We’re hiring: AmeriCorps VISTA

by hungerintervention | Mar 14, 2023 | Blog, Jobs | 0 comments

AmeriCorps VISTA Position, 40 hours/week, 12 month service term
Start date: June 5, 2023
Seattle, Washington

Interested applicants should apply on the AmeriCorps website. Learn more about the AmeriCorps VISTA program here.

About Hunger Intervention Program

Hunger Intervention Program (HIP) is a nonprofit organization based in the Lake City neighborhood of North
Seattle. HIP’s mission is to increase food security for underserved populations in North King County through
nutritious meals, educational programs, and advocacy. We are looking for an AmeriCorps VISTA member who is passionate about food security and interested in gaining professional experience in meal programs, program coordination, and nonprofit operations.

Position Overview

The VISTA will organize community kitchen events in active partnership with different Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities that create a space for gathering, community building, sharing meals, and nutrition/cooking classes. These events will strengthen HIP’s connections with local BIPOC communities and offer culturally specific nutrition/cooking education, meals, and resources with the goal of increasing food security.

The VISTA will also lead various outreach events and community celebrations that HIP participates in, including HIP’s Community Appreciation Event, Lake City Summer Festival, End-of-Summer Festival, Pumpkin Palooza, and Winter Fest. These outreach events will increase awareness of HIP’s services in the community and build capacity for HIP to reach out to more communities in need.

The VISTA will also coordinate recreational and educational events for children, youth, and parents to participate in throughout the summer months in collaboration with HIP’s summer meals team. These activities will increase the participation of kids and families in HIP’s summer meals program, increasing food security and providing expanded access to educational activities to reduce learning loss during the summer months for children from low-income and BIPOC communities.

Desired Qualifications

• A strong ethic of service and a commitment to anti-poverty and anti-racist work
• Demonstrated interest working with non-profits and/or degree in related field
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• Willingness to work in a collaborative environment
• Excellent organizational abilities and project and time management skills
• Ability to be flexible and adapt to changing workload
• Proficiency with MS office programs including Outlook, Word, & Excel
• Willingness to maintain a strong work ethic in the face of challenges such as living within the means of the VISTA living stipend
• Experience recruiting or managing volunteers, planning events, and/or working with homeless, diverse, or low-income populations

Requirements

• Be at least 18 years old upon entering VISTA training. There is no upper age limit.
• Be U.S. citizens or have permanent resident status. F-1 visas are not sufficient.
• Availability full-time 40 hours per week from June 5, 2023 to June 4, 2024
• Not be listed in the National Sex Offender Registry database as having been convicted of sex-related crimes.
• Be willing to submit fingerprints for a criminal history background check. AmeriCorps assesses criminal history on a case-by-case basis when determining applicant eligibility.
• Have a high school diploma/equivalent or be working toward completing one during the service year.
• Understand that VISTAs serve on a full-time basis. Therefore, VISTAs cannot enroll in school except in limited circumstances or be subjects of legal proceedings (civil or criminal) that may consume time needed for VISTA assignments. VISTA service cannot be used to satisfy service requirements of parole or probation. VISTAs may have additional employment outside of AmeriCorps, but this employment should not interfere with the VISTA project or service hours.
• Have or obtain a current Washington State Food Worker Card
• COVID-19 vaccination

COVID-19 Statement

HIP follows all local and federal health and safety regulations with respect to the COVID-19 pandemic. Being
a food service provider, an essential service during the pandemic, this is an in-person position that requires
interacting with community members. All needed PPEs are provided, and everyone must be fully vaccinated
to work.

Compensation & Benefits

• Modest living stipend of $1,027.88 bi-weekly (pre-tax)
• Healthcare*, life insurance (if qualified), childcare benefits, and 24-hour access to counseling services over the phone
• Relocation and travel reimbursement if you are relocating over 50 miles to serve
• Unlimited ORCA Transportation card
• $300/month housing stipend
• 10 personal days, 10 sick days, 11 federal holidays
• Eligible to receive Segal AmeriCorps Education Award ($6,895.00), or a cash award (about $1,800.00) after successful completion of your service year
• 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.

*For details about AmeriCorps VISTA healthcare benefits, please visit www.vistacampus.gov/healthcare.