HeartCorps Service Member

Job Posting Organization:
The HeartCorps initiative is a collaborative effort between Public Health AmeriCorps and the American Heart Association, aimed at promoting health equity in rural communities. The organization is dedicated to improving health outcomes and ensuring that all individuals have access to necessary health resources. The American Heart Association has been a leader in cardiovascular health for over a century, focusing on research, education, and advocacy to combat heart disease and stroke. The organization operates across the United States, engaging in various health initiatives and community programs.

Job Overview:
The HeartCorps Service Member position is a full-time service role that offers individuals the chance to gain hands-on experience in public health while contributing to the well-being of their community. Starting on May 19, 2025, the service member will work with the Portage County Combined General Health District in Ravenna, Ohio. The role involves delivering health education, supporting community members in navigating health resources, and conducting public health surveys. The service member will also plan and execute health workshops and events aimed at raising awareness about heart health and chronic disease management. This position is ideal for those looking to make a tangible impact in their community while developing their professional skills in public health.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The HeartCorps Service Member will be responsible for a variety of tasks aimed at promoting health education and supporting community health initiatives. Key responsibilities include: serving full-time Monday through Friday, typically 41.25 hours per week, with some evening or weekend hours as needed; delivering health education on topics such as cardiovascular disease, smoking cessation, nutrition, and chronic diseases; assisting with public health surveys by recruiting participants, administering surveys, tracking data, and generating reports; planning and conducting local health skill-building workshops, health fairs, town halls, or community conversations; supporting patients in initiating Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring; hosting Hands-Only CPR demonstrations; engaging local organizations to develop resources for chronic disease interventions; and actively participating in AmeriCorps pre-service orientation and member development meetings.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the HeartCorps Service Member position must meet several qualifications. They must be a United States citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien, at least 18 years of age, and possess a high school diploma or equivalent. Reliable transportation to and from the host site is essential, and candidates must maintain a valid driver's license and the minimum automobile liability insurance required by law. Strong written and oral communication skills are necessary, along with a customer-focused and solution-oriented mindset. Candidates should be good listeners, non-judgmental, open-minded, and resourceful. Additionally, candidates must satisfy the National Service Criminal History Check eligibility criteria, which includes a nationwide check of the National Sex Offender Public website, state criminal history record check, and a fingerprint-based check of the FBI criminal history record database. While experience as a health aide or coursework in public health, health communications, health promotion, or health sciences is helpful, it is not required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the HeartCorps Service Member position includes a high school diploma or equivalent. While further education in public health, health communications, health promotion, or health sciences is beneficial, it is not a strict requirement for applicants. The emphasis is on the candidate's ability to engage with the community and deliver health education effectively, rather than on formal educational credentials alone.

Experience:
While specific experience in public health is not mandatory, having prior experience as a health aide or relevant coursework in public health or related fields is considered advantageous. The position is designed for individuals who are eager to learn and grow in the public health sector, making it suitable for those who may be new to the field but possess a strong desire to contribute to community health initiatives.

Languages:
The job posting does not specify any mandatory languages; however, proficiency in English is implied as a requirement due to the nature of the communication involved in health education and community engagement. Additional language skills may be beneficial, especially in diverse communities where multiple languages are spoken, but they are not explicitly required for the position.

Additional Notes:
The HeartCorps Service Member position is a full-time role with a bi-weekly living stipend of $1108.70, which is taxable. The position also offers healthcare benefits, a childcare subsidy for eligible members, and an educational award upon successful completion of service. Members will have opportunities for personal and professional development, as well as direct access to job opportunities after completing the program. The program is inclusive and available to all individuals, regardless of race, color, national origin, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability, political affiliation, marital or parental status, genetic information, or military service. The American Heart Association is committed to building healthier communities and achieving its 2028 goal of driving breakthroughs in health solutions.