Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity - Volunteer Services Development VISTA

AmeriCorps Volunteer Services Development VISTA

The volunteer services development VISTA member will create, document, and implement plans for volunteer recruitment, recognition and retention to increase the number of local volunteers and improve the overall volunteer experience. This will include evaluating current volunteer programs and resources and identifying best practices or focus engagement on specific groups, such as youth or veterans. Each new plan developed will be well documented and evaluated to ensure sustainability beyond the year of service.

Objective one – Research
Research the volunteer program and resources that are currently in place to identify best practices and any additional needs the project requires. Document research and communicate findings to move forward with developing a formal volunteer recruitment, recognition and retention program. 
Member activities 

• Research the existing volunteer program. Identify areas needing improvement.
• Research volunteer recruitment, orientation and training materials and resources available to compare findings to current practices.
• Research volunteer training, performance evaluation and leadership development options.
• Research volunteer recognition options for variable milestones, from annual events to recognition for smaller achievements.

Objective Two – Development 
Based on the information gathered, develop, and document a formal volunteer recruitment, recognition and retention program that will address the needs of the host site. The plan should include opportunities for volunteer feedback.
Member activities

• Develop and document a volunteer recruitment plan, including targeting local community organizations. Create a volunteer recruitment community directory and a social media plan aimed at recruitment.
• Develop and document a volunteer training plan that will ensure all volunteers have the skills needed to perform their roles successfully.
• Develop and document a system or process to evaluate a volunteer’s performance and experience where mutual feedback can be given.
• Develop and document a process that supports the Habitat organization continuously identifying volunteers that can be cultivated into leadership roles.
• Develop and document a volunteer recognition plan that includes items identified as best practices during the research phase.

Objective Three – Implementation and review

• Implement the new volunteer recruitment, recognition, and retention program. Assist the host site in testing and evaluating the various parts of the program, making revisions as needed to ensure success.
• Member activities
• Implement the volunteer recruitment plan. Create and document recruitment resources, including marketing templates, volunteer application and contacts of places where recruitment has been successful.
• Implement the volunteer training, performance evaluation and leadership development plan. Gather feedback from staff and volunteers and make changes as needed,
• Implement the volunteer recognition plan, evaluate success, and make changes as needed.

Objective Four – Sustainability

• Ensure that the enhanced volunteer program is sustainable, continuing at the host site after the completion of the VISTA term, by documenting the plan and training staff and volunteers on the new program.
• Member activities
• Develop a manual of resources and directions for maintaining the volunteer program, including recruitment, tracking, scheduling, training, performance evaluation, leadership development and recognition systems and programs.
• Recruit and train volunteers and staff members on use of new systems and procedures to ensure there is a transition plan for ongoing maintenance of systems and support of the program.

Minimum requirements

• AmeriCorps members must be a U.S. citizen, national or lawful permanent resident.
• AmeriCorps members must be at least eighteen or older.
• AmeriCorps members must have a high school diploma or GED.
• AmeriCorps members may have recurring access to vulnerable populations and must satisfy the National Service Criminal History Check eligibility criteria.

Our ideal candidate:

• Knowledge of and willingness to promote the mission and activities of Habitat for Humanity International and AmeriCorps.
• The ability to work with a diverse group of people.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong research skills.
• Attention to detail and is highly organized.
• Experience working with volunteers, instructing individuals, or facilitating groups.
• Experience working as a member of a team.
• Basic experience with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word, Excel, and Teams.

Benefits of AmeriCorps service

• Annual living allowance range from $17,000 to $35,000, determined by the service location; most locations are on the lower end of this range.
• Segal Education Award upon successful completion of service.
• Health benefits and enrollment in Employee Assistance Plan.
• Ten personal and 10 medical leave days.
• Possible forbearance or deferment of qualified student loans.
• Childcare benefits, if you qualify.
• Noncompetitive eligibility status for federal employment for one year after successful completion of service.
• Relocation travel assistance for members relocating more than 50 miles to serve.