Americorps VISTA Volunteer

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Help build economic development capacity in rural, economically distressed communities through the identification of needs, resources, and development strategies.

Project Description:

This project will focus on the Counties of: Brewster, Jeff Davis, and Presidio of the West Texas Economic Development District (EDD). West Texas EDD is a partner with the U.S. Economic Development Administration to provide region-wide strategic economic development planning. The VISTA will have the opportunity to focus on the City of Presidio, City of Alpine, and the unincorporated area of Ft. Davis to build economic development capacity at a more in-depth level. The VISTA will work with their communities to identify economic development needs and resources to meet those needs in an effort to attract higher-paying jobs and other opportunities. The overall goal is to build capacity in rural, economically distressed communities to alleviate poverty, reduce unemployment, and provide a better quality of life.

This project is sponsored by the Austin Regional Office (AURO) of the Economic Development Administration (EDA), and will be directly supervised by the West Texas EDD operated by the Rio Grande Council of Governments (RGCOG) in El Paso, Texas. The overall EDA Mission is "to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competiveness, preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy."

Member Duties:

VISTA’s will work directly with community leaders, gathering in-depth information about local economic development needs to help create jobs and improve quality of life in economically distressed communities. Over the course of the service, the VISTA will partner with the community to problem-solve, recommend economic development activities, and identify potential resources and collaborations for those communities. The economic development capacity built by the VISTA will provide the communities the tools to build job opportunities for community members and improve quality of life.

Minimum education level:

• Preferred Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Political Science, or a related field;
• Or at least two years of experience in local, state, or federal government programs; and,
• Applicants will be considered if currently pursuing a degree in any of these fields.

Additional requirements:

• Microsoft Windows Operating Systems and Microsoft Office Suite;
• Strong writing and oral skills;
• Able to work independently;
• Able to work non-traditional hours outside of 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Friday
• Reliable transportation, valid driver’s license, and insurance; and,
• Ability to travel to Regional and National conference(s) in and outside of Texas.

Description of VISTA/CNCS

The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), a federal agency helps more than 5 million Americans improve the lives of their fellow citizens through service. Working hand in hand with local partners, CNCS tap the ingenuity and can-do spirit of the American people to tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing our nation. CNCS invests in thousands of nonprofit and faith-based groups that are making a difference across the country. CNCS includes AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, the Social Innovation Fund, the Volunteer Generation Fund, and more. They serve, we build, and we make an impact that changes lives and communities.

AmeriCorps VISTA members are passionate and committed to their mission to bring individuals and communities out of poverty. Members make a year-long, full-time commitment to serve on a specific project at a nonprofit organization or public agency. They focus their efforts to build the organizational, administrative, and financial capacity of organizations that fight illiteracy, improve health services, foster economic development, and otherwise assist low-income communities.

Benefits of VISTA Service

• An opportunity to serve your country and improve the quality of life for economic distressed communities.
• Hands-on economic development experience that will be invaluable for future educational and professional endeavors.

During Service

• The position provides a small living stipend.
• The volunteer position includes health care, child care, training, relocation expenses, and liability insurance.

After Service

• After a successful year of service, VISTAs can choose to receive either a $1,500 stipend or a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award equal to the maximum amount of the federal Pell Grant (the current amount of the Pell Grant is $5,775).
• Non-Competitive Eligibility (NCE) Status- Once a VISTA successfully completes service that VISTA will receive one year of non-competitive eligibility for employment in the federal government. This special hiring status enables the former VISTA to apply for federal jobs with the advantage of not having to go through the standard public competitive selection process. That means that you can be appointed to federal positions that may or may not be available to the general public. NCE does not guarantee a federal job, but it does provide a valuable opportunity!

To Apply: Please apply on the MyAmericorps website at:

https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?id=66075&fromSearch=true