Welcome to IACAA News!
This e-newsletter will come to you regularly to provide you with information you need to support your agency.
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Professional Development Updates |
This past year, we have learned many lessons – especially when moving all trainings to remote formats. Thank you for your willingness to participate and share in these lessons with us!
As we move forward in 2021, we are working on several fronts to bring professional development opportunities to the Illinois network.
1) We are exploring the possibility of bringing back the Certified Public Manager training. Ball State University is the potential provider. The training will be offered remotely over a two-year period in two phases, with monthly live sessions. There are pre and post assignments related to the topics covered and designed to give candidates an opportunity to apply the learning in a work setting. An important part of the credential includes the submission of a capstone project that improves the efficiency and/or the effectiveness of the agency.
The current cost is Phase I (year one) is $1495. Phase II is $1595.
2) We are finalizing the training and technical assistance contract with DCEO. Some of the highlights will include the ongoing webinar series (look for some changes), trainings focused on organizational leadership (IM 138), and an examination of equitable practices. Stay tuned for announcements and registrations. We anticipate offering both in-person and remote training over the next several months.
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3) CCAP is starting back up again with gratitude for the intrepid Charles McCann, CCAP emeritus. He is offering hybrid sessions, i.e. both in person and remote. This will start up in the fall. More information to follow.
4) Do not forget about ROMA! ROMA allows CAAs to examine, manage, improve and report on performance. As a performance management system, ROMA bring opportunities for quality improvement throughout the entire agency. Contact IACAA to schedule a ROMA training or to learn about becoming a certified ROMA professional.
5) Data! Carli Wiltsie is IACAA’s data wiz. Please reach out to her for assistance and guidance with your data questions, needs and technical assistance.
6) Family and Community Development Specialist is coming soon. We are looking at dates with our training partner – the University of Illinois Springfield and will offer the training as a hybrid over a two-week period. There will also be two FCD Specialist recertification sessions coming in the near future – both offered remotely.
7) Finally, IACAA does offer board trainings (both public and private), learning opportunities focused on poverty awareness, trauma informed practices and whole family. Keep us in mind for your training needs.
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Interested in current employment opportunities with our agencies? |
Our job posting page is updated frequently with current featured job offerings from our agencies. Check it out today!
Here are a few of our current listings:
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Program Manager II - Champaign County Regional Planning Commission
The Program Manager II will design and implement high-quality social service programming based on research that is responsive to the needs in Champaign County and will participate on the Community Services Division program management team. The position will provide oversight and overall coordination of assigned programs, contracts, and grants in compliance with all relevant State, Federal, and local provisions; is responsible for administrative and clinical oversight of assigned programs, assigning tasks and monitoring direct services provided by social services staff within a specified program area. This position acts as Community Services Director in the absence of the Community Services Director.
Energy Efficiency Program Manager-Champaign County Regional Planning Commission
This position requires experience with utility energy efficiency programs and knowledge of energy efficient technologies associated with commercial and residential building systems. Knowledge of energy efficient technologies and practices related to lighting, solar, HVAC systems, commercial and residential building energy technologies or experience in the building trades is a plus. Prior experience or a strong interest in one or more of the following is a plus:
- Experience performing energy audits and energy savings calculations
- Lighting retrofit design, assessment, and installation
- HVAC System assessment, operations, and maintenance
- Interacting with business owners, landlords, homeowners, utilities, federal and state officials and other key stakeholders;
- Managing energy efficiency staff and developing substantive grant and contract proposals
CCRPC is EEO/AA/ADA employer.
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Financial/Employment Coach-Mid Central Community Action
Provide instruction and guidance on topics related to finances to help customers gain the knowledge, capacity and tools to make sound financial decisions and access financial products that are right for them and help them understand credit, build savings, and reduce debt. Work with customers to facilitate the process toward attainment of established goals.
Employment coach will plan, develop, and implement projects around employment coaching and job placement/referral. This position will research, plan, and implement a strategy for building relationships with local businesses and selling the benefits of our bundled services model.
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Deputy Director of Energy Services - CEDA
The Deputy Director of Energy Services supervises and directs assigned Energy Services staff on a daily basis to ensure programmatic performance, compliance and outcomes, budget management, production planning, leadership development, strategic planning and policy as it relates to the Energy Services Programs success.
Training & Quality Manager - CEDA
The Training and Quality Manager is responsible for developing, maintaining, and implementing all quality and training programs throughout the Weatherization department. In addition, this position works to develop, facilitate and monitor internal controls and processes to assure consistent quality of production and compliance related to program and production outcomes.
Family Case Manager - CEDA
The FCM Manager is responsible for providing comprehensive FCM services to eligible pregnant and/or infant clients and Guardians. Works with the FCM team to ensure that all aspects of the FCM program operate efficiently and effectively, and that all activities are in compliance with maternal child health (MCH) and agency policy.
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Weatherization Assessor - Two Rivers Regional Council of Public Officials
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Attain Building Performance Institute’s (BPI) Building Science Principles Certification within 30 days of employment.
- Attend 10-week training and attain Weatherization Training Center Program (TCP) certification within one year of employment.
- Attend classes and attain Lead Renovator Certification within one year of employment.
- Continuing education as required to maintain certification status.
- Conduct audits and/or quality control inspections on residential homes to determine required health, safety, mechanical, architectural and air reduction measures to be performed.
- Perform final inspections.
- Work with contractors to ensure that standards of service for measures are enforced and maintained.
- Data entry of assessments into energy modeling system.
- Maintain production goals.
- Stay up to date with funding and programmatic changes.
- Understand and comply with Energy Efficiency programs.
- Complete production paperwork including but not limited to: Mileage, time records, gas receipts, assessment, and quality control paperwork.
- Assist with facility maintenance.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
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For more info on these employment opportunities click here
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In observance of Independence Day, our offices will be closed Monday July 5th, 2021 |
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Upcoming IHWAP Training
Classes will be held at the Champaign Training Center:
Indoor Climate Research & Training
2111 S. Oak Street, Suite 106
Champaign, IL 61820
Chicago Classes will be held at CEDA Training Center:
450 W. 169th St.
South Holland, IL 60473
Training is administered by the Indoor Climate Research and Training center. Additional course offerings may be added to the schedule based on network needs. To learn more about the courses or to register, email Kristopher Chapman at [email protected].
Are you ready to challenge yourself now?
Schedule your BPI test now for Energy Auditor and QCI Inspector.
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Course Schedule:
Weatherization Basics
August 16-August 20, 2021
Health and Safety
August 30- September 3, 2021
Additional Courses and trainings are offered as needed.
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Need grant writing assistance? |
Does your organization want to engage more in workforce development or energy efficiency, but you lack the funds to do so?
The Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program is partnering with the Smart Energy Design Assistance Center (SEDAC) to offer grant writing services for MDI Community Partners, including Community Action Agencies. We know grant applications take time and resources. The goal of this project is to lighten the load while helping you pursue new opportunities to benefit your organization and clients.
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Family Service Agency Success Story |
FSA received an emergency referral regarding a homeless Veteran who was residing in a hotel for the last three months. The Veteran was previously a business owner, but due to COVID had to close the business. The house they were renting, unfortunately was placed up for sale and with the business closed there was no funds to purchase the place. As the saying goes when it rains it pours. A month in the hotel stay, the Veteran’s unemployment benefit abruptly stopped, leaving a large bill at the hotel in the hands of the Veteran. Family Service Agency was able to utilize the available emergency COVID-CARES Act funding to assist with the hotel bill and bring it current. FSA then addressed the Veteran’s greatest needs and began the employment search process. The Veteran was actively searching for employment utilizing FSA’s resources but that came to a halt when the Veteran’s cell phone was shut off due to an outstanding bill. Luckily, the SNAP Barrier Reduction Program was available during this time and FSA began the process of initiating SNAP benefits and applying for assistance for the phone bill followed, restoring the Veterans cell phone. Though we were heading on the right track, another obstacle hit, vehicle problems. Again, the Barrier Reduction Program came to the rescue! A month and a half later this client was able to receive help with a cell phone bill, auto repairs, back pay at the hotel, future hotel dues, finally get an apartment, and everything to furnish the new residency for the veteran and their child!
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Current Funding Opportunities related to building renovation or new construction: |
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Net Zero Energy Building Program: Funding organization: Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation. Eligible entities: 501c3 nonprofits, local government agencies, colleges and universities. Description: Applicants may apply for up to $2M or 80% of the incremental costs to achieve net zero energy for existing or new buildings (through energy efficiency improvements & renewables). Funding also helps defray costs of certification, measurement, verification, educational displays, and signage. Pre-proposal due July 20, 2021. Learn more.
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Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program: Funding organization: USDA Rural Development. Eligible entities: Public body, nonprofit corporation or association in rural area. Description: Applicants can apply for funding to construct, enlarge, extend, or improve essential community facilities or construct, improve or acquire broadband infrastructure. Funding can be used for up to 75% of the cost of developing these facilities. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Learn more.
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Community Development Block Grants for Housing Rehabilitation: Funding organization: Illinois DCEO. Eligible entities: Local government agencies in low-to-moderate income communities in Illinois (some communities are ineligible because they already receive CDBG funding). Description: Funds can be used to improve, conserve, and expand affordable housing stock. Grants also available for public infrastructure, economic development, and disaster response. Due date: August 3, 2021. Learn more.
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Veterans Housing Rehabilitation and Modification Pilot Program: Funding organization: HUD. Eligible entities: Non-profit organizations. Description: Supports rehabilitation and modification of housing for veterans who are low-income and have disabilities. Due date: July 30, 2021. Learn more.
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Veteran Housing Grants Program: Funding organization: Home Depot Foundation. Eligible entities: 501c3 nonprofit organizations, with previous experience developing, managing, or owning veteran-specific housing. Description: Supports new construction or rehabilitation of multi-family, permanent supportive housing for veterans. Covers physical construction costs. At least 20% of housing units must be reserved for veterans, and the target population must be at or below 80% AMI. Priority given for projects in large cities. Due date: July 9, 2021. Learn more.
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Community Grants for Housing Affordability, Sustainability and Environmental Justice: Funding organization: Wells Fargo Foundation. Eligible entities: Nonprofits, governmental agencies, public school system. Description: Wide range of activities are considered that align with their strategic objectives. Most grants are under $25K. Due date: Applications accepted on a rolling basis. Learn more.
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Housing Preservation Grants: Funding organization: USDA. Eligible entities: State, local governmental entities, nonprofit organizations. Description: Provides grants for the repair or rehabilitation of housing owned or occupied by low- and very-low-income rural citizens. Pre-application due July 19, 2021. Learn more.
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