The Volunteer Iowa AmeriCorps VISTA Leader will serve at the Volunteer Iowa office in the East Village in Des Moines, Iowa. The position is an exceptional opportunity to put leadership skills gained during your first year of service to work, mentoring, guiding, and supporting the Volunteer Iowa AmeriCorps VISTA team. In addition to attending a VISTA Leaders Training, the VISTA Leader will be provided a variety of opportunities to develop skills through training, networking, and professional development experiences, as well as leadership opportunities on special projects within Volunteer Iowa. Start date is flexible for a well-qualified candidate!
Service Activities
The Volunteer Iowa VISTA program follows an intermediary model, placing members throughout the state with partner host sites (ranging from small nonprofits to large state agencies) that focus on economic opportunity, education and healthy futures. The VISTA Leader will help create a sense of team unity by helping members learn how they all contribute to the Volunteer Iowa mission. The VISTA Leader will support members by providing resources and professional development opportunities, as well as reviewing member reports, conducting site visits, and building a sense of community amongst members. The VISTA Leader will help organize activities to celebrate special days of service and find ways for our members to connect with each other. This is a great opportunity for the member to serve in state government, learn about Volunteer Iowa’s nonprofit partners, and pursue an interest in the service and volunteerism field.
Community Need Addressed
Candidates MUST have completed a year of AmeriCorps or Peace Corps service prior to this position. Volunteer Iowa (the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service) is a state agency whose mission is to improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster civic engagement through service and volunteering. Our work is directed by a group of commissioners who represent different agencies and organizations that have an interest in service. Our office administers AmeriCorps State programming in Iowa, but we also oversee our own AmeriCorps VISTA project. We utilize VISTAs both directly in our office and in placements with partners statewide. Through our statewide Volunteer Iowa Rural Development and Opioid AmeriCorps VISTA Program we will seek to create a climate where low-income students and individuals, and those affected by the opioid epidemic, are provided the tools needed for success. AmeriCorps members with the Volunteer Iowa program will have the benefit of a statewide support network of Volunteer Iowa staff, Commissioners, National Service Programs, and fellow AmeriCorps VISTA members.
Position Outcomes
The VISTA Leader will provide support for Volunteer Iowa service members.
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
Education Benefits
College Degree
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