AmeriCorps VISTA-Project Development (Internship)

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Please apply through Careerlink:

http://careerlink.com/employer/jobs/3692

Habitat for Humanity of Omaha is looking to initiate a comprehensive construction and demolition (C&D) recycling program. On a yearly basis, our construction department adds approximately 40 tons of C&D debris to our local landfills. A system that sorts out any and all reusable or recyclable materials from our build sites and diverts them to appropriate local or regional recycling businesses, will not only reduce the tonnage dumped into landfills, but reintroduce those resources back into the local economy. This new program would save Habitat Omaha money typically paid toward dump and dumpster fees, and generate funds that would be spent on our mission to eliminate substandard housing. . The VISTA member would work with host site staff and volunteers to develop and implement this new program, create or improve policies and procedures, and strategize to develop partnerships with local and regional recyclers.

Outputs: Measurable targets must be included and should be targeted PER MEMBER. Please select one or more of the shared outputs below.

* 0 cash and in-kind resources will be raised utilizing systems and opportunities identified by VISTA member (includes resources raised for home building efforts, as well as ReStores)
o 0 cash resources
o 0 in-kind resources
* 50 individuals will collaborate with VISTA member on projects related to this position. (Stakeholders, volunteers, community members, staff, etc.)
* 1 new and sustainable projects will be led by VISTA member that will increase capacity at the affiliate
Objective One (First Quarter)
EXPLORATION: Explore the construction and demolition recycling programs, policies and procedures, leadership and resources that are currently in place at the site and identify best practices from other programs. Identify what additional needs the project requires. Document research and communicate findings to the project sponsor and gain further direction to move forward with developing an enhanced construction and demolition recycling program.

Member Activities:
1. Research opportunities to create recycling resources for HFH. Conduct research into C&D recycling programs and develop distribution plan for information.
2. Research methods to increase participation with C&D recycling project, including presentations, materials and systems for enrolling staff, volunteers and board to become recycling champions.
3. Research systems to accurately track and record C&D recycling data, focused on ensuring sustainability. Research evaluation tools that will assist in projecting and assessing project impact.
4. Research past affiliate attempts to form C&D recycling program and identify key stakeholders.
5. Research best practices, systems, resources and examples of similar recycling programs at other organizations (including other affiliates and HFHI)
6. Initiate an assessment of recyclable materials found on site and research markets for recycling said items.
Objective Two (Second Quarter)
DEVELOPMENT: Based on the information gathered, the VISTA will develop a C&D recycling program that will address the needs of the host site and are sustainable. This may include improved data gathering methods or storage, creating new recycling policies and procedures, improved community interaction and increased leveraging of resources, community engagement and support, etc.

Member Activities:
1. Develop new C&D recycling systems and programs that will divert waste from landfills and generate funds to be used towards Habitat Omaha’s mission to eliminate substandard housing.
2. Develop community partnerships with local recyclers and haulers that will support programs, develop leadership and leverage resources.
3. Develop methods to increase participation with project, including presentations, materials and systems for recruitment of partners, volunteers and leadership.
4. Develop systems to accurately track and record project related data, focused on ensuring sustainability. Develop evaluation tools that will assist in projecting and assessing project impact.
5. Formulate results and present to key stakeholders to establish direction of project.
6. Develop all processes, materials, and procedures for project.
Objective Three (Third Quarter)
IMPLEMENTATION AND REVIEW - Implement the new Construction & Demolition recycling program. This will include setting up systems, documenting the new policies and procedures, training others (including leadership) to use it, putting in place a schedule, securing resources or implementing an event plan. Assist the site in testing and evaluating the various parts of the program developed and make revisions to the program as needed in order to ensure success.

Member Activities:
1. Implement the new C & D recycling program developed that will divert construction waste from the landfill and ultimately increase the number of families served at the site. Pilot project using developed tools, processes, etc.
2. Implement opportunities to secure or create recycling resources and enhance community partnerships that will support programs, develop leadership and leverage resources.
3. Implement methods to increase participation with project, including recruitment of partners and leadership and training them on presentations, materials and systems.
4. Implement systems to accurately track and record project related data, focused on ensuring sustainability. Implement the use of evaluation tools to assist in projecting and assessing project impact.
5. Collect feedback on pilot, make necessary modifications
* Note that while VISTAs cannot regularly build on the construction site, the VISTA member may have the opportunity to engage in active building no more than one time per month to help inform project development activities.
Objective Four (Fourth Quarter)
SUSTAINABILITY - - Ensure that the systems and/or programs developed are sustainable and will continue at the host site after the completion of the VISTA term by developing manuals and training staff/volunteers on the new program.

Member Activities:
1. Develop a manual of resources and directions for maintaining the systems and programs developed in their entirety. Create an implementation manual detailing the process of development, effectiveness of the system/project and pending issues, and guide for usage that can be utilized by affiliate staff/volunteers
2. Recruit and train volunteers/staff on use of new systems, procedures, etc. and ensure there is a transition plan for ongoing maintenance of systems and support of the program. Ensure that appropriate training and introductions to all stakeholders is accomplished.
Required Meetings, Trainings and Events: Minimum expectations are outlined below, with the understanding that further trainings may be required as determined by HFHI, CNCS or the Host Site.
* Pre-Service Orientation (provided by CNCS)
* On Site Orientation to local host site
* HabitatLearns "Foundations of Habitat" series
* OSHA Safety Courses
* National Service Leadership Conference (fall)
* Build-a-Thon (spring)
* National Days of Service (MLK Day required, 9/11 Day of Remembrance and AmeriCorps Week encouraged)
* HFHI Host Site Monitoring Reviews and periodic check-in calls
* Monthly meeting with HSM (minimum)
* Bi-weekly meeting with direct supervisor (minimum)
* Annual staff/AmeriCorps team build day
* Life After AmeriCorps training (LAFTA)
* Staff meetings, Board meetings and home dedications, as appropriate
* Individual and/or group professional development trainings may be available based on AmeriCorps interest, HSM/supervisor recommendation and budget
* Host Site Events Participation in these events will be in line with AmeriCorps program regulations/restrictions.

Education/Experience/Knowledge/Skills
* Valid Driver’s License and ability to meet host site’s insurance requirements.
* Microsoft Office Suite (especially Word/Excel), Power Point, Internet research
* Strong written and verbal communication skills
* Public speaking experience preferred
* Marketing experience is highly desirable
* Knowledge of community development practices preferred
* Knowledge of, and willingness to promote, the mission and activities of Habitat for Humanity and AmeriCorps
* Ability to work with a diverse group of people
* Detail oriented and highly organized
* Experience working with volunteers or teaching/group facilitation experience
* Experience working as a member of a team
* Project management experience preferred
* Strong research skills
* Ability to complete the reporting and timesheet requirements of the AmeriCorps program in a timely, accurate, and thorough manner
Physical requirements for this position (in bullet form)
* Ability to sit at a desk and computer for extended periods of time
* About 50% of this position requires outreach in the community, including visiting buildings and homes that may have stairs, as well as serving on project sites that might have uneven terrain.

Members will serve in an open-space office and will share space with other staff and/or AmeriCorps members. Each member will have a desk, computer (with email and internet access), and a phone for service-related tasks. Shared resources include a printer, copy machine, fax machine as well as office supplies.

Some travel is required for this position, so member must be able to utilize their own vehicle to get to required meetings. Approved service-related mileage will be reimbursed per the affiliate’s policy.