The goal of the Program Development VISTA is to create or improve programs at the Habitat Affiliate to make them more efficient, more effective, and more sustainable so that they organization can grow in a responsible way that allows them to partner with more families. Program Development VISTAs strengthen local Habitat affiliates so that more opportunities and services are available to lower income, hard-working families are able to achieve and maintain homeownership. Program Development can include creating Home Repair Programs, improving Construction Systems, strengthening Family Services such as financial education and homeownership classes.
Service Activities
community outreach; marketing; writing policies; updating procedures; surveying volunteers, staff and/or homeowners; writing press releases and/or marketing materials; soliciting donations; writing grant proposals
Community Need Addressed
Lack of safe, affordable housing and homeownership opportunities for low income families as well as lack of home repair/preservation opportunities available for low-income homeowners. And for the Habitat affiliate, a need to improve systems in order to increase their capacity to partner with more families.
Position Outcomes
By improving programs so they can scale up with the affiliate as it grows, the Habitat Program Development VISTA provides more affordable housing and homeownership opportunities for low income families as well as lack of home repair/preservation opportunities available for low-income homeowners.
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
Skills you will gain
time keeping, project management, public speaking, volunteer recruitment, volunteer management, community outreach, marketing
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, 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, 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, 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 plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently, Effectively delegate tasks, 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