HFHI National Service VISTA Assignment Description (VAD)

Transcription

1 Affiliate/Host Site Name: HFH- MidOhio Program: AmeriCorps VISTA Member Role: Project Development Service Week (days/times): Monday Friday, 8:30 AM 5:00 PM with occasional evenings/saturdays/sundays Host Site Manager (HSM) Name: Deb Light Will members engage in any of these programs? Disaster Recovery Veterans/Military Families Neighborhood Revitalization 0 cash and in-kind resources will be raised utilizing systems and opportunities identified by VISTA member (includes resources raised for home building efforts, as well as ReStores) o 0 cash resources o 0 in-kind resources 30 individuals will collaborate with VISTA member on projects related to this position. (Stakeholders, volunteers, None Direct Supervisor Name: Phil Washburn Will this member be actively building on the construction site at least one day per week? No Yes Goals: Work with host site staff and volunteers to expand upon our multi-tiered home repair program to include improving construction efficiencies, create or improve policies and procedures, and develop strategies to build leadership and leverage resources that increase the number of families served through the Habitat mission. Shift the focus of the multitiered home repair program from the Homeowner Services process to the Construction side to improve efficiency as well as create an affiliate operations manual. Our affiliate expects to dramatically increase the number of families that we serve in the coming years through the launch of our Habitat Housing Initiative in FY19, where we will significantly increase families served through expanded home repair products. As the VISTA member is responsible for the continuing project efforts of an expanded array of products, this position will be integral to the growth and viability of the affiliate moving forward. The member will research best practices and other construction process improvements, and collaborate with Program, Homeowner Services, and Construction staff to lay the foundations for consolidating these into a single streamlined process from assessments to completed projects while also ensuring that partner familes are set up for success and are given adequate support while completing their requirements. This position will create and implement the processes and procedures needed for the multi-tiered home repair program as well as gain the community and volunteer support necessary to launch successful projects. In addition to launching the new framework of the home repair construction process, this position will also be responsible for setting up the system by which success is measured. Member will need to gather data about the staffing hours and process bottlenecks prior to expanded implementation and create a tracking system for impact moving forward. This member position will allow our affiliate to continue to implement and pilot a successful multi-tiered home repair program within the local community by utilizing community partnership collaboration and to meet the need of critical housing issues and expand our impact within our targeted service area. This program would then be replicated and expanded to have a greater community impact as a whole as we launch our Habitat Housing Initiative in FY19 and the years beyond. As we grow our impact, having an affiliate operations manual will be critical to our success of programmatic expansion. The VISTA member will work to standardize and document our processes while looking for recommendations for operational improvements. The operations manual will prepare the affiliate for the launch of the Habitat Housing Initiative in FY2019 when our home repairs will significantly increase and will help cut down on inefficiencies. Outputs: Measurable targets must be included and should be targeted PER MEMBER.

2 HFHI National Service community members, staff, etc.) 2 systems, processes, and/or tools created or enhanced by VISTA member that will increase capacity at the affiliate 0 of additional projects that do not fall into one of the categories above created or enhanced by VISTA member that will increase capacity at the affiliate Objective One (First Quarter) EXPLORATION: Explore the construction programs, policies and procedures, leadership and resources that are currently in place at the affiliate and identify best practices from other programs. Identify what additional needs the project requires. Document research and communicate findings to the project sponsor and gain further direction to move forward with developing an enhanced multi-tiered home repair program construction process and creating a standardized affiliate program operations manual. Member Activities (include specific outputs as appropriate) 1. Research the affiliate s past construction program processes and understand the current affiliate systems by September 10, Research construction resources available from HFHI. 3. Research volunteer recruitment options for construction home repair, including targeting local faith organizations, employers, school groups, civic groups, and other community organizations. 4. Create a list of questions from initial research to gather from other affiliates by September 10, Questions should include successes and road blocks to their repair programs and data tracking systems in addition to others created from research and discussion. 5. Research best practices, systems, resources and examples of similar projects at other organizations (including 10 other affiliates and HFHI) by October 1, Other affiliates should represent similar sized/geographical area as well as those with significant increased families served in comparison to our affiliate. 6. Research systems for construction and project management. 7. Research construction management processes used by other Habitat affiliates, and identify benefits and drawbacks of different systems and report out findings. 8. Research opportunities to create resources and enhance and/or reengage community partnerships for HFH. Conduct research in specifically assigned project areas and develop distribution plan for information. 9. Research methods to increase participation with project, including presentations, materials and systems for recruitment of partners. 10. Research systems to accurately track and record project related data, focused on ensuring sustainability. Research evaluation tools that will assist in projecting and assessing project impact. 11. Research past affiliate attempts to form project and identify key stakeholders. 12. By November 1, 2017, synthesize information and make recommendations to department leads regarding policies and procedures that need to take place in order to make a multi-tiered home repair program work to meet affiliate s increased needs and to create a plan for the creation of the affiliate operations manual. Gather internal feedback. 13. In all quarters, complete the reporting and timesheet requirements of the AmeriCorps program in a timely, accurate, and thorough manner Objective Two (Second Quarter) DEVELOPMENT: Based on the information gathered, the VISTA will develop and document an enhanced construction program focused on home repair that will address the needs of the affiliate and are sustainable. This plan should address a multi-tiered approach to our home repair program, improved construction management, project tracking, more efficient policies and procedures, improved community interaction and increased leveraging of resources, community engagement and support, etc. Member Activities

3 1. Based on internal feedback, finalize plan recommended systems and processes by December 1, 2017 to launch a home repair beta phase. 2. Develop all construction processes and procedures for multi-tiered home repair program. 3. Develop a specialized volunteer recruitment plan, including targeted local faith organizations, employers, school groups, civic groups, and other community organizations. Create a specialized volunteer community directory. Incorporate plan with home repair recruitment, orientation, and educational resources available from HFHI, other affiliates, etc. Develop new systems and programs that will increase the number of families served at the affiliate in preparation for the Habitat Housing Initiative launch. 4. Develop methods to increase participation with home repair construction projects, including presentations, materials and systems for recruitment of partners, volunteers and leadership. 5. Develop and/or reengage community partnerships that will support the multi-tiered home repair program, develop leadership, and leverage resources. In addition, this will include creating a partnership where existing faith-based home repair and disaster recovery teams to allow us to serve more families within the community. 6. By January 1, 2018, develop a template and process to establish operations manual for each department. 7. Develop systems to accurately track and record project related data, focused on ensuring sustainability. Develop evaluation tools that will assist in projecting and assessing project impact. 8. Formulate results and present to departmental leads to establish direction of project by March 31, Develop all processes, materials, and procedures for project. Objective Three (Third Quarter) IMPLEMENTATION AND REVIEW Implement the new and/or improved construction home repair process. This may include setting up systems, documenting the new policies and procedures, training others (including leadership) to use it, putting in place a schedule, securing resources or implementing an event plan. Assist the site in testing and evaluating the various parts of the program developed and make revisions to the program as needed in order to ensure success. Member Activities 1. Implement the multi-tiered home repair volunteer recruitment plan, including resources gathered such as the home repair community directory. Reach out to and build relationships with local non-profit organizations, employers, community centers, and faith communities in order to recruit a diverse base of specialized volunteers. Document all contacts in affiliate database. 2. In January and February 2018, present new roll out of multi-tiered home repair program to 5 already established faith-based home repair volunteer teams and 5 veteran associations and other community organizations. 3. Implement the new home repair processes that will increase the ability for the affiliate to serve more families. Pilot project from January to June using developed tools, processes, etc. 4. Implement the new affiliate program operations manual process and gather feedback from staff about usability and make changes as needed. 5. Develop a plan to gather affiliate operations information and processes from each department. This plan should also include methods for on-going updating from department leads. 6. Implement methods to increase participation with project, including recruitment of specialized volunteers and leadership and training them on presentations, materials, and systems. 7. Implement systems to accurately track and record project related data, focused on ensuring sustainability. Implement the use of evaluation tools to assist in projecting and assessing project impact. 8. Collect feedback on pilot phase; make necessary modifications by June * Note that while VISTAs cannot regularly build on the construction site, the VISTA member may have the opportunity to engage in active building no more than one time per month to help inform project development activities. Objective Four (Fourth Quarter) SUSTAINABILITY - - Ensure that the construction home repair processes and the affiliate operations manual developed are sustainable and will continue at the host site after the completion of the VISTA term by developing manuals and training staff/volunteers on the new program.

4 Member Activities 1. Work with leadership at the affiliate to develop a staff sustainability plan to build on the work the member has done. 2. By July 15, 2018, develop a manual of resources and directions for maintaining the systems and programs developed in their entirety. Create an implementation manual detailing the process of development, effectiveness of the system/project and pending issues, and guide for usage that can be utilized by affiliate staff/volunteers. 3. Recruit and train volunteers/staff on use of new systems, procedures, etc. and ensure there is a transition plan for ongoing maintenance of systems and support of the program. Ensure that appropriate training and introductions to all stakeholders is accomplished. Required Meetings, Trainings and Events Minimum expectations are outlined below, with the understanding that further trainings may be required as determined by HFHI, CNCS or the Host Site. Pre-Service Orientation (provided by CNCS) On Site Orientation to local host site HabitatLearns Foundations of Habitat series, Family Services Overview, Settlement and Livelihood series, Advocacy: A Core Component, Residential Construction Basics series, Construction Safety series, and Habitat Serving Veterans Lockton Safety Courses National Service Leadership Conference (fall) Build-a-Thon (spring) National Days of Service (MLK Day required, 9/11 Day of Remembrance, Make A Difference Day, and AmeriCorps Week) HFHI Host Site Monitoring Reviews and periodic check-in calls Weekly meeting with HSM Weekly meeting with direct supervisor, including completing a monthly check in form each month Bi-weekly meeting with construction department Related Community/Neighborhood meetings (some monthly/some periodic) Volunteer recruitment activities and events Annual staff/americorps team build day Life After AmeriCorps training (LAFTA) Monthly All-Staff meetings; 1 HFHMO Board meeting; choice of 1 Safety Committee meeting, 1 Home Maintenance class, or 1 New Volunteer Orientation; at least 2 home dedications; and at least 2 wall raising ceremonies Donor Perfect database training, Defensive Driving training, Sensitivity training, and other ongoing training related to position Site Operations and construction management related training Disaster preparedness training Poverty Awareness training Individual and/or group professional development trainings may be available based on AmeriCorps interest, HSM/supervisor recommendation and budget Host Site Events, including HFHMO 30 th Anniversary event (fall), Volunteer Appreciation, National Mayors Day of Recognition of National Service, and Habitat AmeriCorps Alumni Build Day (spring). Participation in these events will be in line with AmeriCorps program regulations/restrictions. Education/Experience/Knowledge/Skills: Required:

5 HFHI National Service Valid Driver s License and ability to meet host site s insurance requirements. Microsoft Office Suite (especially Word/Excel/PowerPoint), internet research Preferred/helpful: Knowledge of, and willingness to promote, the mission and activities of Habitat for Humanity and AmeriCorps Strong research skills Strong written and verbal communication skills Detail oriented and highly organized Strong process evaluation skills Ability to work with a diverse group of people Experience working as a member of a team Public speaking experience Knowledge of community development practices Familiarity with construction operations Project management experience Physical requirements for this position: Ability to sit at a desk and computer for extended periods of time About 20% of this position requires outreach in the community, including visiting buildings and homes that may have stairs, as well as serving on project sites that might have uneven terrain. Ability to stand for extended periods of time Ability to handle short periods of high stress Service Site Environment: Please note AmeriCorps members are prohibited from serving in a home office: Members will serve in an open-space office and will share space with other staff and/or AmeriCorps members. Each member will have a desk, computer (with and internet access), and a phone for service-related tasks. Shared resources include a printer, copy machine, fax machine as well as office supplies. During Days of Service and Affiliate/AmeriCorps Team Build Days*: Member will occasionally be engaged in community build or improvement projects on site, serving outside in various types of weather. Member may be exposed to various construction-related substances such as sawdust, paint, etc., and will be provided with appropriate safety equipment. Our affiliate's focus neighborhoods and communities have been strategically selected because they have been hard hit by foreclosure and economic crisis and are in need of revitalization. Member must be aware of good safety practices at all times. When on site, member will need to wear work/hiking boots. *Participation in these events will be in line with AmeriCorps program regulations/restrictions. Personal vehicle required? No Yes Some travel is required for this position. Public transportation options are limited in our community so access to a personal vehicle is required to get to and from service, as well as any required meetings. Approved service-related mileage (beyond commuting to and from service) will be reimbursed per the affiliate s policy. Habitat.org posting blurb: Come explore the heart of Ohio through serving at Habitat MidOhio! No matter a person s interest, there is always something to do and see. Columbus boasts of its festivals, art/music scene, craft beers, foodie paradise, sports teams (Blue Jackets, Crew, Clippers, and OSU Buckeyes), metro parks, and much, much more! Join a large concentration of young professionals who call Columbus home! And, for those hiking and climbing enthusiasts, you are less than an hour

6 away from Hocking Hills. Habitat MidOhio has hosted over 100 National Service members since 2002, and we will be celebrating our 30 th affiliate anniversary in the fall with over 400 families served to date! Working with over 5,000 volunteers each year, we have a three county service area and concentrate our efforts in specific neighborhoods through new construction, rehabs, repairs, and community development. Join the Habitat MidOhio team, learn new skills, build upon your experiences, cultivate relationships with volunteers and families, and make a difference in Central Ohio! National Service members will also receive a housing stipend benefit of at least $200/month. Contact us today!