Members will be placed with our partner organizations assisting with different program needs. One member placed at each site for the duration of their service term. Opportunities available at Delridge Neighborhood Development Association, YouthCare, Voices of Tomorrow, Literacy Source, and Housing Connector
Service Activities
Service activities differ by location.
At DNDA the VISTA will help families living in Southwest Seattle gain familiarity with resources, create best practice toolkits for increased neighborhood outcome-based engagement, and create and implement a communication work plan with the communications team.
At YouthCare the VISTA will help ensure that vulnerable young people have the basics, supports, and more in order to not just survive, but thrive. Support in sourcing and distributing critically needed items and volunteers to youth experiencing homelessness.
At Voices of Tomorrow the VISTA will recruit and support volunteers, raise unrestricted funds, and garner event sponsors so that Voices of Tomorrow can flexibly respond to community needs and improve school readiness for East African immigrants and refugees.
At Literacy Source the VISTA will create a sustainable system that improves access and management of internal information systems, resource and digital services to enhance the service of free basic skills education and resources to low-income adults working to improve their lives.
At Housing Connector the VISTA will support community partners in working at their best with housing navigation for the must vulnerable, low-income households in their housing journey.
Community Need Addressed
We deploy AmeriCorps VISTAs with partner agencies doing excellent work in the following impact areas: ending homelessness, increasing food security, engaging youth in academic and career pathways, and expanding economic opportunities.
Position Outcomes
These VISTA members will work with their assigned nonprofit community organization to increase outreach, build successful programs, and implement effective strategies to promote the organization's mission, vision, and values.
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
Living stipend of $1,027.88 bi-weekly, pre-tax
Healthcare, life insurance, and childcare benefits, and 24-hour access to counseling services over the phone
Relocation and travel reimbursement if you’re relocating over 50 miles to serve
Unlimited ORCA Transportation card
10 personal days, 10 sick days, 11 federal holidays
Eligible to receive Segal AmeriCorps Education Award ($6,895.00), or a cash award ($1,800.00) after successful completion of your service year – By law, only AmeriCorps VISTA members who are either U.S. Citizens, U.S. Nationals, or Lawful Permanent Resident Aliens—sometimes referred to as “Lawful Permanent Residents”—are eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Segal Education Award. All other members will receive an end of service cash stipend.
Loan forbearance and interest accrual repayment on qualified student loans; private loans are not eligible
Non-competitive eligibility for federal employment
Unique cohort experience, including a 3-day orientation, monthly professional development, and one-on-one support from a VISTA Leader.
Skills you will gain
Project Management, Outreach, Writing, Data Analysis, Public Speaking, Communication, Organization, Leadership, Adaptability, Problem Solving, Critical Thinking, Empathy
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, 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, 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
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, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, 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