Homeowner Services Development VISTA

For one year, get paid to build sustainable solutions in a community, gain valuable hands on experience and prepare for your future. This full-time AmeriCorps service position offers a great opportunity to make an impact in the lives of others while building your own knowledge and skillset.

AmeriCorps VISTA members are Volunteers in Service to America who perform indirect service to build capacity and sustainable solutions.

What will you do?

The homeowner services development VISTA member researches and implements a plan for homeowner family recruitment, tracking, scheduling and support with the goal to improve the overall experinece for participants. This could include designing a user-friendly application process, creating a comprehensive homeowner curriculum that prepares families for homeownership, or developing a plan to engage the local veteran and military community in Habitat's mission and the housing solutions provided.

• Research and develop a homeowner recruitment plan, including targeting local faith organizations, employers, school groups, civic groups and other community organizations.
• Research and develop a system to track homeowner housing applications and status, sweat equity hours and scheduling.
• Research and develop a homeowner education plan and curriculum to include topics such as financial literacy, home repair, mortgage education, etc.
• Research and develop materials to recruit new family services committee members, including a volunteer job description.

This position will focus on homeowner services aspects of Habitat affiliate operations.

Where will you serve?

• Organization name: Central South Carolina HFH
• Nearest metropolitan area: Columbia, SC
• Full-time staff: 13
• Expected number of AmeriCorps members: 2
• Expected number of homes to be built: 8
• Expected number of homes to be repaired: 22
• Activities and attractions: The Midlands area is known for its Riverwalk district, Congaree National Park, and Sesquicentennial State Park. The area is home of the Colonial Life Arena and William Brice Stadium (concert venue and athletics) as well as the Fireflies minor league baseball team. Throughout the year the area is known for hosting a variety of festivals, local concerts, and the state fair. There are several museums and a renowned Riverbanks Zoo & Garden. Within two hours a person can be in the mountains or at the beach.
• Unique projects: The host site is currently establishing a Veteran Repair program. It has recently completed the first round of a Critical Home Repair program and is in the midst of implementing a new strategic plan focused on the Quality-of-Life Framework.

Benefits of AmeriCorps service

• Living allowance of $22,881.85 for one year of service.
• Segal Education Award of $7,395 (lifetime maximum of two full education awards) OR end-of-service cash stipend of approximately $1,800, upon successful completion of service.
• Forbearance for most federally-guaranteed student loans.
• Health care benefits and enrollment in Employee Assistance Plan.
• 10 personal and 10 medical leave days.
• Personal and professional development opportunities.
• Child care benefits, if you qualify.
• Noncompetitive eligibility status for federal employment for one year after successful completion of service.
• Relocation assistance: Mileage and a $750 settling in allowance for members relocating more than 50 miles to serve.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must hold one of the following citizenship statuses: US citizen, US National, Lawful Permanent Resident Aliens or is a person residing in a state that have the following legal residency classifications: refugee, asylum or asylee, temporary protected status, or deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) status. Applicants must be at least 18 or older and have a high school diploma or GED.

Pursuant to current Habitat for Humanity policy, this position requires full vaccination against COVID-19, except to the extent such requirement is prohibited by applicable law.

What are we looking for?

Our ideal candidates:

• Are passionate about serving the community through direct service.
• Demonstrate respect for diversity of opinion, experience, and background.
• Desire to gain hands-on experience in the affordable housing and nonprofit sector.
• Have experience working on a team.
• Possess stellar interpersonal communication skills.
• Are motivated and committed to serve full time and in person.