Energy Systems Network VISTA Program Application Instructions

Transcription

1 Energy Systems Network VISTA Program Application Instructions VISTA Opportunity Listing Energy Systems Network Moving Forward Project Coordinator Project Name: Energy Systems Network Moving Forward Project Coordinator Project type: AmeriCorps VISTA Program code: Start and end dates: November 13, 2017 November 13, 2018 Term of service: Full-time Enter contact information for recruiter: Melissa Roberts 111 Monument Circle, Suite 1800 Indianapolis, IN Choose the state: Indiana Choose the metropolitan area: Indianapolis / Lafayette / East Chicago Brief 2-line description of program: Join Energy Systems Network to help communities in Indiana create netzero energy affordable housing developments with integrated multimodal transportation options. Program description: Energy Systems Network (ESN) is a non-profit initiative of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP), headquartered in Indianapolis. ESN is building an Energy Ecosystem that integrates all aspects of the energy landscape: energy generation, distribution, transportation, and the built environment. ESN leverages its network of global thought leaders to develop integrated energy solutions to increase quality of life for today and tomorrow. Our collective focus is to reduce costs, emissions and waste; influence policy; and advance technological innovation. ESN is working with the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) to encourage developer teams to build net-zero

2 affordable housing developments with integrated multi-modal transportation options. This project, called Moving Forward, will enhance the quality of life for Hoosiers through innovative and integrated housing and transportation solutions to increase affordability, improve environmental quality, and create greater community within the site, region, state, and beyond. ESN is seeking motivated, highly capable individuals to serve as Project Coordinators for two Moving Forward development sites one pair in East Chicago, and another in Lafayette and Indianapolis. VISTA members will work directly with communities in which developments are slated to encourage collaboration and communication among local stakeholders and maximize alignment with the Moving Forward efficiency design goals with developer teams. Application acceptance dates: August 1, 2017 to September 8, 2017 Do you accept AmeriCorps applications? Yes Select benefits offered: Living allowance, relocation allowance, choice of education award or stipend from CNCS. ESN will provide training/professional development and access to technology. Terms and conditions: 21 years old; US citizens, nationals, or legal immigrants; successfully compete a criminal background check; VISTA is a full-time commitment; Political advocacy, organizing, or demonstrating while on VISTA duty (or while perceived on duty) is prohibited; car required; permits attendance at school during off hours. Minimum age: 21 Education level: Current student in graduate school program, or completed graduate degree preferred. *December 2017 graduates eligible if available for required pre-service orientation in Chicago in November, and November 14-15, 2017 workshop in East Chicago, Ind. Minimum requirements: undergraduate degree in related field. Skills possessed: Communication, collaboration, team work, general computer skills Language requirement: English Member duties: The ESN Moving Forward Project Coordinator will work with ESN and IHCDA to establish and implement a strategy to embrace the energy

3 efficiency and transportation goals of the Moving Forward program in each of two developments in Indiana. VISTA duties in this role include: Creating a master timeline for each development to meet stage gate goals for design, funding and construction; ensure developments are meeting all requirements of Moving Forward program, including energy efficiency goals, transportation requirements, and providing access to needed community services; Conducting community outreach by working with local government, community agencies, economic development groups, neighborhoods, educational and childcare providers, workforce development/employment agencies, and other local stakeholders to create consensus around maximizing the potential for wrap-around services for residents of the developments; Educating the community in which developments are located on unique attributes of the Moving Forward program; Coordinating meetings with developer teams and local stakeholders for regular communication and to gain community engagement in the development process; and Identifying other educational services, employment services, and funding opportunities to further support the Moving Forward developments in the long-term. Service areas: Community development, urban planning, energy efficiency and sustainable design, affordable housing, transportation APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: To: ESN VISTA Recruit From: Melissa Roberts, Director of Communication & Development Re: ESN VISTA application and recruitment process Overview Below describes the application and selection process for the Energy Systems Network AmeriCorps VISTA project. The VISTA term begins November 2017 and concludes in one year. The following is an overview of the: Candidate application process CNCS VISTA timeline Next steps Understanding the AmeriCorps VISTA Requirements Candidates interested in becoming a VISTA member should familiarize themselves with the program requirements. Visit the AmeriCorps VISTA homepage for eligibility, program requirements, and FAQs: Candidate Application Processes Once ESN has identified qualified candidates, each candidate will be invited to apply for the ESN VISTA position. All VISTA applications must apply through the My AmeriCorps portal. Outlined below are the steps that each candidate will go through to apply: 1. Create a profile on my.americorps.gov. This profile will include creating a username and password, as well as collecting basic information about the applicant.

4 2. Complete an application. The application will ask for detailed information about the candidate s education, work and volunteer history, criminal history, references, etc. 3. Search for the Ascend Indiana position. The applicant will have to search for the Ascend Indiana VISTA position and click apply now. 4. Submit an application. All applications must be submitted through the My AmeriCorps portal. Notification will be sent to the Strategy & Operations Associate through e-grants. Each candidate Ascend Indiana submits for the position will participate in a 15- to 30-minute interview with an Indiana State Office staff member. Questions will include: Why do you want to participate in the AmeriCorps VISTA program? Why did you select the Central Indiana Workforce Development VISTA Fellowship position? Can you commit do completing the full one-year term? Are you prepared to live on a small monthly stipend for the year? For detailed instructions on how to apply for the VISTA program, please see appendix A. Appendix A: How to apply for an AmeriCorps VISTA position Step 1: Create a profile on my.americorps.gov. You ll need the following to complete this step: Social security number and date of birth Address, including zip code +4 Contact information, including phone number and valid address Education level, military experience, language skills, and interest and skills o You can also write a short description of your interest and skills (up to 200 characters) Once you have completed your profile, you will receive an from AmeriCorps. Follow the instructions in the to validate your profile. Step 2: Complete application. To create an application, login to your My AmeriCorps profile and click Applications on the left-hand side. You ll need the following to complete this step: A motivational statement (up to 3000 characters). The motivational statement presents your reasons for applying to an AmeriCorps program o You may want to write your motivational statement in a word doc, and then paste it in the application. Details of your skills and experience, community service (organization, city, state, phone, dates of involvement, and a description of your involvement), education, and employment history for the past 10 years (or last 4 positions you ve held), including phone and contact information for previous supervisors. Criminal history statement (complete history). A list of every conviction you have ever received is required. It is to your advantage to be completely honest. Don t feel this will automatically disqualify you. Demographic information At least 2 references, including addresses and physical address with zip code +4. o Note: anyone you list as a reference will receive a reference request from AmeriCorps. Resume Step 3: Apply for a VISTA position. You can apply for a position by clicking Search Listings. Here you can focus in on the right position by filtering program type, state, and program name. You can also filter by education level, metropolitan area, service area, language and skills. Step 4: Tracking your applications progress. Once you ve submitted your application to one or more positions, you

5 will want to know where you stand. To view the status of your applications, login to your My AmeriCorps profile. You will find the status of all submissions on your home page. Appendix B: Pre-service Orientation Upon acceptance of the Ascend Indiana VISTA position, each candidate will be invited to pre-service orientation (PSO). PSO is a three to four day training each candidate must successfully complete to become a VISTA. The training will cover the terms and conditions of their service and provides an opportunity for state office staff to ensure they are a good fit for the project. It also introduces some skills related to getting started and working in impoverished communities. In order for candidates to participate in PSO, the candidate s application must be submitted to the state office for approval at least 45 days prior to PSO. Candidates must also complete the enrollment process, some additional online trainings, and review the contents of their VISTA Assignment Description (VAD).