SERVE Philadelphia AmeriCorps VISTA positions

Posted by on April 16, 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 seven full time SERVE Philadelphia 2012-2013 AmeriCorps VISTA members, beginning in August 2012, to serve for a period of one year on projects designed to increase access to educational opportunities and strengthen community volunteer networks.

Positions
Applications are being accepted for the seven positions listed below.  Please reference pages three through five for detailed position descriptions.

·      Community Building VISTA Team (3 positions)
o   SERVE Philadelphia VISTA Leader (requires one year of previous experience as an AmeriCorps VISTA)
o   Volunteer Engagement Coordinator for The PhillyRising Collaborative
o   Out of School Activities Volunteer Coordinator for Philadelphia Parks and Recreation

·      College Access VISTA Team (4 positions)
o   PhillyGoes2College Outreach Coordinator
o   Graduation Coach Campaign Community Engagement Coordinator
o   College Access Volunteer Coordinator
o   Parent and Family Outreach Coordinator

Schedule
SERVE Philadelphia 2012-2013 VISTAs will serve full time for a period of one year, beginning August 6th 2012 and ending August 10th 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 (August 6th to 9th in Baltimore, MD or Boston, MA – TBD).   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 $12,192 ($468 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 see pages 6 through 8 for the application, which can be submitted by email to servephillyvistaappplication@gmail.com or by mail to the Mayor’s Office of Civic Engagement and Volunteer Service, 112 City Hall, Philadelphia, PA  19107.

NOTE: Once candidates have been invited to participate in the second round of interviews, they will need to fill out an on-line application through the Corporation for National and Community Service.

Application Release: Tuesday, April 10th

Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted electronically and reviewed on a rolling basis through Friday, May 11th.

Interviews: First Round Interviews will take place between Monday, May 14th and Friday, May 25th.  Second Round Interviews will take place between Monday, May 28th and Friday, June 8th.

2011-2012 SERVE Philadelphia VISTAS Announced: Tuesday, June 12th

VISTA Pre-Service Orientation: August 6th to 9th in either Baltimore, MD or Boston, MA – TBD

Term of Service: August 10, 2012 thru August 10, 2013

Applicant Requirements
Because all of the projects involve working with children in some capacity or another, AmeriCorps VISTAs will be required to complete a criminal background check and child abuse clearance.

All applicants invited to participate in the second round of interviews will be required to (1) fill out an on-line application with the Corporation for National and Community Service and (2) provide proof of age, social security number and citizenship.