The Hub's AmeriCorps VISTA program has a variety of positions available for changemakers who want to build a better future for communities in West Virginia. Members support sustainable, growth-focused activities such as fundraising, volunteer management, partnership development, and systems building. Our positions are ideal for those looking to grow in their leadership skills while making a difference.
The Hub's AmeriCorpsVISTA program currently has with opportunities in Cowen, the Monticello neighborhood of Clarksburg, Fairmont, Elkins, and Charleston, WV as well as the opportunity for remote service statewide (must be based in WV).
Service Activities
AmeriCorpsVISTA member activities vary from site to site, but certain key activities are expected of all members within The Hub's program. Members will be charged with observing and recommending opportunities for community growth, supporting funding of projects, developing and implementing systems for monitoring ongoing growth, supporting volunteer projects, and build relationships in their community and across the state. Our members are also part of a cohort, in which they will have regular access to peer support, professional development opportunities and more.
Community Need Addressed
At The Hub, we believe in the power of service. We see it as a powerful tool to sustainably lift communities, and our AmeriCorpsVISTA program does just that. With a statewide footprint, our work places us in rural communities to provide technical assistance, coaching for communities, and to support the community and economic development system across the state. Our purpose is to coach volunteer community leaderships to help them kickstart sustained development and to grow our sector through collaborative partnerships that use innovative approaches to address systemic challenges to rural development.
Our work is rooted in the theory of accompaniment, meaning that we believe in walking alongside our communities on their development journeys. Our AmeriCorpsVISTA program is an extension of our accompaniment. Our members support communities as they implement key strategies for sustainable, local development through capacity building and more.
Position Outcomes
Community development is the act of making a place the best version of itself. We know every community has the potential to shine as a strong and vibrant place, where locals can live their best lives and visitors are excited to explore. The Hub is committed to bring forward local leaders to highlight assets, history, engagement, and connection among the residents who make a community special. Our AmeriCorpsVISTA program helps bring this mission forward. As a result of the service provided by our AmeriCorpsVISTA members, communities will see increased community engagement, new and improved partnerships, revitalization of local economies, and more. Communities will gain systems and solutions to continue their momentum in their development journey.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Housing, Living allowance, Non-competitive eligibility (federal jobs), Relocation allowance (if applicable), Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
Education Benefits
Members are encouraged to pursue relevant certifications if they are interested but it is not required. We support members in their pursuit to continue their education and development by assisting them in application processes if requested.
Skills you will gain
time management, grant writing, leadership, team building, team work, community development, public speaking, volunteer management, volunteer recruitment, partnership development
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, 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