All VISTAs engage in capacity building activities, as outlined in the associated VADs.
This project is in support of Kupu’s Sustainability Initiatives and the World Conservation Congress’ global efforts to work together to create good environmental governance, engaging all parts of society to share both the responsibilities and the benefits of conservation.
The VISTA position will build capacity at the California Conservation Corps Headquarters office in Sacramento by supporting the Recruitment or Corpsmember Development Unit.
Service Activities
Service activities vary based on assignment, but may include:
-Research, development, and analysis of CCC recruitment processes, partnerships, and resources
-Establishment and implementation of a standardized process for corpsmembers to identify and achieve career and educational goals
-Establishment and implementation of a defined Corps Pathways program in energy, fire, natural resources, culinary, and other sectors, with identified partnerships in each area
Community Need Addressed
VISTA members will address community needs at the CCC by working with either the Recruitment or Corpsmember Development Units, both located at the CCC’s HQ in Sacramento California.
The Recruitment unit strives to find and enroll motivated young adults (18-25) that stand to gain a lot from the CCC, including under-represented demographics. The Recruitment VISTA will analyze data to produce strategies for effective engagement with women, homeless young adults, prospects without a high school diploma, and more.
The Corpsmember Development unit is responsible for much of the education and training existing corpsmembers go through while in the CCC. The CMD VISTA will help develop the CCC’s new Statewide Career Pathways and Corpsmember Transition Program, which seeks to prepare, place, and track members of the CCC in post-Corps employment, training, or educational opportunities.
Position Outcomes
The VISTA will work to build capacity in the CCC Recruitment Unit by contributing to the research, development, and analysis of CCC recruitment processes, partnerships, and resources. The outputs of the AmeriCorps VISTA will enable CCC Recruiters to reliably maintain a healthy pipeline of applicants, and will positively impact the agency’s ability to reach impoverished youth throughout California and raise awareness around CCC pathways out of poverty through educational and work-learning services.
or
The VISTA will work to build capacity in the CCC Corpsmember Development Unit by helping to develop the CCC’s new Statewide Career Pathways and Corpsmember Transition Program. The new Statewide Career Pathways and Corpsmember Transition Program is a statewide effort to prepare, place, and track young adult members of the CCC in post-Corps employment, training or educational opportunities. It is the intent of this program to blend academic and job skills training with personal growth opportunities in order to develop productive youths who can make substantial contributions as California workers and citizens, particularly natural resource conservation, and provide transferable skills to stakeholders in California and Hawaii.
Benefits
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
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