Extracted text (via pymupdf)
18194 characters
Hands On GR EAT E R PHO ENIX Corporation for National Service AmeriCorps VISTA Grant #14VSWAZ003 MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT Between HandsOn Greater Phoenix 333 N 44111 Street, Suite 102 Phoenix, AZ 85008 And Maricopa County Department of Public Health CHD Team 4041 N Central Ave Phoenix AZ 85012 This agreement between HandsOn Greater Phoenix and Maricopa County Department of Public Healtt provides for the assignment of 1 (one) HandsOn Greater Phoenix VISTA member for the approved VISTA project to impact the needs of low-income communities in three critical ways: • By direct project development, volunteer mobilization and volunteer management • By building the capacity of host sites to engage volunteers in sustainable ways and integrate volunteerism into program delivery • By cultivating the leadership and citizenship skills in the AmeriCorps VISTA Members and the volunteers whom they lead, engendering a lifelong ethic of service The obligations of the parties hereto are subject to the terms and conditions of the Memorandum of Agreement between the Corporation for National Service (Corporation) and HandsOn Phoenix, dated September 15, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference, and federal laws and regulations and Corporation policies applicable to the project, or which may become applicable to it subsequent to the execution of this Agreement. Program Overview Each full-time VISTA will serve 35-45 hours a week for a 12-month term. Members are eligible to receive a healthcare allowance and a bi-weekly living stipend of $479. Members may be eligible for student loan forbearance and child care assistance. Upon completion of the program, the VISTA has the choice of receiving either an Educational Award of $6,095 that can be used toward continued education or job training or used to repay qualified student loans, or a $1,800 cash Updated 05/24/2020 - BL I of7 award. All HandsOn Greater Phoenix VISTA members must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, 18 years of age or older and have at least the equivalent of a high school diploma. Duration This Agreement shall become effective 8/15/2020 and shall terminate 12 months after the assigned VISTA member's start date. Alternatively, in the instance that a member is not selected by the potential host site, this Agreement shall terminate 12 months after the effective date referenced in this paragraph. Duration is subject to the terms of the paragraphs entitled "Duration" and "Termination" in the Memorandum of Agreement between the Corporation for National Service and HandsOn Phoenix dated September 15, 2019. The parties anticipate that the project period needed to accomplish the objectives specified in the project narrative will be a period of twelve (12) months. Responsibilities of the Host Site: Signing this document signifies agreement to the following: Program Requirements a) The HandsOn Greater Phoenix VISTA member will only be used to provide services that support the pursuit of the approved program objectives as outlined in the Vista Assignment Description (V.A.D.) b) To treat HandsOn VISTA members as part of your staff team. VISTA members should attend staff meetings, be formally introduced to all staff, and be invited to participate in in-house training, if appropriate and whenever possible. c) To define, explain and recognize the service of your VISTA member/sand of your collaboration with the HandsOn Greater Phoenix AmeriCorps VISTA program within your agency as a way to promote understanding of the HandsOn Greater Phoenix AmeriCorps VISTA involvement to your community. d) To support the AmeriCorps VISTA program policies including policies regarding members wearing AmeriCorps VISTA service gear and identifiers when appropriate. e) Providing onsite orientation and support by excusing the member(s) for designated trainings. Administrative Requirements a) To complete all necessary paperwork including: i. A signed and dated copy of this agreement completed and returned to HandsOn Greater Phoenix. ii. A VISTA Assignment Description completed and turned in to HandsOn Greater Phoenix for approval using a form provided by HandsOn Greater Phoenix completed prior to the start of member recruitment. iii. A copy of the VISTA member's direct supervisor's resume and job description iv. A copy of your organization's employee handbook. v. A signed and dated copy of the HandsOn Partner Application (if not already a partner with HandsOn). b) To actively drive the recruitment efforts of VISTA candidates for the individual host site, including posting positions on the organization's website, in the organization's newsletter, correspondence with the organization's volunteer pool and the surrounding community, or other correspondence where appropriate and as soon as possible. c) To participate in the interviewing process, including the timely scheduling of interviews and follow-ups to HandsOn Greater Phoenix and the candidates. Please provide copies of your interview questions to VISTA Project Director. d) To provide office space, computer use and office equipment equal to the tasks in the members' placement description at the beginning of the term of service. Scanner and phone are required so members can communicate with HandsOn Greater Phoenix staff and community contacts. Regular email access is required. Updated 05/24/2020 - BL 2 of 7 e) To provide mileage reimbursement for all host site related travel that is expected of the AmeriCorps VISTA member. f) Provide the private match required for the VISTA member's stipend, FICA, and insurance payments and maintain that match at all times. This amount is $9,000 for a First-Year Project AmeriCorps VISTA member; $10,000 for a Second-Year Project AmeriCorps VISTA member; $11 ,000 for a Third-Year Project AmeriCorps VISTA member. The host site agrees to pay at least half of the total amount within the first thirty days from the member's start date and will pay the remaining amount within the following six months. i. The host site agrees to provide a $500 non-refundable recruitment fee that is due prior to start of member recruitment efforts beginning (payable whether or not a member is successfully placed). This recruitment fee is valid for 12 months after the effective date of this agreement. ii. Should a VISTA member leave the program before the end of their term of service is complete, the host site agrees to pay a prorated amount for the amount of time the member served which may or may not include a small administrative fee. The remainder of this host site match, if any, will be reimbursed to the host site. iii. Should the host site choose not to fulfill the contract for reasons other than member disciplinary issues, the remaining fee is due in full. Additionally, the host site agrees not to hire the VISTA member before the completion of this contract. Supervisorv Responsibilities: in addition to program and administrative requirements, the host site supervisors agree to: a) Attend VISTA Supervisor training at a designated time, prior to the member beginning. b) Provide VISTA member(s) with an organizational orientation and continued on-site training as necessary. c) Participate in HandsOn Greater Phoenix supervisor training and AmeriCorps VISTA host meetings, as required, not more than three times annually. d) Understand and abide by the federal regulations and provisions governing VISTA Members as described in Appendix A of this agreement, "AmeriCorps Prohibited Activities". e) Comply with federal laws and regulations and the Corporation for National Service's policies and procedures applicable to it or which may become applicable to it subsequent to the execution of this agreement. f) Participate in site visits and evaluation activities, including quarterly discussions with AmeriCorps VISTA Program Manager. The first evaluation should take place at approximately the member's first 30 days of service. This may also include visits by the HandsOn Greater Phoenix program staff and possible site visits from CNCS State Office staff. g) Release VISTA members to attend HandsOn VISTA training/meetings, team projects, special events and other AmeriCorps VISTA involvement when necessary, and forecasted at least one week in advance. h) Provide VISTA members with timely information so that they can complete their service reports to the HandsOn Greater Phoenix office, including: iv. To review and sign members' attendance and impact reports timely. v. To participate in written member evaluations three times yearly. i) Provide VISTA member with guidance and support related to the designated VISTA Assignment Description and service objectives. j) Provide VISTA member with mileage reimbursement for travel related to their assignment. k) Notify HandsOn Greater Phoenix staff of any significant changes in VISTA members' placement descriptions, VISTA Assignment Description, activities or support prior to making the change. Updated 05/24/2020 - BL 3 of7 I) Notify the HandsOn Greater Phoenix AmeriCorps Program Manager immediately of any absence or tardiness, or if you become concerned about your VISTA member's professional behavior. m) HandsOn Greater Phoenix may suspend or terminate a VISTA member at a host site at any time based on the judgment of the AmeriCorps VISTA Project Director and with approval from the President & CEO of HandsOn Greater Phoenix, as well as the CNCS State Office staff. n) Make every reasonable effort to ensure that the health and safety of VISTA member(s) are protected during the performance of their assigned duties. The host site shall not assign or require VISTA members to perform duties that would jeopardize their safety or cause them to sustain injuries. Responsibilities of HandsOn Greater Phoenix AmeriCorps Manager and Support Staff a) Participate with host site in the development of the VISTA Assignment Description. b) Recruitment assistance for host sites; interviewing and screening of all VISTA applicants. c) Provide basic orientation and training to members and site sponsors regarding AmeriCorps, HandsOn Greater Phoenix, and the goals of the program. d) Provide ongoing, systematic training for members' professional and personal development to strengthen skills used in their VISTA project per the VISTA Project Plan. e) Provide ongoing site and member support (at least two site visits per year, and ongoing phone, fax, and electronic contact) with timely responses. f) Provide ongoing support to VISTA members in professional development and the planning and implementing of program goals and outcomes. g) Provide support to site supervisors regarding member management. h) Provide mileage reimbursement for travel related to VISTA program (i.e. team meetings) and HandsOn Greater Phoenix projects/events. i) Generate media coverage about VISTA members and their work. j) Evaluate members, host sites and overall program; informally in monthly meetings with member; formally: quarterly, mid year and end of year in a report to VISTA state office. Suspension and Termination of Programming HandsOn Greater Phoenix may suspend or terminate programming at a host site at any time based on the judgment of the AmeriCorps Project Director and with approval from the President & CEO of HandsOn Greater Phoenix. Termination or suspension may be determined for the following reasons: a) The host site has failed to meet one or more of host site obligations in order to comply with the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988: We prohibit the possession, use, manufacture, sale and distribution of drugs and alcohol while at work or on company business. Drug and alcohol use during non-working hours should never affect the member's performance on the job or subject others to danger. Prescription drugs, when physical needs necessitate and when used in the manner prescribed, are allowed. But members should report any potential side effects that could affect job performance or the safety of oneself and others to their immediate supervisor. Abuse of prescription drugs is prohibited. b) The host site violates one or more of the conditions outlined in the Non- Discrimination agreement: No person with responsibilities in the operation of the project shall discriminate with respect to any aspect of the project because of race, creed, belief, color, national origin, gender, age, disability or political affiliation. c) The host site fails to meet its objectives for the program year, including any of the host site responsibilities as outlined in program requirements, administrative requirements and supervisory responsibilities sections of this agreement. Updated 05/24/2020 - BL 4 of 7 d) In the judgment of the Project Director and President/CEO of HandsOn Greater Phoenix, if the host site misuses member(s) to an extent that the effectiveness of the HandsOn Greater Phoenix VISTA Program and/or member is undermined. Termination or suspension of this partnership agreement may include one or more of the following penalties as determined by the AmeriCorps Project Director and approved by the President & CEO of HandsOn Greater Phoenix: a) The host site forfeiting any outstanding expenses eligible for reimbursement under the program. b) The host site becoming disqualified for future HandsOn Greater Phoenix VISTA programs, for a designated time period or indefinitely. Amendments This Memorandum of Agreement may be amended at any time by an agreement in writing executed by authorized representatives of the host site and HandsOn Greater Phoenix. Updated 05/24/2020 - DL 5 of7 Authorization HandsOn Greater Phoenix and the Host Site hereby acknowledge by their signatures that they have read, understand, and agree to all terms and conditions of this agreement. Signature and Date Host Site Executive Director/CEO tg11alme and Dale *Host Site Program Director Signature and Date Host Site Supervisor** Signature and Date Rhonda Oliver HandsOn Greater Phoenix President/CEO Blain Logan HandsOn Greater Phoenix VISTA Project Director *Individual primarily responsible for on-site management if not the Executive Director/CEO ** Immediate supervisor if not the Executive Director/CEO or Program Director Updated 05/24/2020 - BL 6 of7 Lilliana Cardenas Max Porter FOR AND ON BEHALF OF MARICOPA COUNTY By_____________________________ Clint Hickman, Chairman, Board of Supervisors _______________________________ Date ATTEST: _______________________________ Office of the Clerk of the Board _______________________________ Date APPROVED AS TO FORM: _______________________________ Attorney for Maricopa County _______________________________ Date Appendix A: AmeriCorps Prohibited Activities Prohibited Activities fall into three general categories: Employee Displacement, Partisan/Political Activities, and Religious proselytization Employee Displacement: AmeriCorps members will not be used in a way that will displace an employee or position or infringe on an employee's promotional opportunities. AmeriCorps members may not perform services or duties that have been performed by or were assigned to any: vi. Presently employed worker vii. Employee who recently resigned or was discharged viii. Employee who is subject to a reduction in force or who has recall right pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement or applicable personnel procedures ix. Employee who is on leave (terminal, temporary, vacation, emergency, or sick) x. Employee who is on strike or is being locked out. Any person employed by the host site within the preceding six months may not be placed as an AmeriCorps member in that host site Members may not be temporarily or permanently reassigned tasks that are not related to the AmeriCorps project Partisan/Political Activities AmeriCorps members are prohibited from engaging in lobbying activities or partisan political activities in the course of their duties, at the request of agency staff, or in a manner that would associate their activities with the host site or with AmeriCorps, and that AmeriCorps members may engage in these activities only on their own time, at their own expense, and at their own initiative, and understands that sites found to be in violation of this policy risk termination of AmeriCorps funding. If there is any question about whether an activity is permissible please consult with HandsOn Greater Phoenix staff. Some examples of prohibited activities include, but are not limited to, the following: a) Partisan and non-partisan political activities, including voter registration. b) Direct or indirect attempts to influence passage or defeat of legislation or proposals by initiative petition. c) Organizing or engaging in protest petitions, boycotts, or strikes d) Assisting or deterring union organizing e) Impairing existing contracts or collective bargaining agreements f) Participating in, or endorsing, events or activities that are likely to include advocacy for or against political parties, political platforms, political candidates, proposed legislation or elected officials (including school levies) Religious Proselytization AmeriCorps members must not be involved with any religious proselytization or worship services while accruing service hours or on AmeriCorps time. The host site further agrees not to: g) Accept, or permit the acceptance of external compensation for the services of members. h) Provide a direct benefit to a for-profit entity, a labor union, a partisan political organization, an organization engaged in religious activities, or a non-profit entity without 501 C(3) status as part of their AmeriCorps program. i) Utilize AmeriCorps members to prepare any part of a grant proposal or perform fundraising functions to help the sponsor achieve the matching fund requirements, j) Utilize AmeriCorps members for fundraising assistance to other community-based organizations. Updated 05/2412020 - BL 7 of7