Repair Program Development VISTA - 2024-25

Repair Program Development VISTA

For one year, get paid to build sustainable solutions in a community, gain valuable hands-on experience and prepare for your future. This full-time AmeriCorps service position offers a great opportunity to make an impact in the lives of others while building your own knowledge and skillset.

AmeriCorps VISTA members are Volunteers in Service to America who perform indirect service to build capacity and sustainable solutions.

What will you do?

The Repair Program Development VISTA member will create, document, and implement a plan to improve the Repair Program and general construction operations. This will include the development of strategies and systems to engage veterans and seniors at the community level; to identify focus areas, stakeholders, and new projects, and to manage documents, data, inventory, budget, and scheduling. Test, evaluate and revise the project plan; develop manuals and training to ensure sustainability beyond your service.

• Evaluate current Repair Program policies from application to final walk-through. Review resources available and compare findings to current methods.
• Identify focus areas/neighborhoods that could benefit from Repair Program projects. Gather/demographic data/identify populations/needs within those neighborhoods.
• Research Home Preservation, Neighborhood Revitalization, Critical Home Repair, Weatherization, and Accessibility and Safety Modifications.
• Develop and document a plan to expand the host site's Repair Program.
• Develop community partnerships that provide new repair projects and support.
• Develop Repair Program systems to manage important documents, data, inventory, budget, and scheduling.
• Develop evaluation tools that will assist in projecting and assessing impact of the Repair Program.
• Implement new systems to manage important documents, data, inventory, budget, and scheduling. Evaluate changes, collect feedback, and adjust as needed.
• Develop a manual of resources and update the Repair Program policy.

This position will focus on home repair, neighborhood revitalizations, and research, monitoring, and/or evaluation aspects of Habitat affiliate operations.

Where will you serve?

• Organization name: Beaches Habitat for Humanity
• Nearest metropolitan area: Jacksonville, FL
• Full-time staff: 12
• Expected number of AmeriCorps members: 6
• Number of homes to be built: 10
• Activities and attractions: Beaches Habitat's main office is in Atlantic Beach, FL, one of three main beach towns outside Jacksonville that make up approximately 22 miles of sandy shoreline. Our Northeastern Florida location is perfect for the outdoorsy type who doesn't mind the heat. Atlantic Beach is known for surfing, kayaking, and other water sports, with an abundance of nearby beaches, parks, and nature preserves. Enjoy the small-town beach feeling without missing out on big-city experiences - Jacksonville's professional sports, museums, and cultural attractions are just a short drive away.
• Unique projects: The VISTA member will be integral to the growth of our Repair Program. They will learn about funding opportunities, project management software, Home Preservation, Neighborhood Revitalization, Critical Home Repair, Weatherization, and Aging in Place.

Benefits of AmeriCorps service

• Living allowance of $24,962.35 for one year of service.
• Segal Education Award of $7,395 (lifetime maximum of two full education awards) OR end-of-service cash stipend of approximately $1,800, upon successful completion of service.
• Forbearance for most federally-guaranteed student loans.
• Health care benefits and enrollment in Employee Assistance Plan.
• 10 personal and 10 medical leave days.
• Personal and professional development opportunities.
• Child care benefits, if you qualify.
• Noncompetitive eligibility status for federal employment for one year after successful completion of service.
• Relocation assistance: Mileage and a $750 settling in allowance for members relocating more than 50 miles to serve.

Supplemental Benefits

• Free housing

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must hold one of the following citizenship statuses: US citizen, US National, Lawful Permanent Resident Aliens or is a person residing in a state that have the following legal residency classifications: refugee, asylum or asylee, temporary protected status, or deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) status. Applicants must be at least 18 or older and have a high school diploma or GED.

What are we looking for?

Our ideal candidates:

• Are passionate about serving the community through direct service.
• Demonstrate respect for diversity of opinion, experience, and background.
• Desire to gain hands-on experience in the affordable housing and nonprofit sector.
• Have experience working on a team.
• Possess stellar interpersonal communication skills.
• Are motivated and committed to serve full time and in person.