VISTA - Resource Capacity Building

Description

Connecticut Foodshare is the food bank serving all of our neighbors across the state. Working with a strong network of community-based hunger relief programs, we help provide nutritious food as well as long-term, sustainable solutions to food insecurity. By joining Connecticut Foodshare, you will be part of a team that helps drive community awareness, garners support, leverages research, and engages volunteers, to realize our vision of a thriving community free of hunger.

What is a VISTA?

Founded in 1964, Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) is an anti-poverty program designed to provide needed resources to nonprofit organizations and public agencies to increase their capacity to lift communities out of poverty. AmeriCorps VISTA provides opportunities for Americans 18 years or older from a diverse range of backgrounds to dedicate a year of full-time service with an organization to create or expand programs designed to empower individuals and communities in overcoming poverty.

***Note this is a full-time, one year volunteer assignment. VISTAs are provided with a living allowance and other benefits detailed below.**

Position Summary: 

The Resource Capacity Building VISTA will help significantly increase the scope of Connecticut Foodshare's commitment to ending hunger by supporting network partners and volunteers. The candidate will have a hands-on opportunity to work with food assistance programs, build capacity and shape the experience of the people served. The focus of this service role will be to build network capacity through increased access to food and funds. The VISTA member will also be responsible for building capacity for the partner network to attract, train, and retain volunteers.  This member will offer Connecticut Foodshare Agency Partners in-person capacity building support through workshop’s and learning labs. 

This position is a good fit for someone with excellent verbal, interpersonal and written communication skills with an ability to effectively and respectfully interact with people of all different backgrounds. The ideal candidate would have a passion for addressing social justice issues with dignity and creating a thriving community free of hunger. The candidate should be a self-starter, organized, and can multi-task. 

The position is based out of the Wallingford or Bridgeport offices with statewide travel - mileage reimbursed. Must have own transportation. 

Responsibilities: 

• Connect and support food pantries, community meal centers and other food assistance providers that are part of the Connecticut Foodshare partner network
• Assess partner program interest in meeting with their peers from across the state to share ideas and best-practices 
• Build community awareness about food assistance and support for partner programs through digital media and volunteer training
• Reduce barriers to access for people served
• Build guest engagement to strengthen food assistance programming 
• Document all lessons learned and recommendations for future program improvements 
• Conduct a through program evaluation to inform future VISTA projects

Benefits: 

• A biweekly living allowance 
• Members receive free basic healthcare coverage during their AmeriCorps service 
• Childcare assistance (Eligible members receive a subsidy for children under 13 years) 
• A choice of either a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award ($7,395.00 to pay off student loans and pay for tuition) or cash stipend ($1,800) at the end of the service year 
• 1 year of noncompetitive eligibility for federal jobs 
• Eligibility for scholarships and fellowships at a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate programs across the country 
• Eligibility for forbearance for most federally-guaranteed student loans 
• 1 year of professional experience with a cutting-edge Top Workplace winning nonprofit  
• Potential for hybrid work model  
• Develop skills and explore career interests 
• Build professional network 
• Make a positive impact in the lives of Connecticut’s food insecure neighbors 

Requirements

Minimum Education/Experience:

• High school diploma/GED 
• Experience with Microsoft Office Products
• Valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation

Preferred Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree
• 1-3 years of experience in a similar or related role
• Experience with and comfort with public speaking, meeting facilitation and community organizing
• Experience in teaching or training environment or with public speaking
• Some Spanish speaking ability

Pay Range 

The AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer roles are volunteer positions. Volunteers do receive a modest living allowance. Please see the current Living Allowance Chart. The range is reflective of where the role is based. Wallingford is in the South Central Connecticut Planning Region and Bridgeport is in the Greater Bridgeport Planning Region. 

Benefits 

AmeriCorps offers many benefits, including an end of service benefit in the form of either an educational award or end of service cash stipend, childcare for children under 13,  healthcare benefit plan, personal and medical leave (10 days of each) , professional development opportunities, loan forbearance and deferment, educational award match and relocation travel allowance. For the full list and explanation of benefits visits AmeriCorps VISTA benefits