As the HHIS VISTA, you will facilitate partnerships with other organizations that operate to provide community volunteer hours, and whose members can operate the majority of future events put on by the shelter. You will be an integral part to the HHIS team in Logan Ohio (841 Old Mcarthur Rd), with support from your VISTAs teammates placed at Rural Action in The Plains.
VISTAs serve fulltime for 1 year with their host site, and the HHIS VISTA will be invited and encouraged to attend activities trainings, and meeting with other Rural Action VISTA and state/national members.
Service Activities
Grant writing
Event planning
Nonprofit management research
Developing best practices and standard operating procedures for small organizations
Researching, documenting, and sharing unique challenges of rural homelessness
Training and workshops
Personal development
Community Need Addressed
Help end rural homelessness! Develop your own professional skills as you empower members of your community to become self-sufficient, all the while fighting systemic poverty.
Position Outcomes
The Homeless Shelter Financial and Public Support VISTA will grow the capacity of the Hocking Hills Inspire Shelter (HHIS) to further their mission of “providing temporary shelter, fellowship, guidance, resources, and encouragement for those who find themselves living in a place not meant for human habitation”. In addition, this VISTA will evaluate various fringe benefits packages offered to 501 (c)3s, build HHIS’s capacity to staff their programming with dedicated regional leaders, help secure grants for operating costs of the organization, and organize fundraisers for deeper community activism.
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
The VISTA placed at HHIS will have regular access to the free community meals that volunteers and shelter residents prepare and eat together.
Education Benefits
Credential or Certification
Along with professional and nonprofit management skills, we do anticipate that each member will be Red Cross CPR/First Aid/AED certified by the end of the term. Other potential certifications include Project WET and WILD, Project Learning Tree, and National Association for Interpretation Certified Interpretive Guide.
Skills you will gain
Grant writing
Research
Community organizing
Event Planning
Office skills
Local government
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, Improvise, 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, 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, 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