AmeriCorps VISTA- Portland Housing Center
AmeriCorp* VISTA Position Description
Position Title: Financial Education and Asset Building Outreach Coordinator
Project Sponsor: Portland Housing Center, www.portlandhousingcenter.org
Portland Housing Center Mission: Everyone deserves access to homeownership. The Portland Housing Center makes it possible through quality education, counseling and financial services.
Project Location: 3233 NE Sandy Blvd. Portland, OR 97232
Position Summary: The VISTA will conduct activities such as recruiting and training volunteers for outreach to families at risk of foreclosure, developing training manuals, scheduling classes or raising program resources. The VISTA will connect closely with other volunteers that are part of this national program to reduce the number of foreclosures, stabilize communities affected by foreclosures, and protect and build personal and community assets in low- and moderate-income communities.
General Responsibilities (to include, but not limited to):
• Collaborate with PHC HomeOwner Basics staff to offer financial education and asset
building outreach in the community.
• Work with Portland Housing Center HomeOwner Basics staff and community partners to
develop and update financial education curriculum.
• Facilitate the provision of financial education curriculum in community venues through the
use of volunteers.
• Develop and implement financial education program evaluation.
• Recruit and train volunteer facilitators for financial education and outreach workshops.
• Assist in the outreach for and maintenance of Individual Development Accounts.
• Complete and submit all necessary VISTA paperwork and reports in a timely manner.
• Attend and complete all VISTA training and service requirements including orientation,
trainings, and team meetings.
Training and Qualifications
U.S. Citizen at least 18 years of age
Responsible, self-motivated, and able to handle multiple on-going projects
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Relevant non-profit or community development experience
Computer skills required (MS Office products proficiency helpful)
Other language skills a plus
Ability to exercise considerable initiative and independent judgment and follow-through
Maintains regular and timely attendance
Thrives in a fast-paced work environment
Preferred Additional Qualifications:
• Experience in financial education and working with volunteers
• Ability to work with diverse populations.
• Experience in program evaluation.
• Ability to work on projects independently and as a team member.
This position requires a commitment to serve as a full-time employee for one full year. Compensation is paid directly to VISTA Leaders in the form of a living allowance from AmeriCorp* VISTA. Health insurance is provided. At the end of the term of service, an education award or cash stipend may be provided. For more information about AmeriCorps VISTA, see http://www.nationalservice.gov/about/programs/americorps_vista.asp.
Member Benefits Include:
• A taxable, monthly living allowance (before taxes, approximately $865).
• Upon successful completion of a term of service, eligible members/leaders receive an
education award of $4,725. The education award can be used to repay qualified student loans
or for further education in an accredited institution of higher learning, vocational or trade
schools. The education award is taxed in the year that it is used.
• Loan forbearance (after successful completion of a term of service, AmeriCorps will pay the
accrued interest on qualified loans, which is taxable).
• Basic medical insurance (covers members only, not dependents; vision and dental not
included).
• Child care allowance for those who qualify.
• Professional development, trainings and networking opportunities.
Transportation Information:
• Project site is accessible by public transportation.
• Personal vehicle is recommended to travel to outreach sites. Mileage reimbursement provided.
Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted until July 31, 2009.
Interviews: No set schedule. Open until filled. Type of Position: Individual Placement
Service Dates: September 14, 2009 - August 17, 2010 Length of Term: 1700 hours (11-months)
How to apply:
Step 1 - Email résumé, cover letter and contact information for three references to the Project Sponsor for this position – Felicia Tripp at feliciat@portlandhousingcenter.org. The Project Sponsor will conduct all initial interviews and recommend a candidate for this position. All recommended candidates will also interview with Portland Housing Center.
Step 2 - Complete your application and submit materials to Felicia Tripp at feliciat@portlandhousingcenter.org. Application materials can either be completed online at the AmeriCorps website or downloaded from the PHC website “How to Apply” page and submitted via email (preferable), mail or fax. A complete Member application includes the following:
• AmeriCorps Application
• Two Written References
• Certification Form - This document must be mailed or faxed to our office with an
original signature.
Questions about the position? Contact: Felicia Tripp at feliciat@portlandhousingcenter.org. 503-282-7744 x116
General questions about AmeriCorps, PHC or our recruitment process?
Contact:
Felicia Tripp
Recruitment Coordinator
Portland Housing Center
3233 NE Sandy Blvd
Portland, OR 97232
(503 282-7744 ext 116
(503) 736-0101 (fax)
feliciat@portlandhousingcenter.org
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER