2021 Summer Associate Serve Philadelphia VISTA Positions
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2021 Summer Associate
Serve Philadelphia VISTA Positions
1
The Mayor's Office of Civic Engagement and Volunteer Service is now accepting applications from quali-
fied candidates to join the 2021 Serve Philadelphia VISTA Summer Associates. Serve VISTAs serve full-time for a
year working on systems level change in City government. Our administration, led by Mayor Jim Kenny, has invest-
ed in a multi pronged approach—focused on stabilizing households, increasing skills and incomes, and investing
in education— to lift residents out of poverty and to break the cycle for future generations. The work of Serve VIS-
TAs is an important part of moving the City’s anti-poverty strategy forward. Applications close April 30th.
What do Serve VISTAs do?
Each VISTA position is unique to the City department or initiative, but all VISTAs will build capacity. Capacity build-
ing activities can include, but are not limited to:
• Creating tools, systems and guides like databases, policy briefs and marketing materials.
• Generating resources through partnerships, volunteers and/or grant-writing.
• Developing, organizing and/or assessing programs, events and/or meetings.
• Supporting, establishing or strengthening cross-departmental and cross-sector partnerships.
Requirements:
• 18 years or older, high school degree
• US citizen or permanent resident*
• Criminal background check (if accepted)
*See AmeriCorps VISTA FAQ for more info
Start date: June 7, 2021
End date: August 15, 2021
Term of Service: 10-Weeks
Qualifications:
• Demonstrated interest in anti-poverty efforts, social justice and volunteerism.
• Able to work and collaborate with diverse communities and stakeholders.
• Strong organizational, time management and communication skills.
• Open to new experiences and growth.
• Each individual VISTA position lists additional relevant and preferred qualifications.
Benefits:
• Bi-weekly living stipend (approx. $542.22)
• Segal Education Award ($1,289.95) or End of Service Award (approx. $345.80)
• Monthly SEPTA transportation pass
• Monthly professional development and team building
• Valuable work experience and networking with local government and partners
The Serve Philadelphia VISTA Program is committed to diversity and inclusion. People of color, women, individuals
with disabilities and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.
Applications close April 30th 2020 11:59 PM
Apply now: http://bit.ly/summerapp21
Questions? Call us: (215) 686-0823 or email us: ServeVISTA@phila.gov
22021 Summer Associate Positions by Department
Mayor's Office of Engagement for Women ............................................................... 4
Mayor's Office of LGBT Affairs ..................................................................................... 5
Office of Homeless Service .......................................................................................... 6
Department of Planning and Development .............................................................. 7
Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management ...................................................... 8
Philadelphia Police Department ................................................................................. 9
Department of Public Health ....................................................................................... 10
Department of Behavioral Health Intellectual DisAbility Services ......................... 11
Office of Children and Families ................................................................................... 12
Office of Faith-Based and Interfaith Affairs ............................................................... 13-14
Free Library of Philadelphia - Youth Services and Programs ................................. 15
Office of Domestic Violence Strategies ...................................................................... 16
Apply now: http://bit.ly/summerapp21
Questions? Call us: (215) 686-0823 or email us: ServeVISTA@phila.gov
3Women With Lived Experience Outreach VISTA
Mayor's Office of Engagement for Women
Philadelphia Commission for Women
Project Goal
The Summer VISTA will interview returning women with children to gather lived experience nar-
ratives around the issue of accessible affordable housing for formerly incarcerated women
with children.
VISTA Role
1) Building on the data collection and groundwork of our current VISTA, the summer VISTA will
collect first person accounts from women with lived experience and compile their narratives
regarding access to affordable housing options for formerly incarcerated women with children.
2) Support the groundwork developed by the previous VISTA and provide a seamless bridge to
the work of future VISTAs.
Apply now: http://bit.ly/summerapp21
Questions? Call us: (215) 686-0823 or email us: ServeVISTA@phila.gov
4Help for the Hurdles VISTA
Office of Homeless Services
Project Goal
The Office of Homeless Services has partnered with First Step Staffing (FSS) to operate the
“Help for the Hurdles” initiative. This project has been implemented to prevent, plan for, and
respond to COVID-19 in congregate shelters by linking up current shelter residents with em-
ployment, transportation access, and when applicable, childcare for dependent children; at the
same time, these enrollees will be linked up with affordable housing. Our aim is to move indi-
viduals out of congregate settings and into environments where their risk of contracting COVID
-19 will be lower.
In conjunction with the Workforce Development VISTAs and FSS staff, the Summer Help for the
Hurdles VISTA assist with the operation and management of this initiative.
VISTA Role
1) Work with shelter providers to identify new participants for the Help for the Hurdles initia-
tive.
2) Assist with managing the Help for the Hurdles initiative.
3) Review program evaluation (to be delivered in August 2021) and assist with programmatic
adjustments.
Apply now: http://bit.ly/summerapp21
Questions? Call us: (215) 686-0823 or email us: ServeVISTA@phila.gov
5Community Resource VISTA
Mayor's Office of LGBT Affairs
Project Goal
Members of the LGBTQ+ community face significant disparities compared to their non-LGBTQ+
peers – which means they will more often lack the resources they need to stay afloat during the
COVID-19 crisis.
The challenges this community already face – healthcare-related disparities, economic inequity,
housing and food access – are more pronounced now due to the pandemic. Because of these
disparities, the Office has created an online resource guide called “Coping during COVID-19”,
which is updated regularly to include information specifically tailored for our city’s LGBTQ+
communities. Obtaining a VISTA team member to support the response to community in need
will increase our Office’s capacity to reach our city’s most vulnerable populations.
VISTA Role
1) Oversee the maintenance, updates, and supplements to the Office of LGBT Affairs' LGBTQ+
"Coping during COVID-19" Resource Guide on an ongoing basis in order to provide accurate in-
formation to community members in need.
2) Support the immediate needs of community members by connecting them to resources
both within the City and with external partner agencies in order to provide relief during the
COVID-19 pandemic.
3) Support the development and promotion of events aimed at providing community support
including but not limited to vaccination clinics, information sessions, and other initiatives fo-
cused on providing information and relief to LGBTQ+ communities.
Apply now: http://bit.ly/summerapp21
Questions? Call us: (215) 686-0823 or email us: ServeVISTA@phila.gov
6Community Outreach VISTA
Department of Planning and Development
Project Goal
The Department of Planning and Development (DPD) seeks a VISTA to develop an inventory of
community-based outlets to promote DPD/PHDC programs, services, and initiatives. This is in
response to social media supplanting traditional media as a news source. This will enable DPD
and PHDC to better reach low-income residents and to better engage residents historically
omitted from planning processes.
DPD will focus on communities isolated due to income, language, educational attainment, dis-
trust, geography, or history. It will identify influencers residents trust to provide useful, timely
and accurate information.
At the end of the project DPD and PHDC will not only be able to reach out to broad segments of
residents and to micro-target messages to specific communities.
VISTA Role
1) The first objective is to create an inventory of community-based traditional media. This in-
ventory will include print and online newspapers, print and electronic newsletters, radio, televi-
sion, web, church bulletins, and other paper-based and electronic means of reaching neighbor-
hood residents. The medium itself may not be based in a given community, but the audience
will be. One medium may reach a number of communities.
2) Develop an inventory of community-based social media managed by neighborhood organi-
zations and trusted neighborhood leaders.
Apply now: http://bit.ly/summerapp21
Questions? Call us: (215) 686-0823 or email us: ServeVISTA@phila.gov
7Community Disaster Planning for Equity, Diversity
and Inclusion VISTA
Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management
Project Goal
Philadelphia's All-Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) identifies natural and human-caused hazards
that pose the most risk for Philadelphia and the projects, plans and policies the City can imple-
ment to reduce our risk. Recent events of 2020, including COVID-19 and Tropical Storm Isaias,
highlight the importance of implementing projects that reduce our risk and minimize impact
from potential disasters. An AmeriCorps VISTA will support OEM efforts by increasing our ca-
pacity to reach communities historically underrepresented and underserved in the planning
process. The VISTA will conduct research and assist in the design and implementation of an eq-
uitable engagement strategy to support the plan update as well as other planning processes
within OEM.
VISTA Role
1) Research and identify successful frameworks for equity-based planning and community out-
reach that could be applied to Philadelphia’s hazard mitigation planning process and other
emergency response and recovery planning processes.
2) Build off of existing outreach efforts to design and implement a strategy for inclusive public
outreach and obtain community feedback and input on the Hazard Mitigation plan draft (Phase
III of HMP outreach strategy). Strategy should specifically identify ways to involve populations
historically underrepresented and underserved in the planning process.
Apply now: http://bit.ly/summerapp21
Questions? Call us: (215) 686-0823 or email us: ServeVISTA@phila.gov
8Youth Advisory Commission VISTA
Philadelphia Police Department
Project Goal
Over the past year we have seen an increase in the lack of police trust due to current issues
like the death of citizens at the hands of police. The lack of trust was displayed through multi-
ple protest, some of which ended in rioting. The Philadelphia Police Department has created a
Youth Advisory Commission for youth ages 14 to 18. This commission will allow youth to dis-
cuss issues related to public safety that impact their demographic. The Youth Advisory Com-
mission VISTA will increase the Police Department's capacity to make data driven decision and
build personalized civic engagement strategies. The youth and police officers will need support
to implement agreed-upon best practices and evaluate program performance around engage-
ments.
VISTA Role
1) Develop engagement and problem solving strategies and contribute to telling the story of
Philadelphia Police community engagement.
2) Help police department overcome barriers in their transition to engagement database.
Apply now: http://bit.ly/summerapp21
Questions? Call us: (215) 686-0823 or email us: ServeVISTA@phila.gov
9COVID-19 I&Q VISTA
Department of Public Health
Project Goal
The COVID-19 Isolation & Quarantine (I&Q) VISTA will focus on educational materials and pro-
gramming for persons in isolation or quarantine. The VISTA will develop a programming calen-
dar of existing virtual courses (yoga, crafting, etc.) for I&Q site guests, and will develop and pro-
duce 4 original virtual programs to integrate into the schedule. The VISTA will work with the
new I&Q in-home services program to develop educational materials and identify resources for
persons in isolation or quarantine at their own homes.
VISTA Role
1) Provide educational program planning to keep guests engaged while at the IQ site through
online platforms/events and assist guests with information and materials needed during their
stay.
2) Develop educational materials and resources to assist with client retention and adherence to
isolation for the In-Home Supports (IHS) Program.
Apply now: http://bit.ly/summerapp21
Questions? Call us: (215) 686-0823 or email us: ServeVISTA@phila.gov
10Prolonged Trauma Response VISTA
Department of Behavioral Health Intellectual DisAbility Services
Project Goal
This project will operate within the Department's strategic framework of Prioritizing to Address
a Changing Environment (PACE) and its focus on addressing Trauma, achieving Equity, and en-
gaging Community (TEC). This VISTA will work to understand the hardships related to COVID, as
well as the impacts, especially on Black & brown communities, brought to the fore by structural
racism, the opioid use disorder crisis & additional layers of economic hardship brought on by
the pandemic. This project will partner with internal & external stakeholders to develop a pro-
posal for a prolonged trauma initiative. Through this proposal, existing services can maximize
their impact in the community, empowering all Philadelphians to achieve health & wellness.
VISTA Role
1) Research and identify trends on COVID’s impact on social determinants of health.
2) Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders
Apply now: http://bit.ly/summerapp21
Questions? Call us: (215) 686-0823 or email us: ServeVISTA@phila.gov
11Early Childhood Education VISTA
Office of Children and Families
Project Goal
The Early Childhood Education VISTA will work with the Office of Children and Families’ Perfor-
mance Management and Technology team to collect and analyze data related to pre-k provider
capacity and quality. This work will help support the City’s mission to strengthen the local net-
work of early childhood education providers and expand quality pre-k seats in every section of
the city.
VISTA Role
1) Coordinate and support research activities that assess and address early childhood educa-
tion providers’ capacity and quality.
2) Identify how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the supply of quality early childhood edu-
cation in Philadelphia.
Apply now: http://bit.ly/summerapp21
Questions? Call us: (215) 686-0823 or email us: ServeVISTA@phila.gov
12FaithPHL Research VISTA
Office of Faith-Based and Interfaith Affairs
Mayor's Office of Public Engagement
Project Goal
The City's ability to respond effectively to the challenge of COVID-19 is contingent on local gov-
ernment's ability to analyze resident needs & meaningfully/consistently connect with them.
Throughout the pandemic, the Office of Faith-Based and Interfaith Affairs (FBIA) has been una-
ble to fully support faith communities due to the lack of comprehensive data about the “state
of faith” in the city. We often did not have the insights we needed, such as basic demographic/
contact information & other details, including assets, growing edges, and desired partnerships
with the City. FBIA would like the support of a summer VISTA to develop a process to survey
houses of worship and compile some preliminary findings in a "State of the FaithPHL" Report.
VISTA Role
1) Build the Office of Faith-Based and Interfaith Affairs’ (FBIA) capacity for meaningful outreach
to houses of worship and faith-based organizations.
2) Assist FBIA in deepening relationships with houses of worship and faith-based organizations
through "candid conversations."
Apply now: http://bit.ly/summerapp21
Questions? Call us: (215) 686-0823 or email us: ServeVISTA@phila.gov
13Trauma-Informed Faith Engagement VISTA
Office of Faith-Based and Interfaith Affairs
Mayor's Office of Public Engagement
Project Goal
There is a growing movement among organizations to implement "trauma-informed” programs
and policies. This movement reflects an understanding that psychological trauma and toxic
stress are near-universal experiences. By addressing trauma and resisting re-trauma, we can
mitigate trauma's adverse effects on mental/physical/social/emotional/spiritual well-being. Be-
cause many Philadelphians turn to their faith communities trauma support before they turn to
mental health professionals, faith communities must be proficient in trauma-informed care in
order to meet the needs of ALL residents. The Summer VISTA will design a certification pro-
gram that will enable congregations to receive a designation of "Trauma-Informed House of
Worship."
VISTA Role
1) Create a interfaith, multi-session curriculum for a Trauma-Informed House of Worship Certi-
fication program.
2) Develop a strategy and timeline for certificate program implementation.
Apply now: http://bit.ly/summerapp21
Questions? Call us: (215) 686-0823 or email us: ServeVISTA@phila.gov
14Summer of Wonder Outreach VISTA
Free Library of Philadelphia - Youth Services and Programs
Project Goal
The goal of Summer of Wonder is three-fold: to support and enhance literacy skills for all ages;
to foster a love of reading and learning for all Philadelphians; and to help combat summer
slide, a real concern for children and teens in some of the most challenged communities in
Philadelphia. The Summer of Wonder program provides a framework for children and teens to
participate in fun and engaging learning experiences throughout the summer. The VISTAs will
support programming and outreach that encourages participants to explore and discover new
ideas and subjects, and continue to read and learn throughout the summer.
VISTA Role
1) Help with Library outreach events to share information about the Summer of Wonder pro-
gram and encourage children and families to participate in the summer program.
2) VISTAs will provide general office support for the Summer of Wonder Team.
3) VISTA will help with outdoor programming and activities at Neighborhood LIbraries,
Playstreets, and other sites.
Apply now: http://bit.ly/summerapp21
Questions? Call us: (215) 686-0823 or email us: ServeVISTA@phila.gov
15Equity in Virtual Communication
Office of Domestic Violence Strategies
Project Goal
The Equity in Virtual Communication VISTA will design and create a user friendly version of the
Shared Safety website for our office. Shared Safety follows the Collective Impact model. A VISTA
would also lead our social media and virtual learning series for the summer and create sustain-
able templates for this outreach. The VISTA would prioritize accessibility for all readers and a
sharing of information with community partners. This project is needed to allow this diverse
community of service providers to have common language, share resources and opportunities
and support each other. Information is currently slow to update and this slows the ability of
our community partners to advocate for their clients' needs.
VISTA Role
1) Design and create the Shared Safety website on Squarespace. We are looking to create a
website that is user friendly, written in plain language and useful to City partners, communi-
ty partners and survivors looking for resources. We would love to have someone working on
this project that is creative and works well independently. We would also like to have some-
one working on this project that is thinking about the needs of English language learners
and those with accessibility concerns. We would like the website to reflect the diversity of
this group as well as survivors of intimate partner violence.
2) Create format and schedule for lunch and learn series. This past spring we offered a lunch
and learn session for City employees. We had a positive reception and we would like to offer
this again in the fall. We will have an outline of how to do this from our current interns. The
goal of the fall lunch and learn would be to talk about intimate partner violence in all com-
munities. We would like to do a special focus on immigrant communities. We believe that
this will increase awareness and hopefully encourage City and community partners to re-
view their work and make sure to consider immigrant communities when providing ser-
vices.
3) Create Constant Contact Emailed Newsletter- every two weeks our office sends out an email
to the Shared Safety community. This email goes out to over 200 individuals who then for-
ward the email on. This is an opportunity to make sure that each email is focused, themed
and on point with the needs of our community. It is an opportunity to be creative and do
some research around best practices, what resources work for each group and what survi-
vors really need. While some individuals submit content, we often are looking for content
and making sure that it is diverse, balanced and interesting.
Apply now: http://bit.ly/summerapp21
Questions? Call us: (215) 686-0823 or email us: ServeVISTA@phila.gov
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