The goal of this project is to increase access to affordable water, sewer, and health services in rural Alaska communities with high rates of poverty. Water and Sewer is very expensive to operate in rural Alaska, with user fees as much as $250 / month, or more than 5% of median household income in many communities. With poverty levels of sometimes more than 40% of a rural community’s population, many community members cannot afford access to clean water and sewer. The VISTA will serve to understand the need in the communities, build community capacity by developing community member education around operating piped water and sewer and reduce poverty by reducing costs of operating community member water and sewer through training.
Service Activities
- Travel up to 50% of the time to rural communities in Alaska by small aircraft for overnight community engagement activities.
- Engages with rural communities on issues related to health, water/sewer services, and energy use.
- Requires skills in establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with individuals with wide array of cultural, political, educational, socio-economic, geographic and linguistic backgrounds.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Requires excellent organizational skills and adherence to deadlines.
Community Need Addressed
The specific unmet community need this position addresses is to increase access to affordable water, sewer, and health services in rural Alaska community with high rates of poverty.
Position Outcomes
The goal of this project is to increase access to affordable water, sewer, and health services in rural Alaska communities with high rates of poverty. Water and Sewer is very expensive to operate in rural Alaska, with user fees as much as $250 / month, or more than 5% of median household income in many communities. With poverty levels of sometimes more than 40% of a rural community’s population, many community members cannot afford access to clean water and sewer. The VISTA will serve to understand the need in the communities, build community capacity by developing community member education around operating piped water and sewer and reduce poverty by reducing costs of operating community member water and sewer through training.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Housing, Living allowance, Non-competitive eligibility (federal jobs), Relocation allowance (if applicable), Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
*For details about AmeriCorps VISTA healthcare benefits, please visit http://www.vistacampus.gov/healthcare.
Education Benefits
College Degree
Skills you will gain
Teaching/Tutoring , Computers/Technology , Education , Community Organization , Communications , Medicine , Social Services , Writing/Editing , Team Work , Public Health , Non-Profit Management .
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Lead group discussion, Maintain open lines of communication with others, Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner, Write cleary and effectively
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions, Provide relevant expertise
Teamwork
Derive consensus, Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Stay positive and outcome oriented, Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Anticipate the consequences of decisions, Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them
Tools
Carefully consider which tools or technological solutions are appropriate for a given job, Operate tools and equipment in accordance with established operating procedures, safety standards, and ethical guidelines, Seek opportunities to improve knowledge of tools and technologies that may assist in streamlining work and improving productivity
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create environment of contribution, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently, Effectively delegate tasks, Facilitate group planning, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Evaluate customer or client satisfaction, Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Provide personalized, prompt, and efficient service to meet the requirements, requests and needs of customers, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand and anticipate the needs of others, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment