behavior at trainings and/or conferences including, but not limited to: unapproved guests in hotel rooms, drug or alcohol consumption at any point from start to finish of the conference, disruptive behavior, unexcused tardiness or absences, or any other behavior or action which would reflect poorly on Boys & Girls Clubs or AmeriCorps.
  12. Any other breach that in the judgment of the Site Supervisor and Program Director would undermine the effectiveness of the program
  1. Under the Drug-Free Workplace Act, you must notify the Program Director within 5 days, if you are convicted under any criminal drug statute. Your participation in the Program is conditioned upon compliance with this notice requirement and we will take action for violation of this.
  2. In general, for violating the above stated rules in section VI(D), the program will do the following:
  1. For the member’s first offense, an appropriate program official will issue a verbal warning to the member.
  2. For the member’s second offense, an appropriate program official will issue a written warning and reprimand the member.
  3. For the member’s third offense, the member may be suspended for one day or more without compensation and will not receive credit for any service hours missed.
  4. For the fourth offense, the program may release the member for cause.

The program will notify the member of any violation and action being taken in writing. Notification signed by both the member and site supervisor and/or program director will be kept in the member’s file.

  1. The member understands that he/she will be either suspended or released for cause in accordance with section VII of this agreement for committing certain acts during the term of service including but not limited to being convicted or charged with a violent felony, possession, sale, or distribution of a controlled substance.
  1. RELEASE FROM TERMS OF SERVICE

A. The member may be released by the Program from the term of service in the following two ways:

  1. Suspension, as described in paragraphs (F) of this section; or,
  2. Termination.

B. The member understands that he/she may be released for the following two reasons:

  1. For cause, as explained in paragraph (C) of this section; or
  2. For compelling personal circumstances as defined in paragraph (D) of this section.

C. The program will release the member for cause for the following reasons:

  1. The member has dropped out of the program without obtaining a release for compelling personal circumstances from the appropriate program official;
  2. During the term of service the member has been convicted of a violent felony or the sale or distribution of a controlled substance;
  3. The member has committed a fourth offense in accordance with section VI-F of this agreement;
  4. The member has committed any of the following offenses:
  5. Engaging in any activity that may physically or emotionally damage other members of the program or people in the community.
  6. Unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of any controlled substance or illegal drugs during the term of service.
  7. Consuming alcoholic beverages during the performance of service activities.
  8. Being under the influence of alcohol or any illegal drugs during the performance of service activities.
  9. Failing to notify the program of any criminal arrest or conviction that occurs during the term of service.
  10. The member has committed any other serious breach that in the judgment of the site supervisor and program director would undermine the effectiveness of the program.

D. The Program may release the member from the term of service for compelling personal circumstances if the member demonstrates that: