This position will equip the organization to more strategically serve our members by developing a streamlined volunteer recruitment and management system that will enhance professional development and leadership opportunities. In turn, IPHA and our members will better meet the overall public health needs of Iowa's communities.
All of IPHA's work should be member-driven, evidence based, and move Iowa toward equity. This position will be critical in increasing members engagement toward that goal. The person in this role will work closely with the Executive Director and regularly with committee chairs and the Board of Directors. This will be a leadership within IPHA; independent, creative, and critical thinking skills are necessary to be successful.
Service Activities
This position will develop sustainable strategies to engage Iowa's public health community in capacity building opportunities aimed at systems change to address poverty, access to care, and other related social determinants of health. The VISTA member will contribute to strategic planning, membership development, and grant writing to support IPHA's health equity work.
Community Need Addressed
The link between poverty and health is well-established- the wealthier a community, the healthier its members, in aggregate. Health equity exposes the differences in health of different populations, such as race. The State Data Center of Iowa estimates that while the overall poverty rate in Iowa is 11.2%, the poverty rate among Black Iowans is 30.7%. The role of public health is to address the "causes of the causes" of poor health, yet in a recent survey of public health professionals across Iowa conducted by the Iowa Public Health Association (IPHA) and the Midwestern Public Health Training Center, issues related to health equity (cultural competency/humility) and communication were rated as the top needed workforce development skills. IPHA provides professional development, networking, and leadership opportunities that serve to increase capacity of Iowa's public health professionals and community leaders to view health and poverty through an equity lens, and use a systems thinking approach to address both.
Position Outcomes
The goal is to support IPHA's health equity work by creating sustainable solutions utilizing strategic planning, membership development and grant writing.
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), Student loan forbearance, Training
Skills you will gain
General Skills, Social Services, Recruitment,
Fundraising/Grant Writing, Communications, Public Health, Community Organization, Public Speaking, Leadership and Education.
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