Members will be placed with our partner organizations assisting with different program needs. One member placed at each site for the duration of their service term. Opportunities available at Literacy Source, King County Housing Authority, FareStart, Delridge Neighborhood Development Association, West African Community Council, and YMCA Social Impact Center.
Service Activities
Service activities differ by location.
At Literacy Source the VISTA will support program staff to support the organization in providing language and literacy services, supporting immigrants and refugees with citizenship processes and developing classes on basic skills for low income adults.
At KCHA the VISTA will work closely with the Program Manager to develop the service of free basic skills education to low-income adults to strengthen the organization’s capacity to support immigrants and refugees.
At FareStart the VISTA will work closely with the Program Manager to increase the capacity of Food Security & Recovery Program.
At DNDA the VISTA will plan programs in concert with the Housing Asset Manager, create best practice toolkits, organize volunteers, and create a fund-development work plan in concert with the Development Director.
At West African Community Council the VISTA will implement marketing and communication practices to increase organizational capacity to work towards their mission to advocate, organize, assist, educate and support West African community members while preserving their tradition, culture, social, religious, and moral beliefs.
At the Y Social Impact Center The VISTA will offer programmatic support to the employment and training initiatives for youth and young adults with lived experience with homelessness, foster care. They will support programs such as young adult services and counseling services for all ages in King County.
Community Need Addressed
We deploy AmeriCorps VISTAs with partner agencies doing excellent work in the following impact areas: ending homelessness, increasing food security, engaging youth in academic and career pathways, and expanding economic opportunities.
Position Outcomes
These VISTA members will work with their assigned nonprofit community organization to increase outreach, build successful programs, and implement effective strategies to promote the organization's mission, vision, and values.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Non-competitive eligibility (federal jobs), Relocation allowance (if applicable), Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
Living stipend of approx.. $2,004.24 per month, pre-tax
$1,000 stipend upon successful completion of service term
Healthcare, life insurance, and childcare benefits, and 24-hour access to counseling services over the phone
Relocation and travel reimbursement if you’re relocating over 50 miles to serve
Unlimited ORCA Transportation card
10 personal days, 10 sick days, 9 federal holidays
Eligible to receive Segal AmeriCorps Education Award ($6,395.00), or a cash award ($1,800.00) after successful completion of your service year – By law, only AmeriCorps VISTA members who are either U.S. Citizens, U.S. Nationals, or Lawful Permanent Resident Aliens—sometimes referred to as “Lawful Permanent Residents”—are eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Segal Education Award. All other members will receive an end of service cash stipend.
Loan forbearance and interest accrual repayment on qualified student loans; private loans are not eligible
Non-competitive eligibility for federal employment
Unique cohort experience, including a 3-day orientation, monthly professional development, and one-on-one support from a VISTA Leader.
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Maintain open lines of communication with others
Creativity & Problem Solving
Capable of generating possible solutions, Select and implement well-considered solution
Teamwork
Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers
Decisions
Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time
Service
Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Provide personalized, prompt, and efficient service to meet the requirements, requests and needs of customers, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand and anticipate the needs of others, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment