AmeriCorps VISTA Position, 40 hours/week, 12 month service term
Start date: June 3, 2024
Seattle, Washington

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

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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

Help facilitate community connections by doing outreach in local communities, coordinating volunteers, and organizing various HIP events. This position will also help with external communications to keep all stakeholders engaged through newsletters and social media.

HIP operates in a neighborhood in Seattle that has been identified as having low access to opportunities and high displacement risk due to gentrification. The most recent 2020 census identifies the Lake City and Northgate neighborhoods, where most of HIP’s program participants reside, as some of the most diverse neighborhoods in Seattle.

This VISTA project fights poverty by connecting underserved populations with supplemental food resources and nutrition education. This helps families stretch their dollars and live healthier lives with fewer resources being spent on healthcare. This project also helps build community by creating more spaces for BIPOC communities to gather, celebrate, and share resources.

Primary Roles and Responsibilities

• Coordinate volunteers by recruiting, orientating, assigning projects, and building volunteer relationships through one-on-one interactions, monthly newsletters, and other social media channels.

• 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, Winter Fest, and other fundraising events that HIP organizes.

• Coordinate recreational and educational events for children, youth, and parents throughout the summer months in collaboration with HIP’s summer meals team. Help with program surveys and evaluations.

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 3, 2023 to June 2, 2025
• 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 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 vaccination is highly recommended.

Compensation & Benefits

• Modest living stipend of $1,117.06 bi-weekly (pre-tax)
• Health benefits that meet the minimum standards of ACA compliance. Enrollment in an assistance program with 24-hour access to phone counseling
• Childcare assistance
• Unlimited ORCA Transportation card
• $300/month housing stipend
• 10 personal days, 10 sick days, 10 federal holidays
• Eligible to receive Segal AmeriCorps Education Award ($7,395.00), or a cash award (about $1,800.00) after successful completion of your service year
• Loan deferment and payment of interest accrued during service year on qualified student loans (loans must be federally backed; personal/private loans not eligible)
• Noncompetitive eligibility for federal jobs for up to one year after completing service
• 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.

How to apply

Apply on the AmeriCorps website here. For priority consideration, candidates should apply by April 19, 2024.