Work @ Habitat

The Critical Home Repair development VISTA member will create, document, and implement new projects or systems to increase the number of individuals and families served through the Habitat mission. This could include developing plans to engage veterans at the community level, designing a home preservation program or laying the foundation for a neighborhood revitalization program. Each strategy will be well documented and evaluated to ensure sustainability beyond the year of service.

Objective One – Research

Research related programs, procedures, and resources that are currently in place to identify best practices and any additional needs the project requires. Document research and communicate findings to move forward with developing a new or enhanced project or system.

Member activities

• Research best practices, systems, resources, and examples of similar projects at other organizations, including other local Habitat organizations and Habitat for Humanity International.
• Research systems to accurately track and record project-related information and data, focused on ensuring sustainability.
• Research evaluation tools that will assist in projecting and assessing impact.

Objective Two – Development

Based on the information gathered, determine the scope, goals, objectives, timeline and milestones for a project or system that addresses the needs of the host site.

Member activities

• Develop community partnerships that will support the project, develop leadership, and leverage resources.
• Develop methods to increase participation with project, including presentations, materials, and systems for recruitment of partners, volunteers, and leadership.
• Develop systems to accurately track and record project-related data, ensuring sustainability.
• Develop evaluation tools that will assist in projecting and assessing impact.
• Formulate results and present to key stakeholders to establish direction of project.
• Develop all processes, materials and procedures for project or system.

Objective Three – Implementation and review

Implement the new or improved systems and projects. Assist the host site in testing, evaluating, and revising the various parts of the project as needed to ensure success.

Member activities

• Implement the new projects and systems developed that will increase the number of individuals and families served. Pilot project using development tools and processes.
• Implement opportunities to secure or create resources and enhance community partnerships that will support project, develop leadership, and leverage resources.
• Implement methods to increase participation with project, including recruitment of partners and leadership, training them through presentations, materials, and systems.
• Implement systems to accurately track and record project-related data to ensure sustainability.
• Implement the use of evaluation tools to assist in projecting and assessing impact.
• Collect feedback on pilot and make necessary modifications.

Activities listed here may include direct service for the purposes of observation, interviews of staff and volunteers and implementation of systems and processes. While VISTA members cannot regularly perform direct service, the VISTA member may have the opportunity to engage in direct service activities no more than one time per month to help inform VISTA projects.

Objective Four – Sustainability

Ensure that the systems and projects developed are sustainable, continuing at the host site after the completion of the VISTA term, by developing manuals and training staff members and volunteers on the new project.

Member activities

• Work with leadership at the host site to develop a staff sustainability plan to build on the work the member has done.
• Develop a manual of resources and directions for maintaining the systems and projects developed. Create an implementation manual detailing the process of development, effectiveness of the system/project, pending issues and guide for usage that can be referenced by staff members and volunteers.
• Recruit and train volunteers and staff on use of new systems and procedures to 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.

Experience, knowledge, and skills

Minimum requirements

• AmeriCorps members must be a U.S. citizen, national or lawful permanent resident.
• AmeriCorps members must be at least eighteen or older.
• AmeriCorps members must have a high school diploma or GED.
• AmeriCorps members may have recurring access to vulnerable populations and must satisfy the National Service Criminal History Check eligibility criteria.

OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE has:

• Knowledge of and willingness to promote the mission and activities of Habitat for Humanity International and AmeriCorps.
• The ability to work with a diverse group of people.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong research skills.
• Attention to detail and is highly organized.
• Experience working as a member of a team.
• Basic experience with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word, Excel, and Teams.

Benefits of AmeriCorps service

• Annual living allowance range from $22,882 to $39,522, determined by the service location; most locations are on the lower end of this range.
• Segal Education Award upon successful completion of service.
• Health benefits and enrollment in Employee Assistance Plan.
• Ten personal and 10 medical leave days.
• Possible forbearance or deferment of qualified student loans.
• Child care benefits, if you qualify.
• Noncompetitive eligibility status for federal employment for one year after successful completion of service.
• Relocation travel assistance for members relocating more than 50 miles to serve.