ReStore Development VISTA - 2022-23

ReStore Development VISTA

For one year, you can get paid to build sustainable solutions in a community, gain valuable hands on experience and prepare for your future. This full-time AmeriCorps service position offers a great opportunity to make a real impact in the lives of others while building your own knowledge and skillset.

AmeriCorps VISTA members are Volunteers in Service to America who perform indirect service to build capacity and sustainability solutions.

What will you do?

Habitat ReStores are independently owned reuse stores operated by local Habitat organizations that accept donations and sell home improvement items to the public at a fraction of the retail price. Proceeds are used to help build strength, stability, self-reliance and shelter in local communities and around the world.

The ReStore development VISTA member researches and implements best practices for standard ReStore operating policies. This could look like marketing the store to community members and donors, developing or enhancing a volunteer program, evaluating the impact of the store within the community or developing ReStore business processes. Each project development is created in a sustainable manner to continue beyond your service.

*Research, develop and implement a ReStore-specific volunteer recruitment, orientation, training and recognition plan that increases the amount of repeat volunteers serving in the ReStore.
*Research, develop and implement marketing and outreach strategies/materials designed to increase visibility of the ReStore in the community and increase purchases and donations.
*Research, develop and implement new or updated ReStore procedures and policies to be in line with standard ReStore operating procedures that have been identified as best practices.

This position will focus on brand management, research, monitoring, and/or evaluation, virtual/digital systems and platforms and volunteer services aspects of Habitat affiliate operations.

Where will you serve?

New Orleans, Louisiana, or “The Big Easy”, is one of the most iconic cities in the South, thanks to its vibrant live music scene, gorgeous architecture, Cajun and Creole cultural influences, and—of course—the city’s legendary Mardi Gras celebrations. Though New Orleans only spans about 350 square miles, the city feels much larger than that with 13 unique districts—each with its own distinct vibe and things to do.

New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity (NOAHH) was founded in 1983. Our mission is to responsibly build houses in partnership with sponsors, volunteers, communities and homeowner families, to ensure families can thrive in homes they can afford. We build single family houses, and rental units from foundation to finish. NOAHH’s new homeownership partner families are chosen based on their need for shelter, willingness to partner and ability to repay an interest free mortgage. In lieu of a traditional down payment on the home, partner families contribute 350 hours of “sweat equity” to the building of their home and the homes of other Habitat partner families. The cost of the home is paid back through a 20–30-year interest free mortgage.

AmeriCorps members play an integral part in building and repairing homes, leading to better neighborhoods and communities. As a construction crew leader, you will be assigned to a construction crew to build and repair structures. Together, you will perform hands-on construction tasks including, but not limited to, painting, caulking, demolition, framing, siding, insulation, flooring, roofing, finish carpentry and landscaping. You will also lead and develop groups of skilled and unskilled volunteers and homeowner families in the building of new homes and/or repairing existing homes or completing weatherization projects. This is done while maintaining a safe, efficient work environment.

In addition to the standard benefits, we offer low cost housing. To learn more, visit www.habitat-nola.org.

Benefits of AmeriCorps service

*Annual living allowance of $17,600.30.
*Segal Education Award of $6,495, upon successful completion of service.
*Health benefits and enrollment in Employee Assistance Plan.
*Ten personal and 10 medical leave days.
*Possible forbearance or deferment of qualified student loans.
*Child care benefits, if you qualify.
*Noncompetitive eligibility status for federal employment for one year after successful completion of service.
*Relocation travel assistance for members relocating more than 50 miles to serve.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must hold one of the following citizenship statuses: US citizen, US National, Lawful Permanent Resident Aliens or is a person residing in a state that have the following legal residency classifications: refugee, asylum or asylee, temporary protected status, or deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) status. Applicants must be at least 18 or older and have a high school diploma or GED.

Preferred Qualifications

*Knowledge of, and willingness to promote, the mission and activities of Habitat for Humanity International and AmeriCorps.
*Ability to work with a diverse group of people.
*Strong written and verbal communication skills.
*Strong research skills.
*Detail oriented and highly organized.
*Experience working as a member of a team.
*Basic experience with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word and Excel.