AmeriCorps VISTA Position, Health Annex

Posted by Resources for Human Development on May 12, 2014

AmeriCorps VISTA Position – Health Annex, part of the Family Practice and Counseling Network of Resources for Human Development, Philadelphia, PA

Access to high quality, comprehensive and continuous primary care is a critical strategy for assisting people to rise out of poverty. Under the supervision of the Health Annex Director, a VISTA member will co-design and lead implementation of a targeted outreach initiative to assist several underserved populations gain access to primary health care. Specific target populations in Southwest Philadelphia include residents of public housing, refugee and immigrant populations, and individuals in need of family planning services. The Health Annex, part of RHD’s Family Practice and Counseling Network, provides nurse-led primary health care, behavioral health and dental services to over 6,600 patients on an annual basis.

The VISTA member will develop a plan for systematically creating relationships with formal and informal groups in the community to reach underserved populations to assist them in gaining access to primary health care. The VISTA will work collaboratively with National Health Corps volunteers and other staff to conduct community outreach which will increase the number of individuals that will receive benefit assessments, health promotions and educational services.

The VISTA member will:
• Increase community awareness of the Health Annex through personal interactions, written communications, social media, participation in community meetings and more
• Expand/strengthen partnerships/networks in Southwest Philadelphia by participating in existing coalitions and convening new ones as needed
• Design and help implement an outreach plan to connect with community members of underserved populations. Outreach strategies include representing the Health Annex at community events and reaching out to area schools, businesses and civic associations
• Help lay the groundwork for expanding the pool of volunteers that support Health Annex initiatives such as the Patient Ambassador program.

The successful applicant for this AmeriCorps VISTA position will:
• Be interested in increasing access to primary care in underserved communities
• Be respectful in all relationships with residents and colleagues
• Be able to work independently and collaboratively as appropriate
• Be comfortable networking and building relationships with diverse constituencies
• Possess strong communication skills – written, oral and public speaking
• Be able to navigate public transit
• Be comfortable working in a fast paced environment/comfortable with change
• Be a college graduate
Accepting applications: 4/28/2014 – 07/30/2014
VISTA term begins 08/26/2014 and ends 08/29/2015
Compensation: AmeriCorps VISTAs commit to a full-time year of service for a minimal living stipend of $12,132 per year.

Other Program Benefits: Extensive Training, Relocation Allowance, Health Coverage, Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend.

To apply for this position, review the posting at on AmeriCorps site: Resources for Human Development Listing (https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?id=55152)

Questions, contact:
Patrick Oleskey, Director, Health Annex
6120 Woodland Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19142
267-350-5183
POleskey@fpcn.com

Family Practice and Counseling Network and its Health Annex are part of Resources for Human Development, a comprehensive, nonprofit, human services organization with headquarters in Philadelphia, PA. Founded in 1970, RHD currently supports and oversees more than 160 programs in 13 states. Lake Effects Leaders based at Allegheny College serves as the intermediary agency between Resources for Human Development and the AmeriCorps-VISTA program of the Corporation for National and Community Service.