Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, adjustments to dates, times, and locations of the program may be needed and we will do our best to communicate changes, if needed, as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Homecare and Personal Support Workers are part of what makes our union great. Working together, we have changed the care system in Oregon, empowering care providers and those receiving support, and have a bold vision of transformation over the next several years. Your leadership is critical to growing our union and reaching our goals, which is why many care providers take some time off their regular positions to work on union issues full time. This is called the Member Leadership Development Program (MLDP), and is an eight-week program where care providers come together to receive training, reach out to other care providers, and help build our union.

 

Primary Duties:

• Attend seven days of training at the Portland field office. Lodging will be provided for people outside the Portland area. We anticipate holding the training in person, but it is possible this may change due to the pandemic.
• Speak with non-members and current members in online/Zoom formats. Your goals will be to:
  • Identify workers’ issues and concerns
  • Increase membership in our Union
  • Expand our political action fund (CAPE)
  • Identify potential activists and leaders

• Perform other outreach online, on the phone, or in person as needed

Requirements for participants:

• If you are a home care worker or personal support worker, it is your responsibility to find coverage and respite care for your client during the times you are participating in the MLDP.
• While we expect most work to be done in online formats, you must have a reliable automobile, auto insurance, and a valid driver’s license and be able to drive several miles each day in case fieldwork is needed.
• You must be able to work a full 40, scheduled hours per week.
• You must be able to effectively work independently.
• You must be able to accurately track and report work activities and participate in all scheduled trainings, meetings, and conference calls.

Program Logistics

This is a paid program, you will be paid replacement wages or $18.00 per hour, whichever is greater.  You will be paid COBRA reimbursements, if necessary, for your work-related health care coverage to continue for the full duration of the program.  In addition, you will receive the equivalent of the pension contribution paid by your SEIU-represented employer.  You will also be paid mileage at the full IRS rate for all non-commute miles driven during the program.

The program will begin on Saturday, January 8th 2022 in Portland and will last for eight weeks. The work schedule will primarily be Saturday-Wednesday. Participants will be expected to cover either morning-afternoon or afternoon-evening meeting shifts, with non-meeting hours devoted to other outreach activity. Meeting times can be subject to change, and participants must be willing to be flexible to meet the needs of our current and prospective members. However, during the first week of the program, we will be largely classroom-based for training. The first week schedule will be Saturday through Wednesday 9am to 5:30pm. There will be a couple of additional training days in the final week of the program, and these days may differ from the Saturday-Wednesday format depending on scheduling and other needs. Exact schedule and training location will be shared before the start of the program.

In addition to initial training, participants will be supported with daily check-in calls with an organizer as well as additional one on one training throughout the program.