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Frequently Asked Questions
QUALIFICATIONS:
What Is AmeriCorps?
AmeriCorps is a movement that unites Americans in improving our communities. AmeriCorps is not a job: it is a service opportunity. In large and small areas throughout the country AmeriCorps members are taking responsibility, learning valuable skills, and fulfilling their pledge to “get things done.”
Is there an age limit for Indiana Response and Preparedness (RAP) Corps participants?
The minimum age requirement is 18 but there is no maximum age limit.
Do Indiana RAP Corps members have to be U.S. Citizens?
No. But if not a U.S. Citizen, you must be a legal permanent resident, a U.S. national, or have Native American status. Applicants will not be allowed to serve unless they have provided proof of citizenship or naturalization.
What if I don’t have disaster response experience?
The American Red Cross is very accustomed to training individuals with no prior experience. You will be supported by other American Red Cross paid and volunteer staff that has a variety of both local and national response experience. All that is required is a willingness to learn.
Can I serve with Indiana RAP Corps if I have a disability?
Yes. Equal access to program and services is available to all individuals. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations to the application and/or interview process should contact Rebekah DeLine at rebekahgo@stjoe-redcross.org.
Can I work or go to school while serving with the Indiana RAP Corps?
Yes you may hold a separate job or go to school while serving with the Indiana RAP Corps. Keep in mind that you must commit to a schedule of at least 36.5 hours per week (fulltime positions) or 20 hours a week (half time positions) with the Indiana RAP Corps.
When does the Indiana RAP Corps begin?
The Indiana RAP Corps 2010-2011 Program Year is scheduled to begin on Monday, September 13, 2010 for both fulltime and half time members.
How many positions are available with the participating Red Cross Chapters?
This is yet to be determined. At this time it is hoped that there will be positions are 9 different Red Cross Chapters throughout North and Central Indiana. Individuals are able to apply for specific sites or to give their preferences for top five sites.
Will I receive training?
Yes. The first two weeks of the program are designed to prepare you for the required duties. These trainings include orientation to the American Red Cross, Disaster Training, First Aid and CPR, and an orientation to AmeriCorps. Some of these trainings will be held at the American Red Cross, St. Joseph County Chapter in South Bend, IN while others will be held at the members’ “home” Chapter.
Does being an Indiana RAP Corps member guarantee a job with the American Red Cross?
No. Following successful completion of the program, members may apply for paid staff positions depending upon their availability. These applications will be considered along with other candidates.
LIVING ALLOWANCE AND VACATION:
What benefits do Indiana RAP Corps members receive?
Fulltime and half time members receive a modest living allowance. This living allowance is not a wage and does not fluctuate based on the number of hours a member serves in a given time period. Members receive this living allowance on a bi-weekly basis and it is taxable.
Fulltime Members: $11,800
Half Time Members: $4,500
After successfully completing the term of service, all members receive an education award. This award may be used to help finance current education at a qualified school or to pay off qualified student loans.
Fulltime Members: $5,350
Half Time Members: $2,675
300 Hour Members: $1132
How will I be paid?
AmeriCorps members are not paid – they receive a living allowance. The American Red Cross distributes the living allowance on a bi-weekly basis. The living allowance is taxable.
Does an Indiana RAP Corps member earn sick leave, compensation time, credit hours, or overtime?
AmeriCorps members are not employees therefore they do not accrue employee benefit such as sick leave, compensation time, or overtime. The members are allotted personal days that may be used within their term of service.
Do Indiana RAP Corps members serve on holidays or get breaks or weekends off?
The American Red Cross has specific observed holidays. However, due to the nature of disasters, there are times when AmeriCorps members and Chapter staff need to work holidays.
EDUCATION BENEFITS:
What is the Education Award?
The educational award is a voucher that may be used to repay qualified existing or future student loans, to pay all or part of the cost of attending a qualified institution of higher education (including certain vocational schools), or to pay expenses incurred while participating in an approved school-to-work program. The education award is received upon successful completion of a term of service and is taxable in the year in which it is used.
HEALTH BENEFITS:
Is medical coverage provided?
Medical coverage is provided for fulltime members only. Please contact Rebekah at rebekahgo@stjoe-redcross.org to obtain a benefit sheet for our medical plan.
HOUSING AND TRANSPORTATION:
Does the Indiana RAP Corps provide a relocation allowance for members who move to participate in the program?
Unfortunately the program cannot assist with relocation expenses to or from a project site.
Is housing provided?
It is up to each member to secure his or her own housing.
Are my transportation costs covered?
During the program, AmeriCorps members are allowed to use Chapter vehicles for business related purposes only. Travel to and from the service site each day is not considered service-related travel and is not reimbursable. Costs for transportation for authorized training or disaster relief assignments is covered.
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