Volunteer In Service To America - AmeriCorps VISTA – Resource Capacity Buil at Connecticut Foodshare Inc

Wallingford Center, Connecticut, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

20 Mar, 26

Salary

24922.0

Posted On

20 Dec, 25

Experience

0 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Communication Skills, Interpersonal Skills, Digital Media, Microsoft Office, Public Speaking, Community Organizing, Training, Volunteer Engagement, Capacity Building, Social Justice, Organizational Skills, Self-Starter, Multi-Tasking, Food Assistance, Networking, Research

Industry

Individual and Family Services

Description

Description Are you ready to make a positive impact in the lives of individuals and families struggling with food insecurity? We are thrilled to announce a VISTA opportunity serving Connecticut Foodshare and the huge partner program network. Connecticut Foodshare is the food bank serving all of our neighbors across the state. Working with a strong network of community-based hunger relief programs, Connecticut Foodshare addresses the social issue of hunger by providing nutritious food as well as long-term, sustainable solutions to food insecurity. By serving Connecticut Foodshare, you will be part of a team that helps drive community awareness, garners support, leverages research, and engages volunteers, to realize our vision of a thriving community free of hunger. What is a VISTA? Founded in 1964, Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) is an anti-poverty program designed to provide needed resources to nonprofit organizations and public agencies to increase their capacity to lift communities out of poverty. AmeriCorps VISTA provides opportunities for Americans 18 years or older from a diverse range of backgrounds to dedicate a year of full-time service with an organization to create or expand programs designed to empower individuals and communities in overcoming poverty. *Note this is a full-time, one year volunteer assignment. VISTAs are provided with a living allowance and other benefits detailed below.* Position Summary: The Resource Capacity Building VISTA will help significantly increase the scope of Connecticut Foodshare's commitment to ending hunger by supporting network partners and volunteers. The candidate will have a hands-on opportunity to work with food assistance programs, build capacity and shape the experience of the people served. The focus of this service role will be to build network capacity through increased access to food and funds. The VISTA member will also be responsible for building capacity for the partner network to attract, train, and retain volunteers. This member will offer Connecticut Foodshare Agency Partners in-person capacity building support through workshop’s and learning labs. This position is a good fit for someone with excellent verbal, interpersonal and written communication skills with an ability to effectively and respectfully interact with people of all different backgrounds. The ideal candidate would have a passion for addressing social justice issues with dignity and creating a thriving community free of hunger. The candidate should be a self-starter, organized, and can multi-task. The position is based out of the Wallingford or Bridgeport offices with statewide travel - mileage reimbursed. Must have own transportation. Responsibilities: Connect and support food pantries, community meal centers and other food assistance providers that are part of the Connecticut Foodshare partner network Assess partner program interest in meeting with their peers from across the state to share ideas and best-practices Build community awareness about food assistance and support for partner programs through digital media and volunteer training Reduce barriers to access for people served Build guest engagement to strengthen food assistance programming Document all lessons learned and recommendations for future program improvements Benefits: A biweekly living allowance ($957.46 every 2 weeks) Members receive free basic healthcare coverage during their AmeriCorps service Childcare assistance (Eligible members receive a subsidy for children under 13 years) A choice of either a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award ($7,395.00 to pay off student loans and pay for tuition) or cash stipend ($1,800) at the end of the service year 1 year of noncompetitive eligibility for federal jobs Eligibility for scholarships and fellowships at a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate programs across the country Eligibility for forbearance for most federally-guaranteed student loans 1 year of professional experience with a cutting-edge Top Workplace winning nonprofit Potential for hybrid work model Develop skills and explore career interests Build professional network Make a positive impact in the lives of Connecticut’s food insecure neighbors Requirements High school diploma/GED Excellent verbal, interpersonal and written communication skills The ability to effectively and respectfully interact with people of all different backgrounds Experience with digital media Experience with Microsoft Office product Valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation Preferred Education/Experience Bachelor’s degree 1-3 years of experience in a similar or related role Experience with and comfort with public speaking, meeting facilitation and community organizing Experience in teaching or training environment or with public speaking Some Spanish speaking ability (not required) To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter to Human Resources. Connecticut Foodshare, as a state contractor, is an affirmative action/equal employment opportunity employer committed to non-discrimination in all its hiring and employment practices. Connecticut Foodshare maintains a drug-free workplace.

Responsibilities

The Resource Capacity Building VISTA will support food assistance programs and build capacity for the partner network. Responsibilities include connecting with food pantries, assessing partner interest, and documenting lessons learned.