How To Apply to an AmeriCorps VISTA Position

Transcription

1 How To Apply to an AmeriCorps VISTA Position

2 Go to my.americorps.gov. If you already have an account, login and skip the next step. Otherwise, create an account by clicking Apply to Serve.

3 Create a profile by filling out your information on these four pages. You will need to validate your .

4 When you have finished creating a profile, log in to your new account.

5 After logging in, the info you submitted while creating your account will appear as your home screen. Go to the Applicant Home to start applying to programs.

6 Next click Applications

7 Select Create Application to start a new application. If you have already started one, click Edit to continue working on it.

8 Fill out all eight sections of the application. When a section is complete, a check mark will appear next to the section title at the top of the page. You can always save your work and come back later as shown on the previous page.

9 I can tell this application is complete because all eight boxes are checked.

10 In the References section, verify that TWO references are selected with checked boxes. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT THERE ARE TWO CHECKMARKS!!! Be sure to click Finish Application when you re done!

11 Once your application is completed, go to the Submissions section of the portal. Here I can see that although I ve completed the application, I still have to choose listings to submit it to. Click on Search Listings to do this.

12 In the Program Name box, type in TCU, OSMRE, or DOI to find BRIDGE Network s listings.

13 Click on the title of the listing you are interested in.

14 Click Apply Now

15 Select the appropriate boxes and click Submit

16 Click OK to confirm your submission

17 Back on the Submissions page of the Portal, I can now see that I have successfully submitted my application to a listing. You can search and apply to as many listings as you want by repeating the last few steps.

18 VISTA Compensation Summary Living Stipend: AmeriCorps VISTA members receive a living stipend of no less than $990 monthly before taxes. The living stipend is approximately 110% of the federal poverty level, adjusted for cost of living in the community served. End of Service Benefits: Upon completion of service VISTAs are eligible for a $5,775 Segal Education Award. VISTAs may select a Cash Award of $1,500 in lieu of the Education Award. Student Loan Forbearance: Eligible student loans can be placed on forbearance during service. Interest accrued during forbearance period can be paid in full by Corporation for National Service upon completion of service. Settling In Allowance: Members serving a 12-month term and moving 50 miles or more from their home of record to their project site are eligible to receive a settling-in allowance to cover initial moving expenses. The amount may not exceed $550. Relocation Reimbursement: VISTA candidates approved to relocate for service are eligible for a Relocation Travel Allowance. The allowance amount is determined by the mileage between the VISTAs home of record and the service site; not to exceed $1,000. Workers Compensation: VISTA members are considered employees of the federal government for purposes of coverage under the Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA). FECA provides compensation for service related illness or injuries. Federal Non-Compete Status: VISTA members are entitled to one year of Federal non-compete status for Federal jobs post their year of service. This means that VISTAs will have access to Federal job postings before the public would. Health Benefits: VISTA members are enrolled in a health benefits package that covers emergency care and some basic preventative healthcare. This health benefits package does not currently meet the individual mandate requirement of the ACA. VISTAs are eligible to receive Medicare benefits in some states. Public Benefits: VISTA members often utilize public benefits like SNAP in order to supplement their living stipend. Public benefits are not a guarantee and it is recommended to establish eligibility for these benefits before starting service. Childcare Assistance: AmeriCorps VISTA offers child care benefits to members who qualify. The Stewards Individual Placement Program A program of Conservation Legacy 115 S Kanawha St Beckley WV

19 maximum amount of child care assistance a member can receive is $400 per child per month. Conditions: Supplementary employment during the service year must be approved by the Site Supervisor and Site Coordinator, and must not interfere with VISTA service. Conflicts of interest, such as employment at the sponsoring organization, will not be allowed. Please note that supplementary employment may also affect the VISTA member's eligibility for public benefits. AmeriCorps VISTA members receive a living stipend of no less than $990 monthly before taxes. The living stipend amounts to a minimum of $11,880 annually before tax. Upon completing service VISTA members are eligible for either A: $5,775 Segal Education Award, or B: $1,500 Cash Award. During service VISTA members can place eligible student loans on forbearance. Interest accrued during forbearance can be paid by the Corporation for National Service (CNCS) upon completion of service. VISTAs that are relocating more than 50 miles from their home of record to serve are eligible for settling in allowance and relocation reimbursement totaling no more than $1,550. First-time VISTAs receive a $25 benefit to cover costs of being fingerprinted. VISTAs are considered federal employees under FECA for the purposes of workers compensation claims. VISTAs are enrolled in a health benefits package that covers emergency care and some basic preventative healthcare during service. These benefits do not meet the individual mandate requirement of the Affordable Care Act. VISTAs are typically eligible for SNAP benefits during their service. AmeriCorps VISTA offers child care benefits to members who qualify. The maximum amount of child care assistance a member can receive is $400 per child per month. Example of VISTA Compensation: AmeriCorps VISTA - Income Summary, Ed Award + Relocation Income Source Annual Monthly Living Allowance 11, SNAP Benefits 3, Settling in Allowance 550 / Ed Award 5,775 / Loan Interest Payment* 2,000 / Total Earned $ 23, $ 1, *estimated on 30k student loan debt placed on forbearance for 12 months Base Living Allowance - Amount increases in Zip Codes where the cost of living is higher. Note: SNAP Benefits are not a guarantee must apply in your state and it is recommended you apply before your service begins. You can also apply after beginning service but many states may count your living allowance as income when determining SNAP benefits. Stewards Individual Placement Program A program of Conservation Legacy 115 S Kanawha St Beckley WV