AmeriCorps VISTA - Volunteer Services Associate

AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) is a national service program designed to alleviate poverty in communities across the country. Through a partnership with VISTA, Metropolitan Ministries' goal is to generate resources to expand housing, outreach, and food programs that support our mission of caring for the homeless and those at-risk of becoming homeless. The Volunteer Services Associate will enhance the impact of our volunteer programs by recruiting and supporting High-Value Leaders (HVLs), facilitating orientations, and training, and managing volunteer appreciation. They will help expand services at the West Pasco Campus by developing new volunteer roles and recruiting groups. Additionally, they will grow community programs in Pasco and Pinellas by strengthening partnerships and maintaining a volunteer database, ensuring project sustainability.

Service Term: 365 days

Days/Hours: Full time; this position is 40 hours/week.

Member Duties:

• Facilitate initial steps in recruitment and screening 2024 High Value Leaders; Assist in creating and leading virtual and in-person orientations to ensure all leaders are properly trained.
• Recruit 30 new High Value Leaders; On distribution days assist with day-to-day placement of leaders and rebalancing leadership needs across the tent.
• Work with W Pasco cross teams to identify 10 new Volunteer Leader roles alongside W Pasco Campus expansion; Create resources for community services volunteers who do not qualify to participate at alternative locations.
• Provide tours for new and prospective volunteer groups to help recruit volunteers to fill the additional W Pasco Campus needs.
• Review current MOUs and partner organizations across Pasco & Pinellas; Meet with internal teams to explore areas and partners that need additional volunteer support.
• Create a database of active volunteers based on location for reaching out to new and existing community sites; Research and recruit additional organizations located near community volunteers to volunteer on a recurring basis.

Position Requirements and Specifications:

• AA degree in related field or equivalent work experience.
• Reliable transportation required.
• Experience working with volunteer groups highly preferred.
• Must be a US citizen, US National, Lawful Permanent Resident (i.e. Green Card status), or someone legally residing within a state. Examples of persons legally residing within a state may include those holding the following classifications: refugee, asylee, temporary protected status throughout VISTA service, and holding Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status.
• Be able to successfully pass a criminal background check
• VISTA members must be able to pass a Level 2 Background Check
• Must be available for full time working hours for 1 full year.

Benefits:

• Bi-weekly living allowance of $957.46 (gross before taxes)
• Healthcare Benefit and Telehealth
• Access to daily meals at no cost to member
• Childcare assistance (if qualified)
• Professional development and training opportunities
• End of Service benefits: Education Award or End-of-Service Stipend ($7,395 for Education Award or $1,800 for Stipend)
• Forbearance on qualified student loans and interest accrual payments while serving (taxable)
• Relocation and Settling In Allowance for those moving more than 50 miles for service
• The AmeriCorps living allowance is not considered a wage or income; many AmeriCorps Members are eligible to receive SNAP benefits or food stamps.