VISTA Leader Position

The VISTA Leader position will build Healing Action’s capacity by implementing Healing Action’s VISTA project to ensure a successful program supporting survivors throughout the state. 

The VISTA Leader reports to the VISTA Program Manager.
 

VISTA Activities 

Supporting the recruitment of high-quality VISTAs 

  • Reviewing VISTA Assignment Descriptions (VADS) for clarity, accuracy, and consistency and suggest improvements  
  • Research recruitment opportunities and promote position announcements through local venues and digital channels 
  • Suggesting processes for candidate assessment and evaluation that incorporates VADs, assisting in screening applicants  
  • Assisting in setting up and participating in interviews 

Conducting VISTA member training and coordinating ongoing professional development   

  • Participating in On-Site Orientation Training (OSOT) and ensuring VISTAs understand the policies, procedures, and project schedule  
  • Identifying any learning needs of VISTAs, developing a training calendar for VISTAs and VISTA task groups with topics such as cultural diversity, conflict resolution, poverty, and volunteer management  
  • Securing local instructors to present training  
  • Facilitating and encouraging peer learning among VISTAs  
  • Maintaining a professional development log for all VISTAs and distributing completion certificates.   

Facilitating a successful year of service for VISTAs   

  • Conducting monthly one-on-one meetings with each VISTA member to review assignment progress and address member needs  
  • Assisting VISTAs in clarifying problems and creating their solutions (involving the site supervisor if VISTA cannot resolve the issue)  
  • Coordinate projects for National Days of Service (September 11th National Day of Remembrance, Martin Luther King, Jr. National Day of Service, and others) 

Compensation 

This full-time national service position provides a living allowance of approximately $20,002 before taxes for one year ($767.20/biweekly).  

You also have the choice of one of two awards at the end of a successful year of service: 

  • $3,000 cash stipend bonus 
  • OR 
  • $6,345 Segal Education Award for future educational expenses or federal student loans (Your university could double this award! Click here to see if your school matches the award.) 

Other benefits include: 

  • Childcare assistance is available to VISTA members who qualify. 
  • Relocation assistance is available to VISTA members who qualify. 
  • Some health benefits are available to VISTA members to help with the cost of co-pays and other qualified medical expenses. 
  • Professional development training opportunities. 
  • AmeriCorps VISTA allows members to earn federal non-competitive eligibility, giving members an edge in the federal hiring process. 

For more information about the AmeriCorps VISTA program, click here.  

Eligibility Requirements 

  • Be 18 years or older  
  • Hold one of the following citizenship or legal residency statuses: US citizen, US National, Lawful Permanent Resident (i.e., Green Card status), and persons legally residing within a state, which may include those holding the following classifications: refugee, asylee, temporary protected status throughout VISTA service, and having Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status. 
  • As this is a full-time position and requires 40 hours per week, candidates with full-time employment or currently enrolled full-time in an educational institute are not a good fit for VISTA positions. 

Next Steps 

If you are qualified and interested, send your resume and cover letter to Jason at jason.seward@healingaction.org. Please include VISTA Leader in the subject line of your email.