The City of New Orleans VISTA program is implemented by the Office of Mayor LaToya Cantrell. The City is seeking passionate individuals to build capacity to break the cycle of poverty and empower our community. New Orleans is a welcoming city with a unique culture, plentiful natural spaces, and a reputation for hospitable and friendly residents. The VISTA leader will work alongside the City of New Orleans Mayor’s Office staff, the VISTA program director, and the VISTA supervisor to implement and improve the VISTA program. The leader will strengthen and build the capacity of the VISTA members by providing support and coordination for the team and by expanding the programs resources, connections, and educational opportunities. The leader will support the service of members across multiple City departments.
The VISTA Leader MUST have one full year of prior service experience in VISTA, NCCC, AmeriCorps State and National, or the Peace Corps.
Service Activities
The VISTA leader will provide ongoing support to members across multiple departments, facilitate monthly check-ins, strengthen and build the leadership skills of the members, and provide coaching and mentorship. The leader will also ensure AmeriCorps reporting requirements are met, monitor the progression of each departments project, and provide support to the VISTA Supervisor.
The leader will enhance the VISTA project stability and sustainability by:
(1) Developing and conducting orientation and training
(2) Providing ongoing support and professional development to the VISTA team
(3) Archiving all significant materials created and documenting all procedures for implementing the project
(4) Facilitating the recruitment and selection of high-quality VISTAs to ensure project success moving into year two and beyond.
Community Need Addressed
Capacity building for City Hall.
Position Outcomes
Capacity building for City Hall.
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), 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
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
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, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization