Community Outreach the Focus of VISTA Opportunity
The Layton Boulevard West neighborhood in Milwaukee, Wisconsin is an urban community that is experiencing innovative change. The neighborhood boasts turn-of-the-century homes that feature German craftsmanship and unique architectural detail.
Layton Boulevard West Neighbors, Inc. (LBWN), a nonprofit community development corporation, is seeking to fill an Americorps VISTA position, Community Outreach Liaison, that focuses on activities in an urban neighborhood. This candidate will work closely with LBWN staff to incorporate Healthy Neighborhood strategies to promote this community as a choice place to raise a family, work and play. VISTA members will work in this low to moderate-income community with renters, homeowners, and local business owners to revitalize this neighborhood.
Outreach and Leadership Development Program: The goal of the program is to empower residents living in a low-income neighborhood and to create a healthy and safe neighborhood through developing positive social relationships. The Americorps*VISTA Outreach Liaison will be responsible for maintaining a leadership program; and working with area residents to help them form block groups and implement neighborhood improvement projects. With Healthy Neighborhood strategies, a successful candidate will work with neighbors to promote the neighborhood as an affordable and choice place to live in.
Job Responsibilites:
- Promote Housing opportunities to existing and potential homeowners
- Assist homeowners obtain resources for home improvement and repair projects
- Assist staff with the planning and implementation of a neighborhood-wide open house
- Encourage renters to purchase their first home
- Work with local realtors to market homes for sale in the neighborhood
- Work with neighborhood residents to find responsible homeowners
- Promote volunteer activities
- Make personal contacts with neighborhood residents through door-to-door activities
- Identify potential leadership skills among neighborhood residents
- Work with residents to plan improvement projects and neighborhood open houses
- Create relationships between experienced neighborhood leaders and emerging grassroots leaders
- Organize and empower residents to address neighborhood issues.
- Coordinate and facilitate block meetings to discuss concerns and plan projects
- Train and provide resources to block leaders in the facilitation of meetings and activities
- Collaborate with city department and neighborhood agencies to address specific problems
- Facilitate the identification of neighborhood projects and develop action plans
- Empower residents with information, training and resources to accomplish goals Other
- Participate in staff meetings
- Participate in other residential meetings and workshops regarding community outreach
- Assist in the development of LBWN newsletter
- Complete foundation and funding reports
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree or experience working as a volunteer with community
- Ability to work with culturally diverse populations
- Excellent problem-solving skills
- Oral and written communication skills
- Interest in working with public officials and partnering agencies
- Strong team skills.
- Ability to multi-task with a strong sense of meeting deadlines and follow-up
- High degree of professionalism, flexibility and initiative
- Exceptional organizational and time management skills
- Ability to work independently
- Personal automobile (mileage reimbursement is offered)
- Systems knowledge of basic Microsoft software
- Language skills in Hmong or Spanish is helpful
- Willingness to attend some evening and weekend meetings
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must be a US citizen or permanent resident
- Because this assignment includes door-to-door contacts, applicant should be aware that climbing staircases leading to some homes might present a physical challenge.
Benefits:
- Monthly living allowance
- Health Insurance
- Childcare if eligible
- Choice of $4,725.00 education award or post-service stipend of approximately $1,200.00
- Relocation allowance
- Post-service federal employment incentives and opportunities
To Apply:
1. Complete online application on Americorps website: www.americorps.org
2. Send resume to: Barbara McKillop, Community Outreach Manager Layton Boulevard West Neighbors, Inc. 1545 S. Layton Blvd., Suite 513 Milwaukee, WI 53215
Phone: 414.383-9038, ext. 2303 Fax: 414. 647-4886 Email: Barbara@lbwn.org
START DATE: June 2008