About the Program
Championed by the Department of Neighborhood Engagement, the VISTA (Volunteer in Service to America) program will span all City departments and will focus on creating equity and capacity in the areas of economic opportunity, environmental stewardship, healthy futures, and this year’s emphasis on advancing racial equity and opportunity in City communities.
Ten VISTAs and one VISTA Leader will serve full time for one year helping to build the capacity of the organization and community in Lancaster City. Each VISTA will contribute to the goals of the project by performing activities such as providing outreach about City programs, increasing language access, expanding recruitment efforts and the intern program, and creating more avenues for residents to take part in community activities, decision-making, and planning.
The VISTA Leader will work to expand and build the capacity of individual members serving in the VISTA program. Leaders have previously served a full term of service with an AmeriCorps program or with Peace Corps and have demonstrated exemplary skills and leadership in community service.
Available Positions
– Fire Bureau, Community Outreach
– Human Resources, Equitable Talent Acquisition
– Human Resources, Interns/Summer Program
– Neighborhood Engagement, Language Access
– Neighborhood Engagement, Love Your Block Program
– Planning Bureau, Comprehensive Plan
– Police Bureau, Community Outreach
– Public Works, Public Right of Way
– Public Works, Solid Waste & Recycling
– Public Works, Sustainability & Environment
– VISTA Team Leader
Current Open Positions
– Fire Bureau, Community Outreach
– Human Resources, Equitable Talent Acquisition
– Human Resources, Interns/Summer Program
– Neighborhood Engagement, Language Access
– Neighborhood Engagement, Love Your Block Program
Employment Policy
It is the policy of the City of Lancaster to provide fair and equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment. Applicants are recruited, selected, and hired based on individual merit and ability and without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual preference, age, handicap, disability, veteran status, or national origin.
Applications are now open!
We are looking for VISTAs who exhibit a positive, forward-thinking attitude, are team-oriented, and who possess a commitment to improving equity and reducing poverty in our community.
As a VISTA, you will be part of a team of 11 Americorp VISTAs who will work with City Departments and the community to provide outreach about City programs, increasing language access, expanding recruitment efforts and the intern program, and creating more avenues for residents to take part in community activities, decision-making, and planning over the course of the first year. Please see below for all VISTA opportunities.
The City of Lancaster is in south central Pennsylvania and serves as the county seat of Lancaster County and is one of the oldest inland towns in the United States. The city has a total area of 7.4 square miles and is centrally located between Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Philadelphia.
The City was listed as the #32 in “Best Places to Live in the U.S.” by Newsweek in 2018 and Lancaster County was named #1 “Best Place in the Country to Retire” by U.S. News & World Report in 2019. Additionally, Forbes ranked it “14 Best Places to Travel in the U.S.” in 2019.
The City strives to ensure strong neighborhoods, safe streets, sound government, and secure incomes. The City focuses on areas of economic opportunity, environmental stewardship, healthy futures, and on advancing racial equity and opportunity.
AmeriCorps Member Benefits
Living Allowance
Receive a modest living allowance to cover basic expenses during your service term.
Money for College and Trade School
The Segal AmeriCorps Education Award is offered to individuals who complete a term of service and can be used to pay for a range of educational expenses, like repaying qualified student loans or future tuition payments. You can earn up to two full Education Awards with multiple service terms.
Loan Deferment and Interest Forbearance
Individuals in approved AmeriCorps positions are eligible for forbearance for most federally-guaranteed student loans. In addition, interest payments that accrue during service may be eligible for repayment by AmeriCorps.
Professional Development
Jump-start your career and gain transferable skills employers value including leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving. Once you complete your service, leverage the Employers of National Service network, which connects you with hundreds of employers from the private, public, and nonprofit sectors who are committed to hiring alumni.
Alumni Network
Join a network of like-minded leaders who are passionate about improving communities. AmeriCorps alumni receive access to special benefits and resources. For example, many colleges and universities match the Education Award and offer additional AmeriCorps scholarships.
About the Position
What does a successful VISTA candidate bring to the work?
- Desire to effect change
- Optimistic attitude
- Desire to learn
- Desire to engage with others
What skills and abilities may help you in this role?
- Some experience in an office environment
- Experience with Microsoft Office Suite
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
- Solid organizational skills and attention to detail
- Strong verbal or written communication skills
- Solid understanding of social media
What will you receive for your service?
- Practical experience working directly with City residents and employees
- Shadowing, mentoring, and training opportunities with skilled professionals
- Working directly with City government leadership
- Opportunity to organize, attend and participate in networking events and company meetings and programs
- Develop experience working on a wide variety of projects
- Gain exposure to a fast-paced, collaborative environment
- Transportation assistance
- Technology such as a laptop and cell phone