Serve Philadelphia VISTA Corps Member, 2024-25
Job Description
Be a Changemaker!
Want to explore a career in city government? Receive monthly professional development? Have the support of a cohort while working to address the root causes of poverty? Do all three with the Serve Philadelphia VISTA Corps - an AmeriCorps program.
Serve Philadelphia VISTA members serve full-time (30 hours per week) for one full year within City Departments on anti-poverty projects that have a lasting impact for Philadelphians.
The service term is August 26, 2024- August 25, 2025.
Serving as a VISTA is both a great way to support Philadelphia’s communities and to develop your career. We provide members of the Serve Philadelphia VISTA Corps with monthly professional development workshops, regular cohort experiences, networking opportunities and pathways to a career in public service.
We request that all interested applicants submit an application through our website.
A successful application will include your contact information, a brief description of your interest in the program, a resume, the selection of 5 VISTA projects that you’d like to be considered for, along with a brief explanation of why you’d be a good fit for each.
Essential Functions
This year, we’re seeking candidates for more than 35 anti-poverty project placements in 20+ departments including:
Mayor's Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Department of Commerce
Division of Housing and Community Development
Office of Immigrant Affairs
Office of Transportation, Infrastructure & Sustainability
Office of Community Empowerment & Opportunity
Office of Reentry Partnerships
You can find full descriptions of each VISTA project in the 2024-25 VISTA Project Guide.
Each VISTA position is unique to the City department or initiative, but all VISTAs will build capacity.
Capacity building activities can include, but are not limited to:
Creating tools, systems and guides like databases, policy briefs and marketing materials
Generating resources through partnerships, volunteers and/or grant-writing
Developing, organizing and/or assessing programs, events and/or meetings
Supporting, establishing, or strengthening cross-departmental and cross-sector partnerships
TO APPLY: Interested candidates must complete the application on our website: https://www.phila.gov/programs/serve-philadelphia-vista-corps/serve-philadelphia-vista-corps-application/.
Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Each individual VISTA position lists additional relevant and preferred qualifications. All successful candidates will:
Demonstrate interest in anti-poverty efforts, social justice and volunteerism
Be capable of working and collaborating with diverse communities and people
Possess strong organizational, time management and communication skills
Be open to new experiences and growth
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
18 years or older, high school degree or equivalent GED
US citizen or permanent resident
Criminal background check (if accepted)
Qualifications
Serve Philadelphia VISTA positions are entry-level, meaning there are plenty of opportunities for growth within the role.
We encourage all to apply, even and especially if you feel “underqualified.” Studies show that people with marginalized identities - including women, LGBTQ+ folks, and people of color- are less likely to apply to positions unless they meet every listed qualification.
Serve Philadelphia VISTA’s commitment to equity and diversity seeks to develop fresh perspectives in the form of new hires with varied and complex life and work experiences. We deem all experience as relevant and encourage all applicants to apply.
Additional Information
TO APPLY: Interested candidates must complete the application on our website: https://www.phila.gov/programs/serve-philadelphia-vista-corps/serve-philadelphia-vista-corps-application/.
Benefits:
Bi-weekly living allowance (approx. $877)
Monthly professional development workshops
Valuable work experience and networking with local government and partners
Segal Education Award ($6,895) or End of Service Award (approx. $1,800)
Monthly transportation support
Hybrid (in person and teleservice) schedule
Ten days of personal leave and ten days of medical leave, city holidays & other leave benefits
Healthcare Allowance or Health Benefit Plan
And much more! Learn more about AmeriCorps VISTA Benefits.
Application Timeline:
Application closes May 5, 2024 (11:59pm)
Phone Screens will take place on a rolling basis
Department Interviews begin May 21, 2024
Offer Notification: June 18, 2024
The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to faqpchr@phila.gov.
For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx
Videos to Watch