The SerVermont VISTA Program is a comprehensive umbrella project that welcomes host sites tackling a wide array of poverty related issues in Vermont. We place members in organizations and state agencies to fight poverty across the state by increasing education and job-training opportunities, creating more food-secure communities, increasing safe and affordable housing, and serving veterans and military families. Our VISTAs build and strengthen systems in order to increase their sites capacity to provide these services to those who need them most.
Service Activities
Activities vary from site to site but all of our VISTA positions are guided by the VISTA Program Framework which includes an anti-poverty focus, community input and empowerment, the development of sustainable solutions, and expanding the capacity of community organizations. Members participate in activities including program and partnership development, resource development, community and public relations, volunteer management, and the creation of operational systems. Members will also participate in activities as a team that enables them to learn, collaborate, and succeed together.
Community Need Addressed
As an umbrella program housed within the State of Vermont Agency of Human Services (AHS), our VISTAs tackle a wide range of community needs. We select host sites that address issues identified as priorities by the Corporation for National and Community Service such as tackling the Opioid Crisis, Education, Employment, Financial Literacy, Food Security, Health, and Housing. SerVermont is also guided by the AHS Strategic Plan which identifies five primary goals: increase access to substance use disorder services, strengthen and support families with complex needs, increase housing stability, decrease the number of people who recidivate to prison, and reinforce accountability. VISTA members on our team can expect to contribute to one or more of these pressing issues as they fight poverty across the state of Vermont.
Position Outcomes
VISTAs will provide capacity building services to organizations to make them more efficient and effective. This includes creating new systems and processes, improving data collection and assessment, developing programs and curriculum, recruiting, managing and training volunteers, raising funds and writing grants, creating community partnerships, and developing and implementing public and community relations plans. This increased capacity will enable host site organizations to serve additional individuals and families and help them break the cycle of poverty.
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
Goal Setting, Personal Reflection, Personality and Leadership Styles, Personal Career Plan Development, Resume Writing, Job Search Strategies, Time Management, Reporting, Project Management, Grant Writing, Cultural Competency
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, 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, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, 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, 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 plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently, Set goals
Service
Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for 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