The family services development VISTA member researches and implements a plan for homeowner family recruitment, tracking, scheduling and support with the goal to improve the overall experience for participants. This could include designing a user-friendly application process, creating a comprehensive homeowner curriculum that prepares families for homeownership, or developing a plan to engage the local veteran and military community in Habitat's mission and the housing solutions provided.
Service Activities
• Research and develop a homeowner recruitment plan, including targeting local faith organizations, employers, school groups, civic groups and other community organizations.
• Research and develop a system to track homeowner housing applications and status, sweat equity hours and scheduling.
• Research and develop a homeowner education plan and curriculum to include topics such as financial literacy, home repair, mortgage education, etc.
• Research and develop materials to recruit new family services committee members, including a volunteer job description.
Community Need Addressed
Habitat for Humanity's vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. We believe affordable housing plays a critical role in strong, stable communities.
Since our founding in 1976, Habitat for Humanity has helped more than 46 million people build or improve the place they call home. Last year, Habitat for Humanity helped more than 7.1 million people build or improve the place they call home. An additional 5 million people gained the potential to improve their housing conditions through our training and advocacy efforts.
For one year, you can get paid to help build sustainable solutions in the community, gain valuable hands on experience and prepare for your future.
With Habitat AmeriCorps, you can serve in your community or in several locations through the United States. Serve on an active build site or at a local Habitat office assisting homeowner families, volunteers and staff members. Help strengthen communities through a year of service with Habitat AmeriCorps.
Position Outcomes
Increase number of individuals and families recruited and receiving Habitat services.
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), Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
• Habitat AmeriCorps members receive a variety of position-specific trainings, including CPR and First Aid and Lockton Safety Courses.
• Host sites may choose to offer additional benefits to AmeriCorps members, such as free or reduced-cost housing, grocery gift cards, transportation vouchers, payments made to rental agencies or landlords, etc.
Skills you will gain
Following a year of service, members will develop skills in leadership, such as public speaking, time management, project planning and management, and increased knowledge of service and affordable housing.
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, 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
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