Join Now - KsCC AmeriCorps*VISTA Leader
Applications for 2009-2010 have closed. Thank you for your interest!
Become a change agent in higher education. Work with Kansas Campus Compact to connect colleges with communities, engage students in civic learning, and help solve society's most pressing needs.
Benefits | Program Description | Position Description | Eligibility | Apply Now| Housing
Applicants must have successfully completed a term of service as an AmeriCorps*VISTA Member or Peace Corps Volunteer to apply to the VISTA Leader position.
Member Benefits
- $4,725 Education Award or End-of-Service stipend of $2,400
- Student loan forbearance or deferment
- Health benefits
- Paid housing (furnished studio apartment, see below)
- Living allowance
- Relocation allowance
- Personal and professional training
- The opportunity to help our communities
- The appeal of being part of a national movement
- Training in job skills and career networking opportunities
- The chance to apply education and experience
- For more details on these, read the VISTA Member Information & Guidelines
Program Description
The Kansas Campus Compact AmeriCorps*VISTA Project helps colleges and universities to better respond to pressing issues facing low-income communities by improving the quality of campus community service and civic learning programs, by building community-campus partnerships to support work to meet shared goals, by increasing the number of students coordinating programs and directly serving in the community, and by enhancing college access and success for low-income and first-generation college students.
The KsCC VISTA Leader will serve full-time for one year, working with a growing team of VISTA Members. During this year of service the KsCC VISTA Leader will support Kansas Campus Compact and individual campus host-sites in their efforts to promote their AmeriCorps*VISTA positions, recruit members, and build public awareness of poverty in Kansas; assist with planning and conducting on-site orientation and training for new members and provide members with weekly guidance and attention; and help develop effectiveness and esprit de corps among individuals serving in the Kansas Campus Compact AmeriCorps*VISTA Project.
KsCC AmeriCorps*VISTA Leader Position Description
Required Qualifications:
- Must have served and successfully completed a term of service as an AmeriCorps*VISTA member or as a Peace Corps Volunteer
- Must have a college degree (BA, BS, Associate's degree plus relevant experience) or equivalent
- Must have excellent written and oral communication skills, particularly via E-mail and telephone
- Must have excellent organizational skills, including training, project management, public speaking, event planning and implementation
- Must be self-motivated, able to handle multiple on-going projects, and need minimal supervision
- Must have computer skills including word processing, spreadsheet/database software, internet and email
- Must have the ability to drive and access to a vehicle (for placements in areas without adequate public transportation)
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience and interest in coordinating and/or participating in service-learning and/or community service effortExperience in developing effective campus-community partnerships
- Experience in volunteer management
- Knowledge, interest, and/or prior experience working with college students
- Knowledge of the structure and governance of colleges and/or nonprofit organizations
- Experience in training, facilitation, and strong public speaking skills
Training Opportunities: AmeriCorps*VISTA Leader Training provided by CNCS, and ongoing training and professional development opportunities provided by Kansas Campus Compact, the Kansas Volunteer Commission, and other program partners.
Subsistence Allowance: $1,009/month and an Education Award of $4,725 OR End-of-Service Stipend of $2,400 ($1,200 for Peace Corp members). (Health care and childcare are provided if necessary). **Housing is provided.**
Location: The KsCC VISTA Leader will serve in the Kansas Campus Compact office on the campus of Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, and will support VISTA Members serving five campus sites across the state.
The KsCC VISTA Leader plays a vital role in providing support in each of the following areas:
- Recruitment and Public Awareness: The KsCC VISTA Leader supports Kansas Campus Compact and host sites in their efforts to market their AmeriCorps*VISTA positions, recruit members, and build public awareness of poverty in Kansas.
- Member Support: The KsCC VISTA Leader will assist with planning and conducting on-site orientation and training for new members and provide members with weekly guidance and attention. VISTA Leaders support VISTA Team Members and help them overcome many of the on-site barriers that may lead to early-termination. The effectiveness of individual VISTA members is fostered by the VISTA Leader's ability to maintain regular communication with Members and their supervisors and facilitate information sharing and collaboration.
- Member Performance: The KsCC VISTA Leader helps develop effectiveness and esprit de corps among individuals serving in the Kansas Campus Compact AmeriCorps*VISTA Project. The KsCC VISTA Leader is also tasked with recognizing efforts and accomplishments made by Members.
Specific activities to be performed by the KsCC VISTA Leader may include the following:
- Developing and expanding host-site VISTA programs;
- Coordinating regular reporting between VISTA Members, VISTA Supervisors, KsCC Staff, and the CNCS office;
- Recruiting, screening, and training KsCC VISTA Members;
- Creating a support network for KsCC VISTA Team Members;
- Providing personal support such as locating housing for VISTA Members relocating to serve;
- Assisting Members in the development of campus-community partnerships;
- Promoting information sharing and resource building among VISTA Members and programs;
- Assisting VISTA Supervisors in the development/implementation of on-site orientation training;
- Developing in-service training modules and opportunities for KsCC VISTA Members;
- Fundraising, writing grants, and conducting broad-based public awareness campaigns.
In addition, the 2009-2010 VISTA Leader will work with host-site Research departments to design and implement a yearly survey that measures the impact of civic engagement on student success and report monthly to KsCC Executive Director on progress.
Eligibility
- Must have successfully completed a prior AmeriCorps*VISTA or Peace Corps term of service
- U.S. citizen, national, or legal permanent resident alien of the U.S.
- 18 yrs or older
- *Must make full 12 month commitment to service
- **VISTA members may not have other outside commitments (i.e. school, second job, etc.)
*AmeriCorps*VISTA service is a one-year commitment. Members are expected to serve 12 months, full-time, excluding pre-service orientation. AmeriCorps*VISTA service is unique in that it involves a full immersion in the project and community. This is not a 9-to-5 job. You are expected to be available for the needs of your community and project at all times. If an individual believes he or she cannot fulfill this commitment, that person should not become an AmeriCorps*VISTA member or VISTA Leader.
**While serving as an AmeriCorps*VISTA Member or VISTA Leader, full or part-time employment is prohibited and full or part-time enrollment in school is prohibited.
Apply Now! (Online applications are required)
**Please read the KsCC VISTA Guidelines prior to applying**
To begin the application process, go to AmeriCorps.org and click “Apply to Serve.” This will create an account for you on the AmeriCorps application website. Once your account has been created, you can return at any time to AmeriCorps.org and log in to add information to your application and save it.
**Kansas Campus Compact will not process your application until reference contact information and two reference letters are submitted. Contact your references to ensure they completed these tasks.
**When completing the “Reference Information” section of the application, please be sure to enter an email address for your reference if you expect the reference to complete the form electronically.
Questions should be directed to Angela Deckard, or 785-532-3475
For more information about the KsCC VISTA Project, click here and visit the national AmeriCorps*VISTA website.
Paid apartment housing
Apartment Description:
2-Bedroom/1Bathroom
Pay only for electricity (under $20.00/month)
Hardwood floor
Large closets
2nd floor
Fun and spacious kitchen
Quiet neighbors
Location:
Close to Aggieville, Campus, Wal-Mart
10 min walk to K-State Student Union (shuttle service directly to office)
7 min walk to food store
12 min walk to recreation center
20 min walk / 10 min bike to office
