The VISTA Leader will work to create programming that fosters a connection among the AmeriCorps team across New Hampshire and provide the team with support and resources as they carry out their year of service, which includes leading regular team meetings and trainings, conducting site visits, assessing and implementing professional development opportunities, providing ongoing support to VISTA site supervisors, and contributing to the AmeriCorps network in NH. The VISTA Leader will serve at the NH Food Bank and in addition to working with the VISTA they will support expanded programs at the Food Bank and identify long term strategies for addressing food insecurity.
Service Activities
The Leader may participate in a public awareness campaign, regional site visits, resource development, professional development, monthly member meetings, research, capacity building among community organizations, etc.
Community Need Addressed
The NH Food Insecurity AmeriCorps program is one of four such programs in the country who are working to connect statewide resources to address food insecurity and meeting citizens basic needs. Here in NH, the leader will help members across the state facilitate this work and help feed families. The pandemic has only made the food insecurity issue even greater.
Position Outcomes
The VISTA Leader with this project will help to connect the 19 members in the corps to provide leadership and guidance in professional development opportunities for members. They will also help create materials to get information out to the community. The leader will provide capacity to the regional groups of members and help create a cohesive program alongside the project director.
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
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, Improvise, 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, Stay positive and outcome oriented
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, 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, Seek opportunities to improve knowledge of tools and technologies that may assist in streamlining work and improving productivity
Planning
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, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand and anticipate the needs of others