AmeriCorps*VISTA positions, SERVE Philadelphia

Posted by on October 08, 2012

SERVE Philadelphia 2012-2013
AmeriCorps VISTA Information and Application

In September 2010, Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter created the Office of Civic Engagement and Volunteer Service to ensure that his administration was at the forefront of promoting service as a strategy to impact challenges and strengthen communities.  For more information about the office, and to read the City’s plan for service, please visit: http://www.SERVEPhiladelphia.com.

Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter’s Office of Civic Engagement and Volunteer Service is accepting applications for five full time SERVE Philadelphia 2012-2013 AmeriCorps VISTA members, beginning in November 2012, to serve for a period of one year on projects designed to strengthen community volunteer networks and promote adult education, food security and financial literacy.

Positions
Applications are being accepted for the four positions listed below.
•    Financial Empowerment Outreach Coordinator
•    Partner Engagement Coordinator, Center City Food Security Partnership Office
•    Fun, Safe Philly Summer Coordinator
•    Technology Today Tutors, Program Coordinator

Schedule
SERVE Philadelphia 2012-2013 VISTAs will serve full time for a period of one year, beginning December 1,  2012 and ending November 30, 2013.  All of the VISTA positions require full time service, with occasional responsibilities in the evening and on weekends.

VISTAs are required to attend a mandatory pre-service orientation prior to beginning their year of service (November 27th – 30th in Boston, MA).   All transportation costs to and from Pre-Service Orientation will be covered.

SERVE Philadelphia VISTAs will participate in local orientation and regularly scheduled professional development sessions throughout the year sponsored by the Mayor’s Office of Civic Engagement and Volunteer Service in collaboration with our network of public and private sector partners.

Benefits
AmeriCorps VISTAs receive an annual living allowance of $12,312 ($472 every two weeks), before taxes.  They also have the option to enroll in the VISTA Health Benefits Program and to apply for SNAP (food stamps).  AmeriCorps VISTAs who are part of the SERVE Philadelphia VISTA team will also receive a monthly transportation pass.

Finally, AmeriCorps VISTAs who successfully complete their year of service can choose to receive either an Education Award of $5,550 or End of Service Stipend of $1,500.  The Education Award, which is subject to taxation, can be applied to any federally backed student loan or used to pay tuition in the future.

NOTE:     Per the policy of the Corporation for National and Community Service, AmeriCorps VISTAs cannot engage in additional paid work during their year of service.

For detailed information about AmeriCorps VISTA, including member benefits, please visit: http://www.americorps.gov/about/programs/vista.asp

Application Process (PLEASE NOTE TIMELINE)
Please see pages 4 through 6 for the SERVE Philadelphia VISTA application, which can be submitted by email to servephillyvistaapplication@gmail.com.

In addition, applicants MUST complete an application in myAmeriCorps by going to: https://my.americorps.gov and clicking ‘apply to serve’.   During the process you will be asked to select a username and password.  Please make sure to record this information as you will be called on to use it several times in the application process and throughout your year of service.

Once you have created an application in myAmeriCorps, please ‘apply’ to one or more of the positions with SERVE Philadelphia (see page 5 for complete instructions).

Application Deadline:  Applications will be accepted electronically and reviewed on a rolling basis through Friday, October 12th.

Applicant Requirements
Because all SERVE Philadelphia VISTA projects involve working with vulnerable populations (including children, seniors and/or individuals with disabilities) in some capacity or another, AmeriCorps VISTAs will be required to complete a criminal background check and child abuse clearance.

All applicants are required to (1) fill out an on-line application with the Corporation for National and Community Service and, if selected, (2) provide proof of age, social security number and citizenship.

We are very excited to welcome new people to the 2012-2013 SERVE Philadelphia VISTA team.  If you have any questions during the application process, please do not hesitate to contact Catie C. Wolfgang via email (servephillyvistaapplication@gmail.com) or by phone (215.439.4655).