Full Time Youth Services AmeriCorps VISTA Position

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The PHA Study Centers need your help to strengthen their programming while expanding volunteer recruitment to support the success of multicultural, low income youth in Portland, ME.

Together with its community partners, the Portland Housing Authority (PHA) provides and expands affordable housing and services that improve quality of life, build community, enhance safety & promote personal success for the people we serve & the neighborhoods in which they reside. The Portland Housing Authority houses or provides subsidies for over 2,700 families/6,100 individuals through its public housing and Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher programs. All residents of Public Housing & Section 8 are low-to-no income. The PHA established 4 Education Centers in 1992 after reviewing the performance of low income & public housing students & identifying the need for services. The centers' collective goal is to help students develop their talents & instill a desire for lifelong learning, greater self-discipline & a sense of academic responsibility. Today, the Education Centers have evolved into more than just after-school, homework-help centers; They have become communal focal points for educational assistance for residents of all ages, resource centers for post-secondary aspirations, & hubs for youth leadership development and community service. www.phastudycenters.org www.porthouse.org

The VISTA will expand the volunteer program that supports PHA youth services which serve 400-600 low-income, public housing, new American youth year round with educational, aspirational, mentoring, leadership, sports, and nutritional programming. The VISTA will break the cycle of poverty by strengthening programming that addresses key factors in the success of students. The VISTA will work towards expansion, sustainability, and efficiency in all aspects of PHA youth programming including writing grants to support and expand programming. The VISTA will be crucial in increasing and sustaining the volunteer base that keeps our programs successful by building partnerships for sustainable, quality, long-term volunteers. The VISTA will serve as a hub for cross center programming and resource development with an anti-poverty focus including strengthening the Check & Connect mentoring program. The VISTA will work to build capacity by improving the Portland Housing Authority's Essential Volunteer Management Practices including recruitment strategies, orientation & training, assessment of volunteers & staff, and improved data collection.

Qualifications needed for this position: * Self-motivated with a high degree of flexibility. * Clear, concise oral and written communication. * Ability to manage time, set priorities, plan & implement projects effectively. * Ability to travel independently as required by service assignment. * Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in related field preferred. * Comfort serving refugee, immigrant, & low level English populations * Excellent organizational skills to track quantitative & qualitative data * Ability to use various types of technology (especially Microsoft Excel) * Effective public speaker with the ability to coordinate & facilitate meetings * Knowledge of community resources & willingness to develop & maintain productive working relationships with staff, residents, & community organizations * Independent and outgoing

Essential functions of this position: * Collaborate with a team of AmeriCorps members * Define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. * Provide clear, concise written reports. * Conduct grant/fundraising research and develop written proposals. * Use basic computer software such as Microsoft Office and navigate the internet. * Marketing of volunteer opportunities. * Volunteer management. * Outreach to staff, residents, & community partners. * Coordinate & supervise meetings, activities, programs, and/or projects. * Database management. * Implementation of Essential Volunteer Management Practices.

Marginal functions of this position: Ability to: * Increase effectiveness of volunteer programs. * Develop and/or implement new initiatives or programs. * Website & social media maintenance

AmeriCorps VISTA volunteers serve full time (35 hours/week) for 12 months (7/22/16 to 7/21/17) to build capacity in non-profit organizations. VISTA members may be employed or enrolled in classes during their term of service outside of their regular service schedule.

Compensation:

• Living allowance ($983/month)
• Health benefit (member only)
• Education award ($5730) or Cash stipend ($1500) upon successful completion of service term
• Mileage reimbursement for eligible travel

Other benefits VISTA members may qualify for include:

• Relocation allowance
• Childcare reimbursement
• Forbearance of federally qualified student loans (interest paid by AmeriCorps)
• 10 days sick and 10 days vacation leave
• Optional life insurance
• Networking/professional development
• Non-competitive eligibility for Federal Jobs for 1 year after your term of service

Apply through AmeriCorps.gov here:

https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?id=60394&fromSearch=true