To apply for this position, visit Habitat for Humanity International’s career page.
Apply NowHabitat for Humanity Philadelphia’s Family Services Development VISTA member will assist with improving the systems and processes of the family services program so that the affiliate can serve more families in our service area. Habitat has been growing dramatically over the past few years, and has ambitious plans to double the number of families reached over the next couple of years. This means that the workload of the family services department has been increasing substantially. To reach our goals, the program needs to have better systems in place to manage and track the now multiple types of family cohorts. This position’s primary task will be to consolidate the existing systems and to develop improved methods. The member will then test the implementation of these systems, and help determine and manage how program data is organized and recorded for future use. A more efficient system will provide staff with the much needed time to engage families directly. This person will work closely with the family services department, most of the repair department, the repair committee of the board of directors, other office staff as needed, and potentially community partners.
Goal | Output |
---|---|
Goal7 | OutputSystems, processes and/or tools created or enhanced by VISTA member that will increase capacity at the local Habitat organization. |
Goal30 | OutputIndividuals who collaborate with VISTA member on projects related to this position (stakeholders, volunteers, community members, staff, etc.) |
Explore the family services program and resources that are currently in place at the host site and identify best practices from other programs. Identify what additional needs the project requires. Document research and communicate findings to the project sponsor and gain further direction to move forward with developing an enhanced family services program.
Member activities
Based on the information gathered, develop and document an enhanced family services program that addresses the needs of the host site. The plan should address homeowner family recruitment, tracking, scheduling and support.
Member activities
Implement the enhanced family services program. Assist the host site in testing and evaluating the various parts of the program developed, making revisions as needed to ensure success.
Member activities
Activities listed here may include visits to the construction site for the purposes of observation, interviews of staff and volunteers and implementation of family services development items. While VISTA members cannot regularly build on the construction site, the VISTA member may have the opportunity to engage in active building no more than one time per month to help inform family services program development and connect with homeowner families.
Ensure that the family services program is sustainable, continuing at the host site after the completion of the VISTA term by developing manuals and training staff and volunteers on the new program.
Member activities
Minimum expectations are outlined below with the understanding that further trainings may be required, as determined by the host site, Habitat for Humanity International or the Corporation for National and Community Service.
Required
Preferred
Physical requirements
Member will primarily serve in an open-space office and will share space with other staff and/or AmeriCorps members. Each member will have a desk, computer (with email and internet access), and a phone for service-related tasks. Shared resources include a printer, copy machine, fax machine as well as office supplies.
Will a personal vehicle be required? ☐ Yes ☒ No
A personal vehicle is not required but is preferable. Travel is required for this position. Public transportation is available and paid for by affiliate, as is bike share, and Philadelphia is easily accessible by bike. Much of the travel will be within the North Philadelphia and West Philadelphia communities. When personal vehicle is used, approved service-related mileage (beyond commuting to and from service from home) will be reimbursed per the affiliate’s policy. There is limited ability for using Habitat vehicles, which would require being at least 21 years of age for insurance reasons.
Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia is located in the heart of where our country was founded. The region is rich in cultural and ethnic diversity. Philadelphia is an ideal location to take advantage of all the area has to offer, including both urban activities and natural retreats. Visit the Liberty Bell and countless historical sites, stroll around the vibrant and varied neighborhoods, take a day-trip to the beach, enjoy lively restaurants and cafes, bike through Fairmount Park—the possibilities are limitless. Philadelphia has something to offer for everybody.
As Philadelphia rapidly grows and develops, Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia’s work to preserve the rich fabric of our neighborhoods becomes increasingly important. We work to maintain homeownership opportunities and improve the quality of life for individuals and families through new home construction, home rehabilitations, home repairs, and various community projects. This is an exciting opportunity to be a part of Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia’s continuing growth as we strive to meet the need for affordable homeownership and repair opportunities in Philadelphia.
AmeriCorps members contribute a year of service, and in return receive a modest living stipend, a basic health insurance plan, an education award, job training, and personal and professional growth opportunities. You will leave your year of service not only with new transferrable skills, but also with a sense of community that comes with no other employment opportunity. Please visit habitatphiladelphia.org for more information.
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