VISTA Workforce Development Fellow - Breathe Southern California

AmeriCorps VISTA Position Description

VISTA Workforce Development Fellow

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 the L.A. Works Volunteer Corps Program, 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 – VISTA members will receive a modest bi-weekly living allowance of $30,116.15 per year to cover basic expenses. 
• Relocation Allowance - If VISTA members move 50+ miles from their home to a new community, they will receive relocation travel assistance and a settling-in allowance.
• Healthcare Benefits – VISTA members will be able to choose between reimbursement for healthcare or a healthcare plan that also includes dental and vision coverage.
• Professional Development - VISTA members will receive professional development opportunities from L.A. Works and AmeriCorps VISTA throughout the year.
• Child Care Assistance - VISTA members may be eligible to receive a child care benefit if they have children under the age of 13. 
• End of Service Award – At the end of their service, VISTA members will be able to choose between the AmeriCorps Segal Education Award of $7,395 to pay for education expenses or a cash stipend of $1,800. 
• Non-Competitive Eligibility (NCE) - Once VISTA members complete their term of service, they will qualify for NCE, a unique hiring path that makes it easier for federal agencies to hire VISTA alumni.

Eligibility Requirements

• Be 18 years or older and cannot be enrolled in an undergraduate program 
• Pass a national service criminal history check
• Hold one of the following citizenship statuses: US citizen, US National, Lawful Permanent Resident Aliens or the following legal residency classifications: refugee, asylum or asylee, temporary protected status, or DACA status
• AmeriCorps VISTA cannot accept applications from international students on OPT/CPT visas

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 VISTA Workforce Development Fellow 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 with occasional weekends 
• Hybrid - in-person (office in Miracle Mile/Mid-City) 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 sciences sectors.
• Experience serving the Los Angeles community.
• Spanish speaking fluency is highly desirable 

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!