As the Envision Cayce neighborhood grows and changes, the VISTA Community Outreach & Recreation Specialist will focus on new and innovative ways for MOBC to serve and build relationships with the entire community. This VISTA will help plan and execute community events, assess needs in the community, and recruit families to join MOBC’s programs.
You can read about the Martha O'Bryan Center AmeriCorps program here: https://mobcamericorps.weebly.com/
Service Activities
• Spearhead the design and implementation of a Community Outreach Program that expands the organization’s network of volunteer recruitment
• Create and document new internal processes for volunteer coordination
• Establish and develop working relationships with churches and other faith-based organizations, colleges and universities, and organizations of young professionals
• Assist with small-group presentations about MOBC’s mission and programs
• Attend information fairs and other outreach events with members of the Development Team
• Event planning: Assist Development Team with preparation, set up, and staffing for fundraising events
• Record data and conduct analysis on outreach and fundraising efforts
• Participate in AmeriCorps professional development and community-building workshops
Community Need Addressed
The Cayce community is income-based housing where the average household income is less than $10,000/year. With an unemployment rate 15% higher than that of the greater Nashville area, economic mobility is a challenge for those living in the community.
Position Outcomes
The VISTA Community Engagement & Recreation Specialist will recruit families in the James A. Cayce community to join MOBC's programs that focus on economic mobility. The families they recruit will hopefully enroll or learn about MOBC's service including mental health services, employment coaching, and adult education.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Housing, Living allowance, Relocation allowance (if applicable), Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
Childcare assistance if eligible, Segal Education Award upon successful completion of service, Housing, Living allowance, Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
Housing allowance of $500/month; housing placement with discounted rates (subject to availability). Health insurance reimbursed up to $160/month. Cell phone bill reimbursed up to $25/month. We emphasize professional development, training opportunities, networking, and community-building for our service year members.
Skills you will gain
public speaking, event planning, community outreach
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
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, 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, 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, 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, Facilitate group planning
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