The Englewood AmeriCorps VISTA will work with one of our following community agencies: Greater Englewood CDC, Teamwork Englewood, Englewood Quality of Life Taskforce (Education, Housing, Health/Wellness, Public Safety, Jobs & Economics), Public Allies Chicago, Leave No Veteran Behind, and Greencorps Chicago.
Service Activities
The Englewood AmeriCorps VISTA program will partner with area agencies to increase their capacity to address organizational, educational, small business, employment, technology and health disparities in the community; identify resources and best practices that support diverse learning needs; develop partnerships; recruit volunteers and mentors; establish a health navigation team; create a health resource directory; compile/analyze data on community health needs; create a housing resource center; develop a targeted strategy that strengthens the existing business climate and attracts new businesses; establish a network of residents and organizations to improve safety; create counseling, anger management and substance abuse counseling programs; support block clubs focus on crime prevention.
Community Need Addressed
To increase capacity to address poverty and build economic opportunities for the Englewood community in Chicago
Position Outcomes
To create sustainability volunteer tools and increase volunteer capacity for the Greater Englewood Community Development Corporation
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Relocation allowance (if applicable), Stipend, Training
On-going professional development and post-service career placement assistance
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, 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