This VISTA position will develop new service opportunities, improve existing services and programs through capacity building, expand Iowa's volunteer base, and build Iowa's volunteer infrastructure in rural communities in five of Iowa's counties: Benton, Cedar, Iowa, Jones, and Linn.
Service Activities
• Convene non-profits and community partners to help design and roll-out RSVP, VGF, and VITA programming for rural communities
• Host non-profit training and networking opportunities for non-profits
• Expand volunteer placement and services to targeted groups including immigrants and refugees
• Serve as a 2-1-1 Liaison to build capacity for rural areas by developing, documenting, and implementing processes to help get their services in the system
• Implement region-wide asset and network mapping to assist with future innovation, collaborations, and disaster services
• Formalize and expand UWECI service learning and internship program
• Conduct feasibility work for a regional non-profit internship programming effort that will empower non-profits to maximize shared resources and expand student opportunities within the community
• Build capacity of rural county COADS either by playing an active role and convening and developing or building capacity of existing COADs
Community Need Addressed
The VISTA will expand capacity for expansion of services through volunteer opportunities to low-income and immigrant and refugee populations in rural counties. Services include Volunteer Centers that provide VITA and other needed opportunities in rural communities that experience barriers around transportation. The VISTA will be working with rural communities to establish and build relationships to retain and recruit volunteers and support needed services in under-served communities.
Position Outcomes
Building capacity to expand services, recruit and retain volunteers, and develop relationships will support capacity in rural, under-served communities for years to come. The anticipated is outcome is a minimum 3 year relationship in rural communities.
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, 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, 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
Derive consensus, 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 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