2025-2026 RVA Health Corps Application

RVA HEALTH CORPS AMERICORPS APPLICATION

2025 - 2026
PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Thank you for your interest in the RVA Health Corps AmeriCorps Program—an initiative of the City of Richmond’s Office of Community Wealth Building [OCWB] that brings together three impactful service tracks under one mission: improving communities by connecting residents to health care services, recovery support, and environmental resources. This federally and locally funded initiative recruits individuals who are passionate about creating positive change at the neighborhood level.

We are seeking civic-minded individuals who are motivated by a commitment to serving the community. Members serve from September 2025 to August 2026, receiving a bi-weekly living allowance and an education award upon completion. See below for a description of program tracks, roles, service hours, and compensation. Please note that this position is grant funded and is subject to continued funding and are pending final budget approvals.

PROGRAM TRACKS

Chronic Health
Focused on improving chronic disease management by addressing social drivers of health, targeting key non-medical conditions that influence health outcomes, and ultimately enhancing health and quality of life in underserved communities.

Opioid and Substance Use Mitigation
Dedicated to combating the opioid crisis by providing peer recovery services, substance use prevention education, and community-based outreach to support individuals and families affected by addiction.

Environmental Stewardship
Aimed at restoring and protecting Richmond’s parks, trails, and public green spaces through conservation work, invasive species removal, youth engagement, and initiatives that foster environmental awareness and sustainability.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

The City of Richmond is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It does not discriminate against applicants or employees based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status as defined in local, state, or federal law. Program requirements include:

COMPENSATION, EDUCATION AWARD, AND SERVICE COMMITMENT

The table outlines available service positions, including the number of slots, required service hours, living stipends, and education awards. Individuals who complete their term of service are eligible for the Segal Education Award, which can be used to pay for educational expenses or repay qualified student loans. The award amount is tied to the maximum Pell Grant for the fiscal year in which the service term was approved. Please note that this position is grant funded and is subject to continued funding and are pending final budget approvals.

DESCRIPTIONS OF ROLES

The city of Richmond’s RVA Health Corps AmeriCorps program is seeking 30 members interested in serving with partner agencies across Richmond within one of the following program tracks:

Community Health Worker (Chronic Health)

Community Health Workers (CHWs) are frontline public health professionals who typically reside in the communities they serve. They connect individuals and families with health care systems and provide culturally responsive support to address chronic health disparities. Through education, advocacy, and direct service, CHWs help bring care, healing, and improved health outcomes to underserved populations

Key responsibilities may include:
- Community outreach to provide education, resources, and support on chronic disease management
- Culturally tailored guidance on nutrition, mental health, and wellness
  Referrals, first aid, and connections to healthcare providers and local services
Peer Recovery Coach (Opioid and Substance Use Mitigation)

Peer Recovery Coaches (PRCs) are individuals with lived experience in substance use and/or mental health recovery who are trained to support others on their journey to wellness. PRCs serve as mentors, advocates, and navigators of the system, helping individuals access care, reduce stigma, and sustain their recovery. They play a critical role in bridging gaps in behavioral health services across communities.

Key responsibilities may include:
- Individual recovery support, goal setting, and crisis response
- Navigation of treatment services, housing, employment, and social supports
- Outreach, advocacy, and recovery education in community and care settings
Environmental Stewards (Treating & Improving At-Risk Ecosystems)

Environmental Stewards work to protect and revitalize Richmond’s natural spaces through hands-on conservation and community engagement. This workforce track focuses on enhancing the health of local ecosystems while promoting environmental awareness, sustainability, and youth engagement in outdoor spaces.

Key responsibilities may include:
- Maintenance and restoration of parks, trails, and public green spaces
- Removal of invasive species and implementation of conservation practices
- Leading environmental education initiatives and facilitating youth engagement in stewardship activities

Educational Background
Name of High School, Years Attended, Major/Field, Graduated (Y/N)*
Name of Technical School/Other, Years Attended, Major/Field, Graduated (Y/N)*
Name of College, Years Attended, Major/Field, Graduated (Y/N)*
Languages
Are you bilingual?*
Other languages spoken at home?*

Employment History

You may list three to six employers. Account for the last ten years, if applicable.
Employer 1 - Name *
Type of Employment *
Employment Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Supervisor*
Phone*
Start Date *
End Date*
Employer 2 - Name *
Type of Employment *
Employment Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Supervisor*
Phone*
Start Date *
End Date *

Reference #1
Name*
Company*
Address*
Telephone Number*
Number of Years Acquainted*
Reference #2
Name*
Company*
Address*
Telephone Number*
Number of Years Acquainted*
Reference #3
Name*
Company*
Address*
Telephone Number*
Number of Years Acquainted*

**Personal Statement
(Must be included in application)

**Personal Statement**(Must be included in application)**

You may type a 400-word statement in the space below explaining:

(i) What you will contribute to this AmeriCorps program

(ii) How the experience will advance your personal and professional goals

(iii) What the term "commitment" means to you.

Please spend time preparing your statement. Be thoughtful and honest in preparing your answer. Applications without a Personal Statement will not be considered

RVA Health Corps Application 2025-2026
Submit your personal statement here. Maximum 400 words*

0/400
Please note: Prior to admission to the program, all candidates will be required to submit to FBI and criminal checks, and national sex offender registry Candidates selected for an interview will be requested to provide state issued identification to properly conduct the National Sex Offender Registry Check.
How did you hear about this position?*
I give City of Richmond Office of Community Wealth Building’s [OCWB] RVA Health Corps AmeriCorps program permission to obtain a Criminal History Record/Sex Offender & Crimes against Minors Registry Search, VA State Police, State of Residency, if applicable, an FBI fingerprint background check and a drug and alcohol screening as a condition of my acceptance and service. I understand that this information will be maintained in my file and will remain confidential. (Please include full legal name in the box below.)*
Signature*

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Date*

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Date
Applicant Certification
I certify and affirm that the information provided by me during interviews, on this application and all other related documents to be true in all respects, and I further understand that any false or misleading statements or omissions, whenever discovered, will be grounds for immediate termination from further consideration or termination from service in the program.

I understand and agree that nothing in this application or anything conveyed during any interviews is intended to create a contract for acceptance. If accepted, I agree to conform to the guidelines and policies of this City of Richmond’s Office of Community Wealth Building’s [OCWB] RVA Health Corps AmeriCorps Program.

I understand that I or the City of Richmond's OCWB RVA Health Corps AmeriCorps Program may terminate my service at any time, with or without cause, and that any assurances of continued service, whether written, oral or by conduct, shall not be interpreted as changing the “at will” nature of my service.

I understand that if I am accepted in the program, I will be required to satisfy the requirements of the Immigration and Control Act by showing eligibility for legal employment in the U.S. before my first day of orientation.

I understand that the City of Richmond’s OCWB RVA Health Corps AmeriCorps Program will conduct a routine background investigation in connection with my application including but not limited to a criminal background check.

I understand that I will be subject to random drug screenings throughout my service.

I understand this position is grant funded and is subject to continued funding and is currently pending final budget approvals.

I authorize the City of Richmond OCWB’s RVA Health Corps AmeriCorps Program to verify all references and information provided by me in this application. I release the City of Richmond and the RVA Health Corps AmeriCorps program and any person or company responding to any reference or request for information from any claim or liability regarding any information or opinion supplied.
Applicant’s Signature*

Clear
Date*

MonthDayYear
Date
Should be Empty:

RVA HEALTH CORPS AMERICORPS APPLICATION

Educational Background

Languages

Employment History

Reference #1

Reference #2

Reference #3

**Personal Statement

Applicant Certification