EHC is seeking two VISTA Leaders to support a talented and diverse cohort of VISTA service members doing innovative anti-hunger work across the beautiful state of Maine. VISTA Leader opportunities are open to members who have completed at least one year of full-time service with AmeriCorps or Peace Corps. You will join a small team at DACF with a directive to make a big impact under the umbrella of the state’s broader Ending Hunger by 2030 initiative. The goal of the VISTA Leaders is to provide service members with the support, resources, and training they need to have a positive experience, and to build amongst the cohort a thriving learning community that makes a deep community impact. With service members placements statewide, this position involves regular travel. EHC VISTA Leaders will be based out of Augusta, the capital city of Maine, located just off I-95 with easy access to Maine’s many natural wonders, and unique small cities & towns.
Service Activities
The two Ending Hunger Corps VISTA Leaders will share the responsibility of providing direct support and resources to the 20+ member cohort, including monthly one-on-one check-in meetings, hosting a monthly cohort meeting, addressing emerging questions and concerns, and supporting members in relocation, onboarding, and preparing for life after service. Additional duties will be divided between the two roles include: supporting the development and coordination of professional development opportunities & training on the root causes of hunger and food insecurity; coordinating the collection of data (numbers and narrative) for AmeriCorps; supporting recruitment of the next EHC VISTA member cohort, including supporting host site organization recruitment & project development, coordinating outreach and marketing efforts for EHC VISTA opportunities, screening candidates, and onboarding new members. VISTA Leaders must be AmeriCorps or PeaceCorps Alumni to be eligible to serve as VISTA Leader.
Community Need Addressed
Maine Ending Hunger Corps is an AmeriCorps VISTA program sponsored by Maine's Department of Agriculture, Conservation, Forestry (DACF), with the goal of building capacity to fulfill Maine’s historic commitment to creating a hunger-free state by 2030. Ending Hunger Corps supports 25 VISTA projects a year, placing service members with organizations across the state that are doing work aligned with the goals of "Everyone at the Table: Maine’s Roadmap to End Hunger by 2030". By working at the intersection of poverty and hunger, Ending Hunger Corps members advance long-term, root cause solutions.
Position Outcomes
The goal of the Maine Ending Hunger Corps VISTA Leaders is to provide service members with the support, resources, and training they need to have a positive experience, and to build amongst the cohort a thriving learning community that makes a deep community impact.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Non-competitive eligibility (federal jobs), Relocation allowance (if applicable), Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
As a VISTA member serving with the State of Maine you will have free admission to all state parks on weekdays.
Skills you will gain
Leadership
Public Speaking
Communications
Hosting Successful Meetings & Leading Group Discussions
Event Planning
Problem Solving and Conflict Resolution
Volunteer Management
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, 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, 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, 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 plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently, Drive decision making, Facilitate group planning, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization