Become a leader
Join our Internship Program
Building Power to Realize our Dreams
The Dragonflies graduated from the MCOI program on March 1, 2012.
Mobilization Canvass Organizing Internship (MCOI) Job Description
SEIU Healthcare 775NW, Washington and Montana’s long-term care union, is recruiting for our two-month, paid member leader intern program.
DESCRIPTION
SEIU Healthcare 775NW represents 43,000 home care and nursing home workers in Washington state and Montana and is the region’s fastest growing union. Interns participate in an eight-week campaign, in selected areas of Washington State, to help us engage even more caregivers in our campaigns to ensure quality long-term care programs, to bring caregivers out of poverty and to hold politicians accountable.
The next internship will be held June 26 – August 16. We are accepting applications from everywhere in Washington State. Initial training will be held in SEIU Healthcare 775NW’s Federal Way office; interns will then return home, and work in their own county. The deadline for applications is May 21.
GOALS
Mobilize members to become involved in union activities.
- Encourage caregivers to advocate for health care for all.
- Expand membership in our Political Accountability Fund so that a majority of union members are working to hold politicians accountable.
- Increase membership participation in our union.
- Register new voters.
- Develop leadership skills.
These are paid internships are for a specific period of time; they are not permanent jobs with SEIU Healthcare 775NW. Interns will be supervised and developed by Leslie Haber, team manager of the internship program.
Interns commit to continuing their leadership skill development and building our union in their community once they return to their caregiver job.
DUTIES
- You’ll attend our Boot Camp Training at the beginning of your MCOI internship.
- You’ll help build political power for caregivers and clients by increasing membership in our union’s Political Accountability Fund.
- You’ll participate in regular trainings/briefings.
- You’ll invite caregivers, who have not done so, to unite with us by signing a membership card and getting involved!
- You’ll help mobilize members to support our union’s agenda through house visits, check pickups and phone banks.
- You’ll identify potential activists and leaders from the caregivers you meet during house visits.
REQUIREMENTS
- Valid driver’s license/current insurance/use of a reliable, working vehicle.
- Personal commitment to the mission and goals of SEIU and to the specific programs of SEIU Healthcare 775NW.
- Ability to follow directions from the campaign lead.
- Willingness to travel within assigned territory.
- Flexible hours and weekend work.
- Fluency in a second language is also highly desirable.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Click here to fill out the online application.
As a leadership development opportunity, SEIU Healthcare 775NW members are not applying for permanent employment. Women and persons of color are strongly encouraged to apply for internships.
COMPENSATION
You’ll be compensated with the salary equivalent of wages lost or the salary equivalent of a 40-hour week, whichever is more. You’ll also receive: a $100 gas card and reimbursement for 80 percent of your gas receipts, after you use up the gas card; a prorated car allowance of $400/month; reimbursement of up to $25/week of cell phone use; and health, dental and vision health care benefits will be provided if you will not have health insurance during your internship.
Frequently Asked Questions about MCOI
Do I need a car?
Yes. You cannot participate in the program if you do not have a reliable, working car, a valid drivers license and current auto insurance.
Will I get paid?
Yes. You will be paid your regular wage for your eight-week internship.
Will meals be provided?
Generally not, though we will have lunch and coffee during the MCOI Boot Camp Training, and other all day in-office trainings. You will eat lunch and take breaks during the day.
What about my client and homecare duties?
It is your responsibility to find coverage and respite care for your client during the times you will be a MCOI intern. We encourage you to consider having your client contract with home care agencies whose workers are in our union. We can provide a list for you.
What do I do as a MCOI intern?
You’ll participate in regular trainings and one-on-one work with your team lead and experienced interns. With this training, you’ll learn to effectively engage these caregivers in conversations so they understand the connection between what they dream about seeing changed in their lives and how they can win those changes through involvement in our union.
For house visits, you’ll be provided with a list and material that will allow you to locate their homes easily. You will share your story and listen to members’ stories, encourage them to get involved and to join our Political Accountability Fund. You’ll also do this at agency check pickups and shift changes.
Leaders in Action
Find The Role That’s Right For You!
Create change. Host a coffee. Exercise creativity. Advocate for Quality Care. Connect with Other Members.
Welcome to LEADERS IN ACTION. By participating in a union leadership position, you are contributing your skills, time and spirit to help our community of caregivers grow and thrive. Thank you for making SEIU Healthcare 775NW – and the experiences of other caregivers – a priority.
If you are interested in joining Leaders in Action, call our Member Resource Center toll-free at 1 (866) 371-3200 or fill out our online form today.
Member Political Organizer
Holding politicians accountable. Calling voters. Gathering signatures. You can do it!
Encourage other caregivers to become involved in the political process through electoral volunteer work and grass roots advocacy. Work on holding politicians accountable on behalf of caregivers at the local, state and national level.
Participate in any number of political activities, including our annual lobby day or meetings at the state capitol. Call prospective voters before elections, gather petition signatures, and go door-to-door on behalf of candidates who support our issues. Member Political Organizers (MPOs) also encourage other caregivers to join the political accountability fund.rough electoral volunteer work and grass roots advocacy. Work on holding politicians accountable on behalf of caregivers at the local, state and national level.
Host
Coffee get-togethers. New friends. Leading discussions. Your cup of tea?
Hosts organize neighborhood coffees, teas, house parties or picnics to bring caregivers together in an informal small-group setting. Through social activities, hosts build small, local communities of caregivers with similar interests.
Hosts are provided resources for their get-togethers. You may use your group time to learn about a particular union program or service.
Or, use the group to create a book-of-the-month talk, a weekly craft club, or hold a “conversation of the moment.” The frequency of get-togethers and the personality of the groups are up to each host.
Greeter
Phone calls. Welcoming caregivers. Providing resources. Is this you?
Welcome new caregivers to a supportive community through phone calls, letters, emails and community on our social networking web site www.myseiuhealthcare.org on your own time.
Greeters will be our union’s “first face” for new members and will encourage caregivers to participate in our union. Greeters will help members understand our union benefits, services and rights.
Greeters can introduce other caregivers to improvements won through union action, the history of our union victories, upcoming events and ways to get involved. This is a fun, easy-to-do position for members who prefer to volunteer from home.
Recruiter
Public speaking. Answering questions. Teaching. New employee orientations. Sound fun?
Encourage caregivers to join our union by attending new employee orientations and training. Recruiters are personable and have excellent relationship-building qualities and skills.
Recruiters are also “on the go” and travel to orientation sites or training. to help other caregivers get active in the union.
Recruiters answer new caregivers’ questions about our union. They also introduce caregivers to our political work and hold politicians accountable to their promises. Recruiters encourage other caregivers to contribute to our political accountability fund.
Bulletin Board Decorator
Update information. Keep up with news. Be creative. Up your alley?
Put your creativity and sense of style to work designing and updating union bulletin boards.
In the workplace, these bulletin boards provide essential information about our union and will include local resources and opportunities for members. Bulletin Board Decorators will make sure these boards maintain a fresh look and are continually updated with new information.
Your artistic and decorative skills will be important in making your bulletin board “one of a kind.” The bulletin board is an important channel of communication for caregivers. Your creativity will provide other caregivers a fun and easy way to access information.
Leaders in Action FAQ
Leaders in Action Frequently Asked Questions
How much time will I have to devote to my role in LEADERS IN ACTION?The amount of time you devote to your new role depends on which roles best suits you, and your lifestyle. Generally, there are no minimum time requirements.
Do I have to supply all materials (like fliers, bulletin board supplies, coffee and tea, SEIU handouts, etc.) on my own?No. For the most part, the materials you need will be provided in a “New Leader Kit” you receive after selecting a position. You are always welcome to add in your own special touch.
How long am I expected to fulfil my role?As long as you are enjoying it.
Will there be other caregivers with the same role that I select? Will we work together?Yes. SEIU Healthcare 775NW can help connect you with others in your same role.
What is the benefit of participating in a leadership role?You will learn new skills, meet other caregivers and be a part of a growing and incredible community of caregivers.
Other Leadership Roles You Can Apply For
Apply and get involved
Advocate
The goal of an Advocate is to promote quality care in the workplace by building and maintaining a professional and productive relationship with management. The Advocate also provides contract support to all bargaining unit members.
Bargaining Team Member
The goal of the Bargaining Team Member is to represent the interests of long-term care providers at the negotiating table and to bargain a union contract between SEIU Healthcare 775NW and long-term care organizations. The Bargaining Team Member will update members on bargaining, and assist in turning out members to vote on the contract.
Labor Management Committee Member
The goal of the Labor Management Committee is to improve quality of care in the workplace by developing and maintaining a professional and productive relationship with management. Members of the Labor Management Committee will meet quarterly with management to discuss ways to improve resident care, staff satisfaction, staff involvement in care-related decisions, and any other issues the committee agrees to discuss.