AmeriCorps & C4P

We have open positions on our C4P teams at UChicago Medical Center and Ingalls Memorial Hospital ranging from 24-40 hours per week for 6 months to a year. Contact us to learn more about what types of positions may be available!

What is AmeriCorps?

AmeriCorps is a national service program that involves people in “getting things done” in communities. AmeriCorps members develop an ethic of service while strengthening local communities. Each year in Illinois, thousands of AmeriCorps members give millions of dollars in service back to their communities. For up-to-date information on the impact on our state, visit AmeriCorps.gov.

Serve Illinois administers 45 AmeriCorps State programs in operation for the 2023-24 program year and over 1,800 Members committing to a year of service. These Members serve 70+ counties in over 400 host sites.

What is C4P?

The Comprehensive Care, Community and Culture Program (C4P) aims to improve the overall health and well-being of patients in the program by addressing a wide range of medical and social needs. The C4P program builds off of the Comprehensive Care Physician Program, which offers patients at high risk of hospitalization a comprehensive care physician (CCP) who cares for them in both the hospital and the clinic. In addition to receiving care from a CCP, C4P patients are regularly asked about a range of unmet social needs and given access to a community health worker and community-based arts and culture programming. The Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) has funded a randomized trial of C4P at the University of Chicago.

The CCP and C4P Programs are currently being expanded to and studied within new health care settings, including community hospitals like Ingalls Memorial Hospital.

The Comprehensive Care, Community and Culture Program (C4P) is proud to be an Illinois State AmeriCorps program. C4P will host up to 17 full time members across all of its participating service sites in 2023-24.

Where will I serve as a C4P AmeriCorps member?

We are currently accepting applications for several positions across two sites. Candidates will apply through the single form found here and may apply to more than one position or site simultaneously.

• University of Chicago Medical Center (UCMC) C4P Corps Member. Located in Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago.
• UCMC C4P Service Team Member. Located in Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago.
• Ingalls Memorial Hospital Corps Member. Located in Harvey, Illinois. Most members find that a car is helpful and/or necessary in getting from their home to this site, however we encourage potential candidates to explore public transit options. 

What will I do as an AmeriCorps member with C4P?

AmeriCorps members will be responsible for extending the reach of the C4P program to impact patient experience with care and health outcomes, lower hospitalization rates, and resolve unmet social needs for participants. We describe each AmeriCorps position and its job responsibilities below.

University of Chicago Medical Center (UCMC) C4P Corps Members

We are recruiting for full and part time members to serve as a part of the UCMC Corps, which offer positions that range from 24-40 hours per week, offer some weekend and evening hours, and have flexible start dates. Applications are rolling until positions are filled. Member job responsibilities include:

1. Recruit Medicare patients of diverse ages who are at increased risk of hospitalization for the C4P program, which is designed to serve their medical and social needs.
2. Help evaluate the effects of the C4P program and conduct three month follow up phone calls with participants
3. Leverage volunteers to help recruit participants and evaluate the C4P program
4. Assess hospitalized patients for unmet medical and social needs
5. Serve as community resources specialist and help implement community-based arts and culture programming

Ingalls C4P Corps Members

We are recruiting for full and part time members to serve as a part of the Ingalls Corps, which offer positions that range from 24-40 hours per week, offer some weekend and evening hours, and have flexible start dates. Applications are rolling until positions are filled. Members working full time (40 hours per week) may apply to split time at Ingalls and UCMC. Member job responsibilities include:

1. Help launch a new C4P program and related research study
2. Recruit patients of diverse ages who are at increased risk of hospitalization for C4P at Ingalls
3. Help evaluate the effects of the C4P program and conduct three month follow up phone calls with participants
4. Assess hospitalized patients for unmet medical and social needs
5. Support C4P at Ingalls to address a range of social barriers for patients

UChicago Medical Center C4P Social Service Team Member

We are currently accepting applications for the Social Service Team member position. This position will start in November 2023.  To be eligible for this position, candidates must be able to commit to an average of 32-40 hours per week for 10-11 months, or a 1700 hour position. Individuals who apply for a C4P position and join the C4P AmeriCorps program will also have the opportunity to apply for the Social Service Team Member position.

Candidates may apply both to the UCMC C4P Corps positions and the SST focused role through the application form.  Member job responsibilities will include:

• Serve within in the social service team and attend team check-ins, Complex Care Rounds, and team operations meetings. This role will be a combination of in person/on site work as well as some remote work (~1 day week).
• Help support the research, data collection, and clinical operations of Living Well Financially, a program for C4P patients aimed at helping participants achieve financial wellness. The program consists of individual meetings with social workers (in clinic or virtually) to discuss patients’ financial goals and needs and/or Town Hall sessions focused on different topics related to finances.
• Assist the team in researching and developing resources for patients’ unmet needs.  Some examples include compiling information on Utility bill & rental assistance programs. Other projects have involved updating mental health care and dental care resource lists for patients.
• Assist patients in navigating transportation resources and benefits
• Work with the social services team, patients and caregivers to place Homemaker Referrals through the Department of Aging (DOA) or IDHS Division of Rehabilitation Service (DRS)
• Assist with other special projects based on the needs of the program

What are the program eligibility requirements?

To be eligible to serve as an AmeriCorps member, you must:

• Be 18 years or older.
• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Some college experience is preferred, although individuals with a high school diploma or equivalent are welcome to apply
• Members who serve at UChicago Medical Center may be required to work some evening or weekend hours.
• Members who serve at Ingalls Memorial Hospital often find that having a car is necessary to get to/from the service site; however, we encourage all applicants who are interested to explore public transit options.

What are the expectations and benefits of being a member?

Below are the details for positions requiring 40 hours per week over 10-11 months, or 1700 hours of service.  Positions that are 20 or 30 hours per week may also be available, as well as positions that are full time but shorter term (6-9 months); stipends and educational awards are prorated accordingly. Please contact us to discuss!

As a 1700 hour member, you will:

• Complete at least 1700 hours of service (40 hours per week) over 10-11 months, for full time members.  Some evening and weekend hours are required.
• Receive a living allowance of $21,400 over the course of your year of service. Pay is disbursed biweekly.
• Earn a Segal Education grant in the amount of $6,895 that can be applied to student tuition or loans within seven years of completing your year of service. If you are older than 55 at the time of service, you can give the education grant to a child or grandchild.
• Health insurance, including dental and vision, if not already covered.
• Eligibility to apply for loan forbearance and interest accrual payments through AmeriCorps
• Professional and career development opportunities
• The opportunity to attend workshops, seminars, and trainings at the University of Chicago
• Gain experience and knowledge of the research process, the health care system, and social services.

Recruitment and Retention Incentive

Program year 2023 corps members will also receive a one-time recruitment incentive 30 days after their start date along the following scale:

• $3,000 for 1,700-hour members
• $2,500 for 1,200-hour members
• $2,000 for 900-hour members
• $1,500 for 675-hour members
• $1,000 for 450-hour members
• $750 for 400-hour members
• $500 for 100-hour members

In addition, program year 2023 corps members are eligible to receive a one-time retention incentive in the amount of $750 if they complete their required service hours before July 31, 2024.

How is the C4P AmeriCorps member experience impacted by COVID-19?

Although in person engagement is critical to the work we do, we also prioritize safety of our members. New members who join us in the fall of the 2023-24 academic year should anticipate completing their service in person, although we will continue to make adjustments as needed due to COVID-19 spread in our communities. All members must abide by the University of Chicago vaccination policy as well as other COVID-19 precautions in place at the medical center where the member is serving.

How do I apply?

To apply to positions at University of Chicago, Ingalls, and/or split between the two, please submit an application through the portal linked below. You will discuss host site options during the interview process.

You will be asked to submit:

1. A resume
2. A cover letter or statement describing your interest in the C4P AmeriCorps Program

Select candidates will be invited to interview over the phone or in person.

Contact Information

Natasha Beals, MA
Training and Communications Program Manager
Center for Health and the Social Sciences (CHeSS), UChicago
nbeals@bsd.uchicago.edu 
773-702-3726

Fahad Sajid, PhD
Director of Training and Communications
Center for Health and the Social Sciences (CHeSS), UChicago
fahad.sajid@bsd.uchicago.edu
773-834-7449

Non-Discrimination Statement

The University of Chicago, the C4P AmeriCorps Program, and its host sites do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law (including Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972). Read the full statemen and learn more here.

Accessibility

Learn more about accessibility standards at UChicago and how to request an accommodation here.