Service Term: August 17, 2022 – June 30, 2023
Must use this link to complete application: https://zurl.to/9vZ?source=CareerSite
VIP Members build volunteer capacity at existing nonprofits, government agencies and schools (Partner Sites) that serve children, youth and families. They do this through: 1) building sustainable systems to track, support, manage, and train virtual or in person volunteers; 2) recruiting one-time and skills-based volunteers; and 3) raising funds to support the development of the volunteer program. Partner Sites change annually based on community and agency need, and have included organizations such as Food Banks, Boys & Girls Clubs, Community Health Centers, Environmental Education organizations and more! This position is a valuable opportunity to develop and apply your leadership and community organizing skills to make a lasting difference. Extensive training in volunteer management and nonprofit professional skills is provided.
Service Activities
Essential AmeriCorps Duties
• Develop and implement a volunteer program that engages high-value volunteers, particularly specialized/skilled volunteers and volunteers who take on leadership roles in the organization
• Develop business partnerships that provide support for the Partner Site’s volunteer program
• Recruit and train community members as volunteers who support the infrastructure of community benefit programs
• Track volunteer program and infrastructure development at the Partner Site, utilizing a defined AmeriCorps Member Service Plan
• Serve side-by-side with volunteers to provide guidance, to better understand the clients’ needs, and to improve the volunteer experience
• Participate in all program-required trainings and development opportunities, including orientation, regular meetings with your local VIP team, a regional training (travel may be required), monthly webinars, and online trainings
• Participate in all CA Days of Action, and a minimum of 2 National Service Days during the service term, typically in coordination with your local cohort
Service Commitment
• Full time, eleven month commitment serving a minimum of 1700 hours, may include some evenings and weekends
• Hours are generally Monday – Friday from 8:30 – 6:00PM (varies slightly by Partner Site)
• Service hours are expected to occur in-person at partner sites. Teleservice may be permitted for members only during unique, extreme situations and/or emergencies, and A Teleservice Request Form must be submitted and approved by the Program Manager PRIOR to accruing or performing any remote service hours.
• All service hours performed must be only approved program related service activities, and not prohibited or unallowable AmeriCorps activities as listed in member contract & handbook.
• Training hours will not exceed 10% of member’s total service hours.
Areas of Responsibility
• Positively represent VIP in a variety of settings, including recruitment opportunities, staff meetings, trainings, and service events
• Assist with other community building activities at the Partner Site
• Create and maintain positive relationships with program staff
• Submit monthly Great Stories and volunteer data in the OnCorps tracking system
• Conform to regular, timely attendance requirements at the assigned service site
• Duties take place at multiple site locales throughout California with training seminars at designated locations. Position requires occasional travel. Must be able to work indoors and outdoors, as well as some night and weekend hours
• Must meet the program essential job functions; reasonable accommodations available upon request
• Must be able to adapt to change in work environment, accept feedback and growth opportunities, effectively handle multiple tasks and competing demands, work cooperatively in group situations work actively to resolve conflicts, and work well with others on a team
• Work independently and as a member of a team with strong organizational skills and the ability to effectively handle multiple tasks
• Possess leadership and interpersonal skills to work effectively with others
• An interest in and/or a background in community service and volunteerism
Community Need Addressed
Want to jump start a career in the Non-Profit sector or explore future career options while engaging in meaningful AmeriCorps service? AmeriCorps Volunteer Infrastructure (VIP) program is an incredible way to serve by building volunteer programming and engaging volunteers to support nonprofits in meeting the needs of California communities. VIP offers opportunities to further your community engagement while gaining hands-on experience and extensive professional development. AmeriCorps VIP values and nurtures an environment that is respectful, courageous, inclusive, and equitable. We believe service is a way to bring people together and bridge divides; connecting individuals to individuals, and individuals to organizations that can help us tackle society’s toughest challenges. We are strengthened by the diversity of our members and welcome the unique contributions that you bring to our program.
Position Outcomes
Volunteer Infrastructure Project (VIP) Members are AmeriCorps members who build and strengthen sustainable volunteer programs in existing service organizations. VIP Members leave a legacy in the communities they serve by building lasting systems of volunteer engagement and management. Each VIP Member dedicates their service to a single Partner Site, working “behind the scenes” to enable volunteers to take part in meaningful service positions that meet community needs. VIP Members are a part of a statewide network of over 100 VIP Members, and are placed in small teams of 5 or more in their community who meet regularly for collaboration, professional development and training.
AmeriCorps VIP values and nurtures an environment that is respectful, courageous, inclusive and equitable. We believe service is a way to bring people together and bridge divides; connecting individuals to individuals, and individuals to organizations that can help us tackle society’s toughest challenges. We are strengthened by the diversity of our members, and welcome the unique contributions that you bring to our program.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Living allowance, Relocation allowance (if applicable)
• Monthly living stipend of $2,000
• Segal Education Award of $6,495*
• California For All Education Award $3,505* (pending annual California State budget approval)
• Health Benefits
• Childcare (if applicable)
• Eligibility for CalFresh (CA’s food stamp program)
• Moving stipend for applicants traveling from over 250 miles from the service site
• Student loan deferment and interest repayment
• Extensive Professional Development and experiential learning opportunities
*Please note: the living stipend and education awards are taxable
Education Benefits
College Degree, GED/High School Diploma
CPR/First Aid
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Lead group discussion, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Maintain open lines of communication with others, Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner, Turn taking, Write cleary and effectively
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, Improvise, Provide relevant expertise, Select and implement well-considered solution
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, Quickly respond with a back-up plan if a decision goes amiss
Tools
Carefully consider which tools or technological solutions are appropriate for a given job, Consistently choose the best tool or technological solution for the problem at hand, 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, Drive decision making, 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