Join HealthCorps VISTA!

The Health Trust has joined together with AmeriCorps VISTA and five local community based organizations in San Jose, CA to form HealthCorps VISTA. The goal of this program is to expand current efforts at each of these partner organizations to increase access to healthy foods among low-income populations and to promote long-term sustainability measures to ensure these efforts continue long after VISTA resources end. HealthCorps VISTAs will work at our partner sites to increase the availability and affordability of fresh, healthy food through enhancing existing food distribution models and developing capacity for low-income residents’ to grow their own produce. HealthCorps VISTA is currently recruiting members for the 2015-2016 program year. All positions are full-time, year-long positions beginning in August, with the possibility of being extended every year for up to three years. While skills may vary for different VISTA positions, the ideal VISTA candidate will have the following attributes: knowledge of current issues concerning food, health, and sustainable gardening practices; articulate oral and written communication skills; and a commitment to the vision of the organization. Benefits include $18,180/year living allowance, $3,636/year housing subsidy, $5,550 post-service education award, health insurance coverage, and professional development trainings.

In order to apply for VISTA, the following minimum qualifications must be met:

• Be at least 18 years old upon entering VISTA training. There is no upper age limit.
• Be a U.S. citizen or have permanent resident status.
• Not be listed in the National Sex Offender Registry database as having been convicted of sex-related crimes.
• Be willing to submit fingerprints for a criminal history background check.
• Be in a position to offer full-time service for one year.
• Be able to relate previous education, training, military, or work experience, and demonstrate other relevant skills or interests necessary to perform a specific VISTA assignment.
• Be willing, to the maximum extent practicable, to live among and at the economic level of the low-income people served by VISTA projects.
• Understand that VISTAs serve on a full-time basis. Therefore, VISTAs cannot hold part-time jobs, enroll in school except in limited circumstances as noted below, or be subjects of legal proceedings (civil or criminal) that may consume time needed for VISTA assignments. VISTA service cannot be used to satisfy service requirements of parole or probation.
• Attend a CNCS-sponsored VISTA Pre-Service Orientation Training

For more information, visit: http://healthtrust.org/2015/04/22/join-healthcorps-vista/