SRs: AmeriCorps*VISTA position

The Leadership & Community Service-Learning unit (LCSL), in the Adele H. Stamp Student Union, engages students at the University of Maryland in meaningful community service-learning with the local community through resources, programs, and events. LCSL strives to educate students about the root causes of pressing social issues while making a meaningful and immediate difference in the local community.

This year the primary job of the MDCCC AmeriCorps VISTA member will be to finalize and implement an outreach plan and materials, reaching out to those who work and live in Prince George’s County so that individuals, family members, and community members can help those living in need within the County.  They will also host trainings for community partners on how to use the database and assess how it is working to help meet their needs.  Finally, they will create and implement an assessment of the virtual resource center itself so that changes can continue to be made so that it is more user friendly for people in need, service providers, and volunteers.   These three steps are the next steps in creating a county wide virtual resource center allowing community members in need and service providers to find non-profits that can provide resources to help them rise out of poverty.  In addition, this virtual resource center will allow for community members to find volunteer opportunities at these non-profits, hopefully building the capacity of the services they provide.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Foster relationships between the University of Maryland and non-profits in Prince George’s County.
• Maintain and grow the database of community partners in the virtual resource center through solidifying the database, making the database accessible to the general public through web-based tools, and reviewing and updating the manuals to ensure sustainability. 
• Finalize and implement an outreach plan and materials, reaching out to those who work and live in Prince George’s County so that individuals, family members, and community members can help those living in need within the County. 
• Host trainings for community partners on how to use the database and assess how it is working to help meet their needs. 
• Create and implement an assessment of the virtual resource center itself so that changes can continue to be made so that it is more user friendly for people in need, service providers, and volunteers.
• Assess the project as it happens and be able to make in flight corrections as needed.
• Participate as an active member of the Leadership & Community-Service Learning and the Human Services Coalition staff teams.

This is a 12-month AmeriCorps*VISTA position that begins in June 2015. The monthly stipend for this VISTA position is $1,333. Upon completing the 12-months of service, the person in this position can choose to receive either an education award worth $5,500 to pay for further education, or $1,500 cash. This position reports directly to the Coordinator for Local Community Service-Learning.

Qualifications:  Preferred candidates will have a bachelor’s degree in community development, sociology, public policy, or closely related field and experience in one or more of the following areas:  service-learning/community service, working with non-profit agencies, working with college students, technology (databases, website creation, smart application creation, etc.), leadership development, working with diverse populations. Excellent communication and organizational skills required as is a valid driver’s license (with less than six points).  Spanish language proficiency strongly encouraged but not required.

To apply:  Send resume, cover letter, and names and telephone numbers of three references to: 

• Deborah Slosberg, Slosberg@umd.edu; 301-314-0068