Food Security Innovation VISTA

START/END DATE: 6/3/2024 - 6/2/2025

PROGRAM OVERVIEW:

United Way of King County’s mission is to work side by side with community to build a more equitable future for everyone. The VISTA in this role will work closely with the Program Manager to increase capacity on United Way of King County’s Food Security program. The VISTA member will serve within a large cohort of VISTA members working to fight poverty in King County. The Food Security Innovation VISTA will Support systems-change work addressing the root causes of food insecurity among families. Focus on statewide implementation and outreach for federal nutrition programs such as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and Summer EBT.

MEMBER ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Decrease the “gap” in usage of federal nutrition programs such as SNAP and Summer EBT.
    • Increase community knowledge of these programs, address common myths about eligibility, and work with key local/state partners to improve program accessibility and functionality.
    • Develop comprehensive and culturally appropriate outreach plans, create physical and digital outreach materials, build relationships with community partners, and track progress with program participation data.  
  • Provide support to the Food Justice Collaborative, a King County-based coalition of food security organizations led by and serving communities of color. Assist with agenda-setting, fund development, and community building among local BIPOC leaders. 
  • Conduct data analysis of statewide hunger metrics to assess progress towards a hunger free Washington. Identify gaps/areas for improvement, ideate scalable solutions, and implement pilot programs to improve food access. 

Position Length: 12 months

Benefits & Compensation:

  • Bi-weekly stipend of $1117.06 (pre-tax)
  • $7395 Education Award or $1,800 End of Service Stipend upon successful completion
  • Monthly Housing Stipend of $400
  • Loan deferment and payment of interest accrued during service year on qualified student loans (loans must be federally-backed; personal/private loans not eligible)
  • Noncompetitive eligibility for federal jobs for up to one year after completing service
  • Health benefits that meet the minimum standards of ACA compliance
  • Childcare assistance
  • 10 days sick leave, 10 days personal leave plus 10 federal holidays
  • Enrollment in an assistance program with 24-hour access to phone counseling
  • Access to emergency assistance program to mitigate unforeseen financial emergencies that put your continued participation in AmeriCorps service at risk
  • Monthly team meetings, high-quality training, professional development, and networking opportunities
  • Lifelong friends and colleagues who are passionate about service!

Professional Development Benefits:

  • Robust professional development to support your personal, professional, and service goals and growth
  • Skills to be gained include but not limited to: Interpersonal and Intercultural communication, community outreach, adaptability, relationship building, conflict management, customer service, resource navigation, data entry, knowledge of WA public benefits, knowledge of inner workings of non-profits and community college systems
  • Career development trainings provided by UWKC AmeriCorps team
  • Previous trainings include: How to Network, Resume Workshops, Mock Interviews, How to make your LinkedIn Profile Shine
  • Networking opportunities within United Way and Community Partners

As a member of this cohort, you will be supported with a robust orientation, ongoing professional development opportunities, training, check-ins, and the tools and resources you need to succeed.

What We’re Looking For:

  • Hunger and poverty disproportionately affect people who identify with multiple intersections of marginality—including people that identify as Black, Native, POC, queer, trans, disabled, first generation, etc. We believe that these communities must be centered in the work we do. Hence, we strongly encourage those that identify with these communities to apply
  • Understanding of systemic racism and commitment to anti-racist work to ensure outputs are relevant and accessible to community members
  • Flexibility and quick problem-solving skills to balance the variety of service activities and any potential shift in program priorities
  • Experience working on multiple projects at once and ability to self-manage
  • Ability to communicate clearly with staff members, partners, and AmeriCorps members
  • Ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with team, partners, and community members.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills including public speaking skills

AmeriCorps Program Eligibility:

  • Must be over 18 years old on the first day of service
  • Must be a U.S. citizen, national, or legal permanent resident of the United States. Unfortunately, F1 visas are not sufficient.
  • Must be available 40 hours per week. Exact hours may vary by site placement, but will primarily be Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Must undergo a Washington State Patrol background check, FBI background check and National Sex Offender Registry Check, plus state of residence background check if not currently living in Washington
  • High school diploma/GED

Please note that United Way of King County is operating in a hybrid model. As such, be prepared to participate in interviews remotely and to complete service responsibilities in a hybrid environment (in-person and remote) should we move forward with your candidacy. If technology presents a barrier to applying, interviewing, or accepting the position, please reach out to unitedwayamericorps@uwkc.org for accommodations.

Additionally, all AmeriCorps members must be able to transition from working hybrid to commuting to their site to serve 40 hrs. per week at any time during their service year. Service schedules will be based on your service site’s needs.

To Apply: Create an application on My AmeriCorps Portal or click here: https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?fromSearch=true&id=117111

  • No resume or cover letter is required.
  • The application process moves quickly, please expect a response within 1-2 days.
  • Please contact unitedwayamericorps@uwkc.org with any questions.
Apply Now
Back to AmeriCorps Careers