VISTA Volunteer
Healthy Homes
Note: Do not apply directly to LIHI. To start the process, you must apply to become a VISTA Volunteer on this website: http://www.esd.wa.gov/washingtonservicecorps/ql-applynow.php
Posting Date:
June
22, 2012
Closing Date: July 31, 2012
Reports To: Supportive Housing Coordinator
Work Schedule: Full-time. Must be available evenings and some weekends.
Compensation: $1,125 per month stipend, plus $5,500 education award or $1,500 cash award upon completion; Volunteers who are currently receiving public assistance can continue to do so throughout the VISTA year.
Benefits: Medical, mileage/bus pass; childcare assistance may be available.
ABOUT THE LOW INCOME HOUSING INSTITUTE: Founded in 1991, LIHI’s mission is to develop, manage and advocate for low-income housing throughout Seattle and Western Washington. Currently, LIHI owns or manages 44 properties containing over 1,600 housing units, providing homes for low-income families, individuals, seniors, people with disabilities, and women and children at risk. More than five hundred of these units are set aside for homeless persons. Seventy-five percent of our housing units serve families or individuals earning less than 30 percent of the area median income.
Job description summary: This position is responsible for collaborating with the LIHI staff, residents, volunteers and community members to develop and implement conservation programs for residents of the Low Income Housing Institute.
Responsibilities:
Summary: This position is responsible for collaborating with the Resource and Education Coordinator to develop and implement technology-based education programs for residents of the Low Income Housing Institute. Classes and tutoring are offered via the Mobile Lab, 6 Mini-Labs and the Sand Point Community Technology Center.
Resident Outreach
- Outreach to LIHI resident communities: creating communications, physical distribution of communications, in-person engagement through attending site events and meetings.
- Conduct resident needs and interests survey: assist in creating the survey, develop survey distribution methods, promote, distribute and collect the survey, compile and analyze the survey.
- Organize andr participate in resident community meetings to collect initial program input.
- Develop and maintain participant database
- Compile and maintain conservation resource handbooks for buildings
Volunteer Recruitment
- Recruit two to three resident volunteer leaders at each housing site.
- Convene meetings with resident advisors to discuss program updates and involve advisors in implementation.
Program Implementation
- Participate in survey analysis and determine program direction at each site.
- Train, coordinate and supervise volunteers.
- Plan and implement resident educational sessions that focus on conservation of resources, increase recycling, indoor air quality and reduce chemical usage at the site.
- Plan and implement community celebration with elected officials to celebrate the reduction of energy use and increased community engagement.
- Create community engagement toolkit for distribution to other sites.
Qualifications:
Interpersonal
Skills
- Commitment to social change and community empowerment
- Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to work effectively with staff, volunteers and patrons who represent diverse cultural, age, economic, social, ethnic, and sexual orientations, with differing levels of physical and mental abilities
- Conflict resolutions skills
- Patience, compassion and humor
- Ability to work both independently and in cooperation with others
Miscellaneous Skills
- Strong organizational skills
- Drivers license and dependable transportation
Preferred Skills
- • Strong writing skills
- • Prior community outreach or engagement
- • AA, BA or BS Degree in related fields (technology, education, social work)
- • Spanish, Khmer, Somali, Amharic and other language skills are helpful
VISTA Requirements
- Must be 18 years of age; there is no upper age limit.
- Serve full-time for 12 months.
- Have a high school diploma or GED.
- Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident with documentation.
- Attend SERVES Institutes.
- Be commited to VISTA position without working part-time jobs.
- Criminal background will be checked.