ReStore Development VISTA - 2022-23
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 ReStore aspects of Habitat affiliate operations.
Where will you serve?
Tulsa, Oklahoma has wide-open skies and picturesque sunsets! Our area appeals to those who love the outdoors with four distinct seasons and an average of 227 sunny days. The locals love the Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area, Tulsa Zoo, Tulsa Botanical Garden, White Water ORV Area, and our award-winning riverfront park, “Gathering Place”. Tulsa has its own musical genre, “The Tulsa Sound,” and offers year-round performances. If you’re a thespian, you’re sure to spend your time at the Tulsa Ballet, Tulsa Opera, and Tulsa Performing Arts Center. Foodies will enjoy our variety of cuisine types and creative fusion options. See the top things to do in Tulsa by visiting www.travelok.com/article_page/top-10-things-to-do-in-tulsa
Green Country Habitat for Humanity (GCHFH) has served families in Tulsa County since 1988. Through home sponsorships, individual donations, and volunteer work, our organization can build safe, quality, beautiful homes with affordable, low-interest mortgages to families who cannot afford a traditional mortgage. GCHFH works directly with homeowners to ensure that housing expenses are not a cost burden. Our homebuyer program incorporates volunteer work and courses on homeownership to emphasize the importance of community involvement and education.
According to the City of Tulsa’s Affordable Housing Strategy, Tulsa needs over 4,000 additional affordable housing units to meet the current demand. Our organization is working to addresses this community need by setting a goal to build 250 affordable, quality homes in North Tulsa within five years. Since March of 2021, we have built 43 homes in our service area with 35 of those homes located in North Tulsa. We are excited to host AmeriCorps members to help us reach our goal by physically building a way for families to break the cycle of poverty.
In addition to the standard benefits Habitat AmeriCorps member receive, our organization offers mileage reimbursement/gas card, phone stipend, and a food allowance. For more information about our mission, visit www.greencountryhabitat.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.
About Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity, founded in 1976, is a global, Christian-based nonprofit organization that grew out of an intentionally multi-racial community in rural Georgia. Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat brings together people of all faiths and people of no faith to build homes, communities and hope. Working alongside each other, we help families and individuals build and improve places to call home and achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Habitat seeks individuals who have a willingness to affirm these principles and values.
Habitat for Humanity International is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to employ and assign the best qualified personnel for all our positions in a manner that does not unlawfully discriminate against any person because of race, color, religion, gender, marital status, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, veteran/reserve national guard status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.