VISTA, Sustainability and Nutritional Program Utilization Coordinator

Posted by on December 04, 2011

Pennsylvania Afterschool /Youth Development Network
Sustainability and Nutritional Program Utilization Coordinator
AmeriCorps*VISTA Position
Position Overview

The Pennsylvania Afterschool /Youth Development Network, in collaboration the Afterschool Alliance, seeks one AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer to serve as the Sustainability and Nutritional Program Utilization Coordinator from February 1, 2012- January 31, 2013

Fifty percent (50%) of the member’s time will be devoted to working with five 21st Century Learning Center Program /Communities in the south central and southeastern regions of the state to  implement sustainability plans to support  the continuation of the programs beyond their grant period by doing the following activities:

1)    Mapping possible partners /community based organizations
2)    Conducting needs assessment with parent, school and neighborhood participation
3)    Implementing data and research system at the local level
4)    Forming Sustainability Teams
5)    Supporting at least two events in each of the five communities
6)    Identifying at least two new partners in each of the five communities to support the afterschool sustainability plan.

Fifty percent (50%) of the member’s time will be devoted to  working state-wide and specifically in five targeted 21st Century Learning Center Program /communities in the south central and southeastern regions of the state  to develop systems that promote and support the provision of afterschool and summer enrichment program meals and snacks by doing the following activities:

1)    Becoming knowledgeable of the program details, requirements and regulations of the afterschool and summer meals programs.
2)    Mapping statewide where the afterschool snacks and meals programs are located.
3)     Identifying critical gaps of service and developing a plan to increase knowledge among possible partners and intermediaries.
4)    Identifying afterschool programs in the state that are eligible for funding.
5)    Hosting a summit or issues conference for implementing meal programs as component of offering a high quality program
6)    Targeting five 21st Century Learning Center Programs/communities in south central and southeast Pennsylvania interested in changing their current status of non-participation.
7)    Working in these targeted communities with programs, state officials, school district officials and community children’s advocates to remove operations barriers or policy obstacles.
8)    Working in these targeted communities with food advocates to engage non-school partners that could be meal program intermediaries.
9)    Identifying summer enrichment programs and summer meal programs in these targeted communities in order to develop collaborations and establishing  a list serve to inform these enrichment providers and meal providers
Time Period:  The VISTA candidate must be identified by December 14, 2012 with an anticipated start date of February 1, 2012 and service extending through January 2013.

Candidate Qualifications:
•    Must be at least 18 years old
•    Must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident of the U.S.
•    A Bachelor’s Degree is preferred, however some college combined with work experience may substitute for a degree.
•    Significant experience with community service and/or non-profit organization work
•    Ability  to serve full-time for one year with no outside employment
•    Ability to research, analyze, and synthesize information to make strong recommendations for best effective practices
•    Strong decision making and problem solving abilities.
•    Organized, self-starter who is able to take personal responsibility and initiative
•    Excellent attention to detail and follow-through skills
•    Ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and projects at the same time
•    Ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse groups of individuals
•    Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
•    Computer proficiency with emphasis on MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Internet Use

Benefits
Be part of VISTA-Volunteers in Service to America.  This 46-year anti-poverty national service program helps people and communities build lasting programs that will serve their most at-risk residents.  The VISTA project with the Pennsylvania Statewide Afterschool Youth Development Network will engage stakeholders in Pennsylvania in meeting critical needs of children and youth by supporting nutrition access and sustainability of after school programs.  Many VISTA members find their service provides them with more experience and skills than they would acquire during one year in a traditional, salaried job.

Benefits of the Youth Development VISTA Position include:
•    Frequent training and professional development, including a 4-day pre-service orientation out of state
•    Opportunities to network and build transferable skills
•    A modest living allowance {as set by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) this amount is based on the poverty income level for a single individual in the community served}
•    A medical benefit provided via CNCS
•    Childcare, if eligible
•    Reimbursement for car mileage
•    End of Service Benefits for completed year of service which includes a choice of:
o    An opportunity to elect the Eli Segal Education Award commensurate with the Pell Grant amount, current set at $5,550 that can be used as tuition at a Title IV institution of higher education, for educational training or approved “school to work” programs, or to repay qualified student loans
o    Alternatively, a cash stipend of $ 1500 at the conclusion of service
•    If applicable, relocation to serve
•    The opportunity to implement a community resource that  remains as a legacy to support children and education in Pennsylvania

Note:
•    Applicants will be required to go through federal background checks, including finger-printing.
•    The VISTA –Volunteer will be based at the Center for Schools and Communities in the Harrisburg area and have a satellite office at the Montgomery Early Learning Center in the Philadelphia area.
•    This position requires a car to travel in south central and southeast Pennsylvania
•    There is the potential need to travel nationally for training.

To Apply
If you are interested or have any questions, please  contact Kacy Conley at kconley@csc.csiu.org or call 717-763-1661 ext 210.  Email your cover letter and resume to kconley@csc.csiu.org