Volunteer Services Development VISTA - 2024-25

Volunteer Services Development VISTA

For one year, you can 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 a real 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 volunteer services development VISTA member will create, document, and implement plans for volunteer recruitment, scheduling, and recognition to increase the number of local volunteers and improve the overall volunteer experience. This will include evaluating current volunteer programs and resources and identifying best practices or focus engagement on specific groups, such as youth or veterans.

• Research the volunteer program and resources that are currently in place to identify best practices and any additional needs the project requires. Document research and communicate findings to move forward with developing a formal volunteer program.
• Based on the information gathered, develop, and document a formal volunteer program that will address the needs of the host site.
• Implement the new volunteer program. Assist the host site in testing and evaluating the various parts of the program, making revisions as needed to ensure success.
• Ensure that the enhanced volunteer program is sustainable, continuing at the host site after the completion of the VISTA term, by documenting the plan and training staff and volunteers on the new program.

This position will focus on volunteer services, research, monitoring, and evaluation, and virtual/digital systems and platforms aspects of Habitat affiliate operations.

Where will you serve?

• Organization name: Newberg Area Habitat for Humanity
• Nearest metropolitan area: Portland, OR
• Full-time staff: 2
• Expected number of AmeriCorps members: 2
• Number of homes to be built: 3
• Activities and attractions: Newberg offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. Explore the Dundee Hills and Willamette Valley wineries, or visit the historic Hoover-Minthorn House Museum. Outdoorsy AmeriCorps members can enjoy Champoeg State Park, Parrett Mountain, and Bald Peak Mountain. Nearby attractions include the Oregon Zoo, Evergreen Aviation Museum, and the scenic Oregon Coast.
• Unique projects: The Volunteer Development VISTA will learn all about our Habitat affiliate's volunteer program which bolsters our ReStore operations and maximizes build site activity. Typical populations of volunteers include those from various ethnic backgrounds, speaking English and Spanish, garnering community service hours, from various ages, and wide skillsets.

Benefits of AmeriCorps service

• Living allowance of $24,893.96 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

• Housing stipend paid directly to your landlord ($200 per month)
• Grocery gift card ($100 per month)
• Annual membership at Chehalem Aquatic and Fitness Center

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.