Are you interested in nonprofits? Education? Volunteerism? Join us by serving a year as an AmeriCorps VISTA and recruiting passionate community mentors, tutors, and ReadingPals to work with students struggling with attendance, behavior issues, or academics.

TITLE: AmeriCorps VISTA Mentor/Tutor Program Coordinator

PROGRAM: Together for Tomorrow, sponsored by Heart of Florida United Way

SERVICE LOCATION: Each VISTA will serve at one Title I (high percentage of students on free or reduced lunch) school in Orange, Osceola, or Seminole county.

WHAT IS AMERICORPS VISTA? AmeriCorps VISTA is a 1-year (12 calendar months) national service volunteer assignment with modest living allowance funded through the federal government’s Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). VISTA projects serve with local nonprofits and governments to create long-term, sustainable solutions which help to combat poverty. Projects exist throughout the country to develop financial assets, reduce homelessness, improve health services, and enhance educational opportunities for at-risk youth. For more information about VISTA, visit NationalService.gov

WHAT IS TOGETHER FOR TOMORROW: Together for Tomorrow (TFT) is an initiative which began in partnership with Heart of Florida United Way, the U.S. Department of Education, the White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships, and the Corporation for National and Community Service in 2011. "Together for Tomorrow is aimed at changing the relationship between schools and community partners so everyone feels a shared responsibility," said Joshua DuBois, special assistant to the President and executive director of the White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships. "Every child deserves an education that will enable them to succeed in a global economy. Faith and community groups are critical partners in this all-hands on deck moment." VISTAs serving with TFT will create and foster relationships within their school’s community in order to recruit highly qualified and dedicated volunteers to serve as mentors, tutors, and ReadingPals. During the 2014-15 year alone, VISTAs recruited 424 community volunteers to serve as mentors and tutors.

The VISTA position will work at a designated school to recruit, screen, train, engage and monitor volunteers from the community in activities that:

  • Boost student attendance and reduce tardiness
  • Improve student academic performance
  • Increase positive student behaviors
  • Increase student desire and motivation toward post-secondary education

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Recruit mentors, tutors, and ReadingPals from the community
  • Form and cultivate relationships with faith-based, business, and other community partners
  • Match students with ReadingPals, tutors, and mentors
  • Develop/provide appropriate volunteer training
  • Solicit in-kind donations to support students’ academic success
  • Monitor and track program activities
  • Monitor volunteer performance; provide feedback
  • Assist with program outcome evaluation
  • Work in coordination with HFUW supervisor and other VISTAs
  • Complete monthly activity reports
  • Coordinate and manage special volunteer recruitment/appreciation events
  • Create and/or update site sustainability plans in order to promote the long-term success of the school’s volunteer

QUALIFIED CANDIDATES SHOULD HAVE:

  • A passion for service and volunteerism
  • Experience recruiting and coordinating volunteers
  • Strong oral communication and presentation skills
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
  • Experience working with at-risk youth (pre-k through high school) and/or poverty-stricken populations
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • Reliable transportation, as position requires 30 – 50% local travel
  • Associates degree (preferred areas of study include, but are not limited to: education, public administration, public relations/communications)
  • Ability to pass criminal history background check
  • U.S. citizenship or legal permanent resident status

BENEFITS OF SERVICE:

  • Modest living allowance of $1013 per month (paid bi-weekly)
  • End of service educational award of $5,815 or $1,500 cash stipend
  • Settling in allowance of $550 and travel reimbursement for members relocating to serve
  • Exposure to the public school system and the Central Florida nonprofit community
  • Ongoing professional development (quarterly trainings and opportunities to attend additional community conferences and events)
  • Some flexibility in service hours (35-40 hours/week minimum; may include some evenings and weekends for special events)
  • Health coverage, dental, and vision (http://www.nationalservice.gov/programs/americorps/current-members/health-care-options)
  • Childcare assistance for those whom qualify
  • Non-competitive access to federal jobs upon completion of service

Available starting dates in 2017:
August 14 / November 6

TO APPLY: Submit your resume and cover by visiting