SEIU Local 5 Virginia

 Service Employees International Union

VIRGINIA ASSOCIATION OF PERSONAL CARE ASSISTANTS, SEIU LOCAL 5 VIRGINIA
ORGANIZER POSITION

The Virginia Association of Personal Care Assistants, SEIU Local 5 Virginia is looking for motivated, organized, and dedicated individuals with prior organizing experience to build a strong worker organization and a strong voice for home care workers across Virginia. Must have excellent communications skills, ability to work long and irregular hours, and be able to work with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Positions are based in Richmond, with regional travel required. The Organizer will work as part of a team to build a strong statewide organization of home care workers.

Interested individuals should send résumé and cover letter to Jennifer Schockemoehl at jschockemoehl@virginiapca.org

The Virginia Association of Personal Care Assistants is an organization of home care workers – known as Personal Care Assistants (PCAs) –  working for the improvements to home care that we need to ensure quality in-home care for seniors and people with disabilities in Virginia. By uniting together as caregivers and working in coalition with consumers and advocates, PCAs in VAPCA advocate for state leaders to invest in home care, so we can make improvements to the long term care system and ensure people with disabilities and older adults have the choice to live at home instead of nursing homes. Learn more at www.virginiapca.org.

VAPCA is affiliated with SEIU, which, with 2 million members, is the nation's largest and fastest-growing union. SEIU is focused on uniting workers in three sectors to improve their lives and the services they provide: Health Care, Property Services and Public Services.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

• Help execute a plan to build a strong organization of home care workers  
• Signing up new members
• Build Leadership Capacity of Members
• Work with Community Allies
• Take responsibility for a regional turf in the State
• Provide regular written and verbal reports  
• Mobilize members to participate in targeted political activities

Skills Required: 

• Motivated self-starter with a commitment to building strong worker-led organizations.
• Excellent listening and communication skills
• Excellent judgment in interacting and communicating with workers, the public, political and community leaders
• Willingness and ability to take direction and function well within a team structure
• Ability to communicate effectively and respectfully in diverse communities
• Willingness to learn new skills and stay current on issues that affect the campaign 
• Ability to work in a coalition of allies both inside and outside of organized labor and the long term care community
• Basic computer skills
• Ability to effectively track progress toward goals
• Bilingual skills useful, but not required
   
  VAPCA, SEIU Local 5 VA is committed to providing staff development opportunities and resources. It is recognized that the majority of an organizer’s skill development happens through on-the-job experience.

Other Qualifications: 
• A valid drivers license and clean driving record.
• Energized by building power for workers and social justice. 
 
Working Conditions: 
• Long and irregular hours, including weekends and occasional holidays 
• Travel likely within Virginia. 
• Regular use of your own vehicle. 
 
Compensation: Organizer positions start at $34,000/year, and move up to $39,000 at the end of the first year. Generous benefits package, including full healthcare coverage, car allowance, and work cell phone provided.

Term of Employment: This is a full-time six month position with opportunity for permanent employment.

How to apply: Send résumé and cover letter to Jennifer Schockemoehl at jschockemoehl@virginiapca.org 

VAPCA,SEIU Local 5 is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, People of Color and People with Disabilities are encouraged to apply. 

WHEN APPLYING: Be sure to indicate that you saw this information online at UNIONJOBS.COM. Do not just say the Internet.