Americorps*VISTA
2012-13 Agriculture Coordinator, Kathleen Powers and 2011-12 Technology Coordinator, Stephanie Gibson
AmeriCorps*VISTA Community Technology Coordinator
Pine Mountain Settlement School (PMSS) is accepting applications for a community technology coordinator. The position is in the fourth year of the AmeriCorps*VISTA project at Pine Mountain Settlement School. The coordinator will work with area residents to assist community members in becoming more financial literate and work with local students to prepare for college. The technology coordinator support community technology projects, host workshops for community members; collect oral histories in the community; building a college access curriculum to be used in the local schools, raise at least $7,500 to support projects embracing technology that benefits the community.
The ideal candidate for this position will be a self-starter who is able to work independently and will have a strong passion for rural communities and technology; computer, grant-writing, and a valid driver's license and a reliable method of transportation; and experience in community organizing.
The VISTA Assignment Description, a more detailed list of goals, objectives, and benchmarks for these positions are available upon request.
VISTA, Volunteers in Service to America, was created by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964 as part of a federal effort to address the root causes of poverty in the United States. Volunteers commit to serve one year with a non-profit or local government agency to create or expand programs designed to improve the lives and overall well-being of individuals and communities in underserved areas.
VISTAs also receive:
• A $5,5000 Segal AmeriCorps Education Award or $1,500post-service stipend
• Modest living allowance
• Healthcare benefits while in service
• Childcare assistance while in service (if qualified)
• Student loan forbearance or deferment while in service
• One year of noncompetitive status for a federal government job
• Access to the network of VISTA & VISTA alumni (170,000 strong)
Service Term: The individual selected for this position will be required to attend the VISTA Orientation training prior to starting the service term at PMSS.
To qualify for the AmeriCorps*VISTA program, an applicant must:
• Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident
• Be willing to take on a wide range of challenges with flexibility and strong organizational skills
• Have a college degree or at least three years of related work experience
• Be over the age of 18
• Have strong writing skills and hands-on skills specific to the project goals
• Be available to serve full-time for one year without any other employment
For more information about Americorps*VISTA and eligibility, visit: www.americorps.gov. In addition to the AmeriCorps*VISTA online application process, all applicants must send a letter introducing themselves and their interest in this specific position to the project supervisor PMSS at the same time the online application is submitted. The AmeriCorps*VISTA application process also requires a criminal history background check to ensure community members with whom we work are protected, particularly children, individuals with disabilities, and individuals over 60 years old.
Pine Mountain Settlement School is a 99-year-old institution with a history of service to the local community and an award-winning environmental education program. The School is a National Historic Landmark and offers historic preservation programs, cultural events, and community programming. The position is ideal for a person who appreciates rural life, values the natural environment, and has a strong desire to serve a rural Appalachian coalfield community. Pine Mountain Settlement School offers dormitory-style housing, some meals, and community garden space to the individual selected for the position.
All applications must be made through the AmeriCorps*VISTA website. Please also send a letter of interest and a copy of your resume to vista@pinemountainsettlementschool.com.
The Pine Mountain Settlement School is an equal opportunity employer and provider.
For more information, visit www.pinemountainsettlementschool.com/VISTA, or contact the AmeriCorps*VISTA project supervisor, Valerie Osborne, at 606-558-3571 or vista@pinemountainsettlementschool.com.
If you wish to reach the AmeriCorps*VISTA Office please contact:
Kathleen Powers
AmeriCorps*VISTA Agriculture Coordinator
k_powersvista@pinemountainsettlementschool.com
(606)558-3416
Stephanie Gibson
AmeriCorps*VISTA Technology Coordinator
sgibsonvista@pinemountainsettlementschool.com
(606)558-3416