The VISTA will assess the availability of economic opportunities as well as skills among individuals that are either underemployed or unemployed.
The VISTA will inform and discuss with community members the existing gaps and economic opportunities, and share methods to connect with both opportunities and service providers.
Service Activities
• Create materials (e.g. brochures) to help raise awareness about skills, gaps, and economic opportunities based on initial assessment.
• Raise awareness about sills, gaps, and economic opportunities by tabling at various community events.
• Ensure und underrepresented and hard-to-reach populations are included in discussions and connected to opportunities.
o Attend community meetings to better understand and assess the community and information community members share
o Organize and facilitate discussion sessions with community members to ensure underrepresented and hard-to-reach populations are included in community meetings.
Community Need Addressed
The Des Moines Civil and Human Rights Commission VISTA project will identify local economic opportunities and gaps for low-income adults and youth and seek to connect the community with the resources and fill in the gaps. In Des Moines, 14.6% of the population is below the poverty level, of that 32.8% are Black/African American, 31.8% are two or more races, 14.8% are Hispanic/Latino, 11.2% are White, and 7.9% are Asian. The VISTA will address economic inequities and opportunity barriers that low-income non-White individuals in Des Moines face, by collaborating with organizational partners and community members. The VISTA will connect with the community, with the goal to build trust and eventually establish a sustainable connection and relationship between individuals and opportunity providers.
Position Outcomes
Increase the number of organizations that participate in identifying economic opportunities and connecting low-income adults and youth with the opportunities by CNCS-supported organizations or national service participants.
Improve the number of economically disadvantaged individuals receiving job placement services and/or being enrolled in upskilling programs and/or participating in English language learning programs.
Improve the number of economically disadvantaged individuals with jobs relevant to their existing skills and interests/qualifications.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Relocation allowance (if applicable), Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
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, 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, 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, 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, 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