AmeriCorps VISTA Program is Now Hiring
Published on August 27, 2021
AmeriCorps VISTA Program: Now Hiring
The Unified Government is committed to civic innovation, job creation, economic development, and the health of Wyandotte County residents and the Unified Government AmeriCorps VISTA Program is contributing in big ways! The program places AmeriCorps VISTA members in diverse, yearlong roles focused on health, economic opportunity, neighborhood revitalization, and resident engagement.
AmeriCorps VISTA is a federally funded national service program. Individuals serve for 365-days supporting initiatives doing amazing work in our community. AmeriCorps VISTA is a great opportunity for someone looking to gain experience in local government or nonprofits. Our members coordinate programs, create marketing materials, conduct programmatic evaluations, and so much more!
AmeriCorps VISTA members receive a bi-weekly living stipend of $575 pre-tax, plus a $100 monthly housing stipend. Upon successfully completing 365 days of service, members are eligible for the Segal Education Award currently valued at $6,345 (can be used for educational expenses or federally qualified student loans) or a cash stipend of $1,800. AmeriCorps VISTA alumni qualify for Noncompetitive Eligibility (NCE) status with the Federal Government for a year after service. AmeriCorps VISTA is a great steppingstone for federal employment!
We are currently accepting applications for the following positions – all positions have a start date of October 25, 2021. To apply, please email your resume to UGVISTALeader@wycokck.org by September 1st. Be sure to include in the body of the email which position(s) you are interested in.
American Rescue Plan Outreach AmeriCorps VISTA – This AmeriCorps VISTA position will leverage existing systems, like the new Community Health Workers program, and institute new programs and systems to ensure Wyandotte County residents are taking advantage of all the American Rescue Plan Act aid available. Placement will be within a Unified Government Department.
Communications & Development Specialist AmeriCorps VISTA – This AmeriCorps member will create effective strategies and tools to communicate the mission, vision, and activities of the Police Athletic League (PAL) to PAL attendees, current and potential PAL donors and supporters, and the broader KCK community; thus increasing visibility and support for PAL KCK in the community. Placement is at the Police Athletic League of Kansas City, KS.
Communications & Planning Coordinator AmeriCorps VISTA – The member will build a wider base of support and increase community engagement with the ongoing implementation of the priority projects; manage social media, newsletters, website & blog posts. Support the operation of the Groundwork NRG organization as it carries out its work in the Historic Northeast neighborhood: program and data collection, research new grant opportunities. Placement is with Groundwork Northeast Revitalization Group.
Community & Organizational Outreach Analyst AmeriCorps VISTA – The VISTA will support the UG’s Budget Office’s efforts to develop this multi-year action plan and coordinating a plan for engaging the community and elected officials around the plan. Engaging the community around the priority-based budget and educating them about the impact it will have is an enormous undertaking, and VISTA support will make that possible.
Crime & Opioid AmeriCorps VISTA – This position will add extensive capacity to the crime analysis and within "Impacting Crime in Our Neighborhoods" (ICON) and "Data-Driven Approach to Crime and Traffic Safety" (DDACTS) projects. The member will also Research opioid grants and policies. Create opioid educational material for better community engagement. Placement is within the Kansas City, KS Police Department.
Health Equity Mobilizer AmeriCorps VISTA – The overall goal of this project is to strengthen the infant mortality coalition in Wyandotte County, Kansas. This coalition focuses on reducing racial disparities in infant mortality. This VISTA member will recruit culturally diverse members to this coalition, map community assets, help create action plans, generate resources, and work with partners to enact evidence-based strategies to reduce infant mortality. Placement is within the UG Public Health Department.
Housing Solutions AmeriCorps VISTA – This member will collaborate with others to support effective programming to support the end of homelessness in KCK. Improve, expand, and build capacity within available systems to address homelessness. Identify grants and opportunities. Develop and implement a plan to educate and raise awareness around the topic of homelessness and affordable housing. Placement is at Cross-Lines Community Outreach, Inc.
Hunger Relief AmeriCorps VISTA – This member will assess current service model of Cross-Lines’ food program; create ways for agencies to communicate the issue of hunger to their communities to garner support; and create marketing materials and trainings to build partners’ capacity to service the food insecure in the community. Placement is at Cross-Lines Community Outreach, Inc.
Operations & Training AmeriCorps VISTA – This member will focus on operational aspects of the Operations Bureau of the Kansas City, KS Police Department (KCKPD) aimed at increasing efficiency. The member will also complete special projects including the possibility of establishing a 501(c)3 Police Department Foundation; public-facing presentation for Community Oriented Policing and supporting the Critical Incident Team/Mental Health First Aid Training Program. Placement is within the Kansas City, KS Police Department.
Outreach & Development AmeriCorps VISTA – The AmeriCorps member will focus on operational aspects of the Animal Services Unit aimed at increasing efficiency. The member will also complete special projects including the possibility of establishing a 501(c)3 Animal Services Foundation; public-facing presentations and materials; develop an outreach program and a volunteer program. Placement is at Animal Services Unit of the Kansas City, KS Police Department.
Rosedale Community Engagement AmeriCorps VISTA – In response to neighborhood advocacy, Rosedale Development Association (RDA) is preparing for a capital campaign to raise the money for a community center. The goal of this VISTA project is to build RDA’s capacity to conduct a capital campaign through prospect research, campaign material preparation, and community engagement. Placement is at Rosedale Development Association.
Solutions Lab Project Coordinator AmeriCorps VISTA – KC Digital Drive is a non-profit organization whose mission is to make Kansas City a digital leader to secure our economic prosperity and improve the quality of life for all people in the region. We accomplish this by closing the digital divide, driving digital innovation, and building Kansas City’s reputation as a capital of civic innovation and thoughtful adopter of technology. This AmeriCorps member will support two specific community health projects responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and work with the Program Manager to identify new project opportunities for the Solutions Lab.
Stormwater/GIS Hydrology Analyst AmeriCorps VISTA – Utilize GIS and other modeling software to communicate current stormwater and hydrological deficiencies within Wyandotte County. Support policy, project identification, and overall programming related to watershed master planning. Placement is within the UG Public Works Department.
Tele Access for Seniors Project Coordinator AmeriCorps VISTA – This member will develop a robust approach to expanding and/or enhance existing information resources to a virtual platform, such as YouTube; and create an effective outreach program for Seniors. The VISTA will help Area Agency on Aging be more effective in providing informational resources to the community. The member will upload and record footage from Aging’s public hearing meetings and attend our congregate site locations to capture video footage and engage with the public. Placement is at the Wyandotte/Leavenworth Area Agency on Aging.
Violence Prevention AmeriCorps VISTA – The VISTA will support MOCSA’s Wyandotte County Sexual Assault Prevention Coalition’s efforts to implement and sustain community violence prevention strategies. The coalition is working to develop and implement innovative prevention programming that meets the needs and realities of residents and community, through reducing neighborhood violence, improving connection among neighbors, increasing gender equity, and addressing cultural norms around violence. Placement is at MOCSA.
Youth Violence Prevention Coordinator AmeriCorps VISTA – Join ThrYve (Together Helping Reduce Youth Violence for Equity!) in implementing programming to combat youth violence in Kansas City, KS.The VISTA will build capacity for KU ThrYve through evaluation of ThrYve efforts via data tracking, use of the Community Check Box Evaluation System, and help with the coordination of collaborative efforts. Placement is at ThrYve.
VISTA Leader – Flexible start date! Must have prior AmeriCorps or Peace Corps experience. VISTA Leader focuses on supporting and recruiting members, planning events and professional development opportunities, and gaining valuable experience. Great leadership opportunity for someone looking to fine-tune professional skills. Placement is within the UG Public Health Department.