New Supervisor Online Orientation

  • Welcome to the VHCB AmeriCorps Program!  To get you started, we need to provide you with an AmeriCorps Supervisor Orientation. Normally we do this in person, but these unusual times call for unusual circumstances!

    Outlined below is a process for you to self-orient to the VHCB AmeriCorps Program. This process allows you to complete on your own time at your own pace.  It should take you about 3 hours to complete everything. It’s a lot of information to absorb, please take your time and give the material careful review.

    The Orientation process is laid out below in 8 steps, in order that the tasks should be completed. You're welcome to use this printable list to mark your progress. The Process below refers to the Supervisor Handbook which can be found on our website at https://www.vhcb.org/our-programs/vhcb-americorps/partnering-organizations/supervisor-handbook. 

    Following the Supervisor Orientation Process outlined below, we'll meet virtually to review and answer any questions you.  See your email for more information on the meeting.

    New Supervisor Orientation Process:

    1. What is AmeriCorps?
      • Please start with this quick video on serving in AmeriCorps (1 min): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhCyOtwX7Ws
      • Watch this What is AmeriCorps video (2.25 mins): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgdRkzLKlPM
      • Review the What is AmeriCorps section in the VHCB AmeriCorps Handbook, which includes pages 8-28.
        • Be sure to carefully review What Makes an AmeriCorps Member Different Than an Employee on pages 21-22.
        • Pay special attention to page 23 which covers AmeriCorps Prohibited Activities.  There are activities that Members are not allowed to perform as part of AmeriCorps service, and Supervisors must be well aware of them.
        • Familiarize yourself with AmeriCorps language on pages 27 and 28. It is important to use the right language and not refer to Members as volunteers nor employees.
    2. VHCB AmeriCorps
    3. AmeriCorps Supervision
      • Carefully review Supervisor Roles and Responsibilities on pages 52 and 53 of the handbook
      • Review ways to adequately and effectively support and onboard your member(s) on pages 54 - 57 of the handbook
    4. AmeriCorps Host Site and Supervisor Responsibilities
      • Please read through page 60 and 61 of the handbook to understand the Host Site Cash Match contribution
      • Paperwork/Forms
        • Scan page 62 of the handbook for a list of forms and paperwork required through the service term, as well as page 59 for important reporting dates.
        • Carefully review pages 63-66 of the handbook to learn about Member timetracking.
        • Have a look at AmeriCorps Member Progress Reporting on pages 67 – 69 in the handbook.
        • Familiarize yourself with the AmeriCorps Performance evaluation on pages 71 – 75.  You will complete this with your member(s) twice in the service term.
      • Review Member Training and Mileage Reimbursement responsibilities on the second page 71 (please forgive the page number formatting issue).
    5. Program Practices, policies, and Agreements
      • Carefully review Program Policies and Practices pages (second) 73-75, and 112 in the handbook.
      • Please read through the Host Site Agreement (you may skip this if you already reviewed carefully when it went out for signature). Pages 76 – 87
      • Skim through the VHCB AmeriCorps Member Agreement on pages 88-111
    6. Explore the VHCB AmeriCorps website
    7. Watch the VHCB AmeriCorps 20th Anniversary Video (4.5 mins): https://vimeo.com/274231966

    8. Complete the Supervisor Orientation Challenge.  This 32 question multiple choice questionnaire is intended to make sure you've absorbed the important information.  Feel free to peruse back through the materials as you complete the challenge.  Once submitted, a VHCB staff person will follow up.

    Challenge link

    Good luck, and don’t hesitate to reach out to Erin or Ashley if you need any assistance!