Serve Philadelphia VISTA Corps

Company Description

A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact.

As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

What we offer

• Impact - The work you do here matters to millions. 
• Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it? 
• Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
• Benefits - We care about your well-being.

Agency Description

The Serve Philadelphia VISTA Program provides opportunities for Americans, 18 years or older, from a diverse range of backgrounds to dedicate a year of full-time service within our city departments to implement or expand programs that empower individuals and communities experiencing poverty.

The role of Serve Philadelphia VISTA members moves the City’s anti-poverty strategy forward by:

· Increasing capacity for city departments serving low-income individuals and communities.

· Facilitating the creation and implementation of innovative solutions that decrease the effects of poverty experienced by Philadelphians.

· Promoting best practices in community engagement

· Producing alumni who are civically engaged, passionate and employable individuals committed to making a positive change in their community.

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must complete the application on our website: https://www.phila.gov/programs/serve-philadelphia-vista-corps/serve-philadelphia-vista-corps-application/. 

Job Description

Position Summary

Be a Changemaker! 

Want to explore a career in city government? Receive monthly professional development? Have the support of a cohort while working to address the root causes of poverty? Do all three with the Serve Philadelphia VISTA Corps - an AmeriCorps program. 

Serve Philadelphia VISTA members serve full-time (30 hours per week) for one full year within City Departments on anti-poverty projects that have a lasting impact for Philadelphians.  

The service term is August 26, 2024- August 25, 2025. 

Serving as a VISTA is both a great way to support Philadelphia’s communities and to develop your career. We provide members of the Serve Philadelphia VISTA Corps with monthly professional development workshops, regular cohort experiences, networking opportunities and pathways to a career in public service. 

We request that all interested applicants submit an application through our website. 

A successful application will include your contact information, a brief description of your interest in the program, a resume, the selection of 5 VISTA projects that you’d like to be considered for, along with a brief explanation of why you’d be a good fit for each. 

Essential Functions

This year, we’re seeking candidates for more than 35 anti-poverty project placements in 20 departments including: 

• Mayor's Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion  
• Department of Commerce 
• Division of Housing and Community Development 
• Office of Immigrant Affairs 
• Office of Transportation, Infrastructure & Sustainability 
• Office of Community Empowerment & Opportunity 
• Office of Reentry Partnerships 

You can find full descriptions of each VISTA project in the 2025-2026 Project Guide. 

Each VISTA position is unique to the City department or initiative, but all VISTAs will build capacity. 

Capacity building 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 

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must complete the application on our website: https://www.phila.gov/programs/serve-philadelphia-vista-corps/serve-philadelphia-vista-corps-application/. 

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Each individual VISTA position lists additional relevant and preferred qualifications. All successful candidates will: 

• Demonstrate interest in anti-poverty efforts, social justice and volunteerism 
• Be capable of working and collaborating with diverse communities and people 
• Possess strong organizational, time management and communication skills 
• Be open to new experiences and growth 

Applicants must meet the following requirements: 

• 18 years or older, high school degree or equivalent GED 
• US citizen or permanent resident 
• Criminal background check (if accepted)

Qualifications

Serve Philadelphia VISTA positions are entry-level, meaning there are plenty of opportunities for growth within the role.  

We encourage all to apply, even and especially if you feel “underqualified.” Studies show that people with marginalized identities - including women, LGBTQ folks, and people of color- are less likely to apply to positions unless they meet every listed qualification.  

Serve Philadelphia VISTA’s commitment to equity and diversity seeks to develop fresh perspectives in the form of new hires with varied and complex life and work experiences. We deem all experience as relevant and encourage all applicants to apply. 

Additional Information

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must complete the application on our website: https://www.phila.gov/programs/serve-philadelphia-vista-corps/serve-philadelphia-vista-corps-application/. 

 Bi-weekly living allowance: $957.86

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
• Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
• We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options are available
• Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
• Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!

Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

*The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that  are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to [email protected].

For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx