AmeriCorps Volunteer Infrastructure Project (VIP) Fellow at The Giving Farm

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Service Term: September 2022- July 2023

Reports to: VIP Program Manager and Coordinators/Partner Site Supervisor

Position Summary

VIP Members build volunteer capacity at existing nonprofits, government agencies and schools (Partner Sites) that serve children, youth and families. They do this through: 1) building sustainable systems to track, support, manage, and train virtual or in person volunteers; 2) recruiting one-time and skills-based volunteers; and 3) raising funds to support the development of the volunteer program. Partner Sites change annually based on community and agency need, and have included organizations such as Food Banks, Boys & Girls Clubs, Community Health Centers, Environmental Education organizations and more! This position is a valuable opportunity to develop and apply your leadership and community organizing skills to make a lasting difference. Extensive training in volunteer management and nonprofit professional skills is provided.

Program Overview

Volunteer Infrastructure Project (VIP) Members are AmeriCorps members who build and strengthen sustainable volunteer programs in existing service organizations. VIP Members leave a legacy in the communities they serve by building lasting systems of volunteer engagement and management. Each VIP Member dedicates their service to a single Partner Site, working "behind the scenes" to enable volunteers to take part in meaningful service positions that meet community needs. VIP Members are a part of a statewide network of over 100 VIP Members and are placed in small teams of 5 or more in their community who meet regularly for collaboration, professional development, and training.

AmeriCorps VIP values and nurtures an environment that is respectful, courageous, inclusive, and equitable. We believe service is a way to bring people together and bridge divides; connecting individuals to individuals, and individuals to organizations that can help us tackle society's toughest challenges. We are strengthened by the diversity of our members and welcome the unique contributions that you bring to our program.

Partner Site

Community Action Partnership of Orange County (CAP OC) is a Partner Site (contractor) of the VIP Program and will serve as site supervisor for the VIP Member located at the Giving Farm.

About Community Action Partnership of Orange County (CAP OC) Born of the of the War on Poverty, Community Action Partnership of Orange County (CAP OC) has worked to enhance the quality of life here since 1965. Through our broad network of community partners, we boldly address the root causes of poverty and advocate for change through systemic reforms, social justice, and racial equity. We live and work in the neighborhoods we so passionately serve--coming together from all backgrounds and experiences to stabilize, sustain and empower individuals and families so they may build stronger communities. CAP OC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Community Action Agency which receives Community Services Block Grant funds to fight poverty in Orange County.

The VIP Member will work at The Giving Farm located at Westminster High School in Westminster, CA. The Giving Farm is a farm-to-food bank collaborative community program, managed by Solutions for Urban Agriculture, the Orange County Food Bank (a program of CAP OC), OC Farm Bureau, and the Westminster High School Agriculture Program including Future Farmers of America (FFA). It utilizes student and community volunteer support and provides hands-on educational opportunities while investing in youth leadership and developing our next generation of agriculture producers. Produce grown at the 8-acre farm is used for participants of the OC Food Bank, a CAP OC program.

Essential AmeriCorps Duties

Develop and implement a volunteer program that engages high-value volunteers, particularly specialized/skilled volunteers and volunteers who take on leadership roles in the organization

Develop business partnerships that provide support for the Partner Site's volunteer program

Recruit and train community members as volunteers who support the infrastructure of community benefit programs

Track volunteer program and infrastructure development at the Partner Site, utilizing a defined AmeriCorps Member Service Plan

Serve side-by-side with volunteers to provide guidance, to better understand the clients' needs, and to improve the volunteer experience

Participate in all program-required trainings and development opportunities, including orientation, regular meetings with your local VIP team, a regional training (travel may be required), monthly webinars, and online trainings

Participate in all CA Days of Action, and a minimum of 2 National Service Days during the service term, typically in coordination with your local cohort

Partner Site Duties

Supervise and manage volunteers (short and long term)

Keep track of data for the farm volunteer program

Schedule, coordinate, and assign volunteers to appropriate activities/ duties

Develop a volunteer recruitment plan to increase participation utilizing marketing and outreach strategies

Streamline volunteer onboarding and training process

Develop a volunteer retention and recognition plan that includes both formal and informal activities

Assess and evaluate the volunteer engagement program through data analysis

Assist farm supervisor with any farm-related activities

Assist with the coordination of a Speaker Series intended for high school students, which aims to highlight local agriculture professionals and organizations

Collaborate with community members, partners, and stakeholders

Service Commitment

Full time, eleven-month commitment serving a minimum of 1700 hours, may include some evenings and weekends

Hours are generally Monday - Friday from 8:30 - 6:00PM (varies slightly by Partner Site)

Service hours are expected to occur in-person at partner sites. Teleservice may be permitted for members only during unique, extreme situations and/or emergencies, and A Teleservice Request Form must be submitted and approved by the Program Manager PRIOR to accruing or performing any remote service hours.

All service hours performed must be only approved program related service activities, and not prohibited or unallowable AmeriCorps activities as listed in member contract & handbook.

Training hours will not exceed 15% of member's total service hours.

Areas of Responsibility

Positively represent VIP in a variety of settings, including recruitment opportunities, staff meetings, trainings, and service events

Assist with other community building activities at the Partner Site

Create and maintain positive relationships with program staff

Submit monthly Great Stories and volunteer data in the OnCorps tracking system

Conform to regular, timely attendance requirements at the assigned service site

Duties take place at multiple site locales throughout California with training seminars at designated locations. Position requires occasional travel. Must be able to work indoors and outdoors, as well as some night and weekend hours

Must meet the program essential job functions; reasonable accommodations available upon request

Must be able to adapt to change in work environment, accept feedback and growth opportunities, effectively handle multiple tasks and competing demands, work cooperatively in group situations work actively to resolve conflicts, and work well with others on a team

Work independently and as a member of a team with strong organizational skills and the ability to effectively handle multiple tasks

Possess leadership and interpersonal skills to work effectively with others

An interest in and/or a background in community service and volunteerism

Benefits of Service

Monthly living stipend of $2,000*

Segal Education Award of $6,495*

California For All Education Award $3,505*

Health Benefits

Childcare (if applicable)

Eligibility for CalFresh (CA's food stamp program)

Student loan deferment and interest repayment

Extensive Professional Development and experiential learning opportunities

*Please note: the living stipend and education awards are taxable

Qualifications and Characteristics

Must be at least 18 years of age

Clear criminal background check (DOJ and FBI; National Sex Offender Public Database).

Must have at least a high school diploma or a GED by start date

Must either be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States

Must not have more than 3 terms of service previously with AmeriCorps State and National programs

Organized, responsible, flexible, motivated and professional

Strong personal standards of excellence, ethics and integrity

Ability to be committed to a high standard of safety and be willing and able to comply with all safety laws and all of the program's safety policies and rules

To Apply

Please send a resume to CAP OC's Director of Planning, Curtis Gibbs (cgibbs@capoc.org) with the position title in the subject header. Applications will be accepted until positions are filled.