Digital Skills for Career Advancement AmeriCorps VISTA

Job Overview:

The VISTA position will serve within the IRC Salt Lake City Education Program. The Digital Inclusion VISTA will research best practices for digital skills training to increase refugee digital literacy, particularly as it relates to economic opportunity. Through increasing access to internet devices and affordable broadband, integrating digital skills training into existing IRC SLC resettlement programming, and supporting ongoing volunteer-led tech support, this VISTA member will increase our capacity to provide digital education and support to IRC SLC refugee clients and other New Americans, including youth. This member will serve an integral role in extending the reach of technology services at the IRC and integrating them into existing programs.

Background on AmeriCorps VISTA

Founded in 1965, Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) is a federal national service program designed to provide needed resources to nonprofit organizations and public agencies to increase their capacity to lift Americans out of poverty. In 1993, VISTA was incorporated into the AmeriCorps network of programs, housed at the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). AmeriCorps VISTA supports efforts to alleviate poverty by recruiting Americans 18 years and older from a diverse range of backgrounds to dedicate a year of full-time service with a sponsoring organization ("sponsor") to create or expand programs designed to empower individuals and communities in overcoming poverty.

Major Responsibilities: 

Specific duties include but are not limited to:

•Research best practices for teaching career-oriented digital skills.

•Establish community relationships to provide access to affordable internet-enabled devices.

•Expand the Tech Squad program by recruiting volunteers and developing resources to support client digital skills training and tech support.

•Integrate digital inclusion into IRC SLC programs as it relates to financial literacy, e-learning, and telehealth through staff, intern, and volunteer training.

•Develop client and staff facing training materials across print, video, and digital media.

•Research and support the grant writing process to expand the IRC SLC’s Digital Inclusion program.

•Conduct digital inclusion intakes, track program impact, and client progress.

•Create content to recognize partnerships through social media and newsletter posts.

•Support refugees by increasing their skillset and English language acquisition to increase their access to more stable employment.

AmeriCorps VISTA Benefits:

•Living Allowance ($990 per month, pre-taxes).

•At the end-of-year of service, the VISTA can choose an Education Award ($5,730) or End of Service Cash Stipend ($1,500).

•Relocation Allowance.

•Childcare assistance if eligible.