The CCALAC AmeriCorps VISTA program will place 10 VISTA members at community health centers across LA County to help build their organizational, administrative, and financial capacity to assist low-income communities and patients. VISTA members will work on a range of tasks including: conducting research, developing programs, creating resources and materials, recruiting and training volunteers, creating fundraising campaigns and grant writing, and developing partnerships with community organizations. The VISTA program is ideal for recent college graduates or graduate students interested in pursuing a career in community/public health or those wanting to learn about community health centers, the populations they serve, and their operations and functions.
Service Activities
Service Activities
1. Volunteer Generation
a. Work with clinic staff to develop a volunteer recruitment plan and seek partner organizations
b. Recruit one-time and on-going volunteers to support clinic services
c. Provide training, education, and management to volunteers
2. Fundraising and Grant Writing
a. Work with clinic staff to develop a fundraising plan(s) and seek out grants submissions
b. Conduct appropriate research and data collection
c. Write and submit grant proposals
3. Economic Opportunity
a. Work with clinic staff to develop economic development programs and opportunities in the areas of employment and housing
b. Build partnerships and conduct the appropriate research and data collection
c. Create forms, manuals, flyers, brochures, systems and other procedures
4. Homeless Veterans and Military Families
a. Work with clinic staff to develop health, housing, and economic programs for the homeless, veterans, and military families population.
b. Build partnerships and conduct the appropriate research and data collection
c. Create forms, manuals, flyers, brochures, systems and other procedures
5. Outreach and Enrollment
a. Work with staff to develop new programs aimed at increasing access to primary care, provide health education, and warp around supportive services
b. Build partnerships and conduct the appropriate research and data collection
c. Create forms, manuals, flyers, brochures, systems and other procedures
Community Need Addressed
Increased access to health insurance, health care resources, and financial resources.
Position Outcomes
Community health centers will be able to serve more patients, providing them with access to health insurance, health care resources and financial resources.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Non-competitive eligibility (federal jobs), Relocation allowance (if applicable), Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
All VISTA members receive a stipend of $15,996 that is paid in biweekly installments over the course of the service year. VISTAs are eligible to receive optional health, life insurance, and childcare benefits. VISTA’s also receive monthly training, mileage reimbursement, and a professional development allowance. VISTAs relocating more than 50 miles are eligible for up to $1,000 relocation and $550 settling in allowance.
VISTAs are also eligible for federal student loan forbearance and deferment. Upon successful completion of the program, members are eligible for a $1,500 End-of-Service Award in cash or a Segal Education Award of $5,815. The Education Award can be used for future educational/career training and related expense and/or to repay existing qualified federal student loans. In addition, VISTA members receive 1-year non-competitive eligibility for federal government positions.
VISTAs are entitled to ten (10) personal days and ten (10) sick days for use throughout their term of service and will observe the holiday schedule of their host site clinic.
Skills you will gain
Time management, public speaking, grant writing, volunteer management, customer service, quality improvement.
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, 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
Teamwork
Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Stay positive and outcome oriented
Decisions
Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them
Tools
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
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, 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