VISTA Program Design Member

AmeriCorps VISTA Program Design Member

The Mission of the St. Louis Area Foodbank is to build stronger communities by empowering people with food and hope. As the region's largest food distribution charity dedicated to feeding those in need, we are working to create a stronger, healthier bi-state region where no one goes to be hungry. The Program Design VISTA works under the direction of the Director of Community Programs, and the support of the Programs Team, to research and implement programmatic best practices to create strong program foundations to best meet the needs of the 26 counties we serve. The service year is meant to be a rewarding experience where the individual gains transferable skillsets essential to every nonprofit.

This position requires someone who:

Comfortable interviewing program partners and other foodbanks

The Volunteer Assignment Description (VISTA's job description format) is found on page 2.

Main responsibilities include:

1. Assess the current foundational elements of the programs at the St. Louis Area Foodbank, identify missing tools and make recommendations for moving forward.
2. Create and implement tools and standard operating procedures for programs based on research findings.
3. Track partner activity specific to pounds of food distributed and identify areas in most need of programmatic support
4. Maintain newly developed models, research ideal partner methods for deploying models, and assess the role for volunteers in partner programs. Implement findings and continually improve tracking as needed.

The above list is not exhaustive; there will be times where you will be asked to help participate and potentially lead out other projects on an as needed basis. This can include areas outside of your immediate area of responsibility. These projects can come from the Director of Community Programs or other staff.

Other Details: See servethelou.org for more detailed information.

• 40 hours per week with the flexibility to work more as needed; One-year commitment
• Allowed to have secondary employment with prior approval from supervisor; VISTA responsibilities must always be the first priority
• Pay: Approximately $12,490/year stipend; end-of-service educational award of approximately $6,000 or a cash stipend of approximately $1,800 is available *All dependent upon service year completion
• Professional development opportunities related to position available
• Other benefits may include: a relocation allowance for moving for service, childcare assistance, mileage reimbursement for service-related travel and health care options
• Join a community! In St. Louis, there is a VISTA umbrella with other like-minded individuals living and working in the community. Events take place monthly.

Volunteer Assignment Description - AmeriCorps VISTA Program Design Member

Title: AmeriCorps VISTA Program Design Member

Sponsoring Organization: St. Louis Area Foodbank

Project Name: St. Louis Area Foodbank

Project Period: January 21, 2020 to January 20, 2021

Goal of the Project:

The goal of the St. Louis Area Foodbank VISTA Program is to increase the number of meals the Foodbank provides by 5% each year. To do this, the Program Design VISTA will research and implement programmatic best practices to create strong program foundations. This will allow the Foodbank to reach communities most in need through the delivery of nutritious food in a way that that meets people where they spend their time instead of through traditional food pantries. By increasing access to food, we enable the one in six families who face hunger throughout our 26-county territory to save precious dollars that they can then use on health care costs, utilities, unexpected costs such as repairs, etc.

Objective of the Assignment (Period of Performance January 21 February 29, 2020): Assess the current foundational elements of the programs at the St. Louis Area Foodbank, identify missing tools and make recommendations for moving forward.

Member Activities:

1. Review current program infrastructure including, but not limited to, logic models, project plans, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), criteria, volunteer needs, evaluation mechanisms, marketing materials, etc.
2. Research best practices, identify missing tools and provide recommendations

Objective of the Assignment (Period of Performance March 1 June 30, 2020): Create and implement tools and standard operating procedures for programs based on research findings.

Member Activities:

1. Update/create and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to include logic models, project plans, program criteria, volunteer needs, evaluation mechanisms, marketing materials, etc.
2. Coordinate with Data Management VISTA member to ensure changes are documented in program SOPs and implemented
3. Research and compile program best practices for new programs
4. Track partner activity specific to pounds of food distributed and identify areas in most need of programmatic support
5. Coordinate with Volunteer Coordination VISTA member to create volunteer job descriptions and provide training to volunteers as needed to support improved program design
6. Create application process for new partners to participate in programs as needed

Objective of the Assignment (Period of Performance July 1, 2019 January 20, 2021): Maintain newly developed models, research ideal partner methods for deploying models, and assess the role for volunteers in partner programs. Implement findings and continually improve tracking as needed.

Member Activities:

1. Continue to create and implement tools and assist with the development, design and piloting of new programs as needed
2. Regularly evaluate and update existing models, tools and resources based on new needs, research and data results
3. Provide training as needed to volunteers and identify new opportunities for continued improvement
4. In conjunction with the VISTA Volunteer Coordinator, actively recruit volunteers for program volunteer job descriptions
5. Implement process to identify, train and grow volunteer leaders
6. Identify and vet program partners to ensure they meet criteria
7. Participate in regular training and research in order to adjust models for best practices

SLAFB is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

Current Openings for VISTA Program Design Member Jobs at St. Louis Area Foodbank