ReStore Development VISTA - 2022-23
Summer 2022 or open until filled
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. The AmeriCorps VISTA leaders program is only open to members who have completed at least one year of full-time service with AmeriCorps or Peace Corps.
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, fundraising, research, monitoring, and/or evaluation, ReStore, and virtual/digital systems and platforms aspects of Habitat affiliate operations.
Where will you serve?
The Lowcountry, surrounding the City of Charleston, is well-known for its beauty, history, hospitality, and is annually one of the world’s top travel destinations. Berkeley Habitat is centered in Goose Creek, SC, just a short drive to the ocean, beaches and waterfront communities, historic downtown sites, shopping and nightlife, and many other culturally rich areas. In late 2022, the area will feature the opening of the International African American Museum, on one of the nation’s most sacred sites.
Located in the coastal Lowcountry of South Carolina, Habitat for Humanity of Berkeley County offers opportunities to grow, learn and enjoy, in a region rich with history and culture. Berkeley Habitat seeks a world where everyone has a decent place to live, bringing people together to build homes, build communities and build hope. We pursue this mission by combating poverty through the construction and repair of affordable homes, giving hardworking low-income families the opportunity to have stable, self-sufficient, durable, long-term home ownership. While supporting families, Berkeley Habitat aids in the rebuilding of communities, transforming neighborhoods and changing lives.
Serving with us offers individuals various opportunities to develop a variety of skills, including leadership, team building, time and resource management, marketing, communications, professionalism, problem solving, and business and construction practices. Consider serving here to make a real difference for yourself and others! Visit www.berkeleyhabitat.org for more information.
Benefits of AmeriCorps service
*Annual living allowance range from $15,000 to $30,000, determined by the service location; most locations are on the lower end of this range.
*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.
