Resident Connections VISTA volunteer

Aeon is an award-winning nonprofit developer, owner and manager of high-quality affordable apartment homes in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area. Aeon has built or renovated more than 2,106 apartments and townhomes, which provide stability to more than 3,500 people each year – including individuals and families with low to moderate incomes and formerly homeless individuals. Established in 1986, Aeon has built quality affordable homes, connected residents to stabilizing resources and managed its properties as long-term assets. Aeon's mission is to create and sustain quality affordable homes that strengthen lives and communities. To learn more about Aeon, please visit www.aeonmn.org

Position Responsibilities

Aeon is recruiting energetic, creative, and independent candidates for a full-time NeighborWorks AmeriCorps VISTA position for the 2013-2014 program year. The VISTA volunteer will join the Resident Connections team, and will work in the Elliot Park Neighborhood near downtown Minneapolis. The Resident Connections program supports housing stability and fosters resident engagement amongst a diverse resident community including East African immigrant families, formerly homeless individuals, low-income workers, and people recovering from chemical dependency.

The successful candidate for the Resident Connections VISTA position will develop resident leaders, promote safety and economic opportunity, and build community through the following projects:

1) Neighborhood safety: Address safety and security concerns in the Elliot Park neighborhood by working with Aeon staff and the multi-organizational Elliot Park neighborhood's Livability Task Force to create a comprehensive safety and security plan for the area. Identify and develop resident leaders to serve as safety liaisons and potential block club leaders.

2) Employment Opportunities: Provide employment training and opportunities, capitalizing on the upcoming development of a new Vikings Stadium in the neighborhood and the City's efforts to connect the thousands of jobs anticipated for local residents.

3) Community Engagement: Develop programming at Aeon properties that is responsive to residents' interests and needs, encourage resident leadership, voice and engagement.

In each of these project areas, the VISTA will be working with an established team and tools, and will report to the Director of Supportive Services and Resident Connections. Successful VISTA candidates will bring the excitement and energy necessary to draw out resident leadership and will create strategies for successful implementation. Aeon will support the VISTA with training and guidance, and will provide the freedom to test out innovative ideas.

Skills/Qualifications:

• Training or previous working experience with low-income individuals and families, people experiencing mental health issues, ethnically diverse and immigrant populations, homelessness;
• Skilled in relationship building; excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication; and strong abilities in strategic thinking and problem-solving;
• Experience in group facilitation or event planning preferred;
• Ability to travel, work independently and remain organized while serving 12 buildings in a one mile radius;
• Bilingual abilities in East African languages desirable, but not required;
• Proven success working with diverse communities to provide culturally competent services;
• Flexible schedule required as opportunities will occur on weekdays, weeknights and weekends;
• Valid Driver's License, reliable vehicle and vehicle insurance strongly preferred;
• Must pass background check.

Compensation

This position is a NeighborWorks AmeriCorps*VISTA position. If selected, candidate will be a member of the AmeriCorps VISTA program and placed with Aeon. VISTA members will receive a living stipend of $946/month, paid time off, health coverage through VISTA, an Education Award of $5,550 or end of service stipend of $1,500 and may qualify for Child Care assistance.

VISTA's must attend a Pre-Service Orientation July 30^th - August 2^nd and will begin service on Monday, August 5, 2013.