Workforce Development VISTA

AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) is a national service program dedicated to ending poverty by building the capacity of nonprofit organizations and public agencies. VISTA’s mission is to strengthen and supplement efforts in low-income communities to eliminate and alleviate poverty by engaging volunteers from all walks of life, all geographical areas, and all age groups in a year of full-time service.

By joining Volunteer Corps at L.A. Works, you will be placed with one of our nonprofit partner organizations to serve for 12 months and tasked with a capacity-building project such as: creating sustainable systems to expand services, recruiting community members to volunteer in local programs, establishing a database of program alumni, and/or developing partnerships to bring new economic opportunities in Los Angeles county.

Benefits of AmeriCorps VISTA

• Living Allowance - Receive a modest bi-weekly living allowance to cover basic expenses ($30,116.15 per year). 
• Relocation Allowance - If you move 50 miles from your home to a new community, you receive relocation travel assistance and a settling-in allowance.
• End of Service Award - Choose between the AmeriCorps Segal Education Award ($7,395) to pay for education expenses or a cash stipend ($1,800).
• Healthcare Benefit - Choose between reimbursement for healthcare or a healthcare plan that also includes dental and vision coverage.
• Professional Development - Receive in-person and virtual professional development opportunities from L.A. Works and AmeriCorps VISTA throughout the year.
• Non-Competitive Eligibility (NCE) - Qualify for NCE, a unique hiring path that makes it easier for federal agencies to hire you.
• Child Care - You may be eligible to receive a child care benefit if you have children under the age of 13.

Eligibility Requirements

• Be 18 years or older
• Pass a national service criminal history check
• Hold one of the following citizenship statuses: US citizen, US National, Lawful Permanent Resident Aliens and persons 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.

Breathe Southern California is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that promotes community health services through prevention, education, and early diagnosis of respiratory conditions. Our programs focus on air quality, health education, patient care, and preventative measures to help all Southern Californians Breathe Easier. Our environmental programs provide stakeholder and community capacity building regarding workforce development, training opportunities, and community benefit programs.

Job Summary

The Workforce Development VISTA will play a crucial role in increasing our organizational capacity. Through targeted outreach, volunteer engagement, and strategic initiatives, the VISTA member will enhance workforce development efforts, economic mobility, and educational access for disadvantaged communities. By improving community engagement and expanding training opportunities, we aim to bridge workforce gaps and support economic equity while addressing environmental justice challenges.

Hours & Location 

• Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Occasional Weekends 
• Hybrid - in-person (office in Miracle Mile) and remote opportunities

Job Responsibilities

• Build workforce training sessions and recruit community members for up-skilling, training programs, and employment opportunities.
• Develop and distribute educational materials on workforce opportunities, organizational scholarships, and training programs.
• Conduct outreach to nonprofits, community members, schools, stakeholders, and government agencies to identify program and capacity-building opportunities.
• Build capacity for workforce development events, workshops, and community meetings.
• Track and report participation in training sessions and outreach activities, including the number of attendees and individuals served.
• Support grant reporting and documentation efforts related to workforce initiatives.
• Develop a system to connect community members with job training, internships, and career-building opportunities.
• Identify and address barriers preventing individuals from accessing workforce development programs.
• Implement a plan for career fairs, workforce readiness workshops, and air quality and health-related employment initiatives.
• Lead volunteer recruitment and engagement efforts to support workforce development programs.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in the nonprofit sector, specifically in nonprofit outreach and partnership development.
• Passionate about the environmental health and/or environmental education sector.
• Experience serving the Los Angeles community.
• Spanish Speaking

Benefits

• Professional Development: Gain hands-on experience in nonprofit management, workforce training, and community engagement.
• Skill Variety: Develop expertise in volunteer coordination, grant management, environmental education, and workforce development strategies.
• Leadership & Support: Work within a collaborative team environment that values innovation, mentorship, and community-driven solutions.
• Mission-Driven Culture: Be part of a passionate organization dedicated to fostering clean air, health equity, and economic empowerment in under-resourced communities.

Join us in making a lasting impact on the health and economic opportunities of Southern California communities while gaining valuable skills for your future career!