Digital Navigator AmeriCorps VISTA

Summary: Bridge the digital divide for low-income older adults! Design a program to help older adults use technology safely and confidently. A great opportunity for a hands-on and creative problem-solver.

Project Description
To help low-income older adults improve their digital skills, avoid scams, access benefits, and stretch their income, the Digital Navigator VISTA Member will build and expand Digital Literacy programming. The Digital Literacy Program is part of InterFaith Works’ Center for Healthy Aging. InterFaith Works has a 40-year history of helping older adults stay socially connected as they age. The Center for Healthy Aging’s programs and services promote activity, socialization and life-long learning, to empower older adults to age with dignity. The Digital Navigator VISTA will build and expand Digital Literacy programming to help low-income older adults improve their digital skills, avoid scams, access benefits and stretch their income.

Essential Functions
Program Development
1. Create a pilot Digital Navigator program to test class scheduling and implementation systems.
2. Identify and test a system for scheduling classes and one-on-one coaching sessions.
3. Create materials to recruit and enroll participants.
4. Develop a system to set up and maintain a mobile lab, to teach classes at community host locations.

Volunteer Development
1. Develop a framework for Digital Literacy volunteers, who teach classes and provide one-on-one coaching.
2. Develop materials to support volunteer recruitment.
3. Build relationships with community members and organizations to develop volunteer recruitment networks.
4. Develop a system for screening, onboarding and training new volunteers, and for providing ongoing support and supervision.
5. Create a system for scheduling volunteers to teach classes.

Outreach and Promotion
1. Develop tools and practices to engage community partners, including host locations and referral networks (community centers, libraries, senior housing, etc.), to enhance and sustain the Digital Literacy Program.
2. Create outreach tools and educational materials to inform the community about the Digital Literacy needs of low-income older adults.
3. Conduct presentations, community visits, and tabling in known and trusted spaces, to meet low-income older adults and share information about the Digital Literacy program.
4. Create a network of community partners to host classes.
5. Identify appropriate Coalitions and community groups engaged in Digital Literacy efforts in Central New York and participate in meetings and convenings.

Research and Reporting
1. Prepare information, data and education about the Digital Literacy needs of low-income older adults.
2. Contribute to strategic planning and gaps analysis to ensure that community-wide efforts understand and include Digital Literacy for Older Adults.
3. Create a comprehensive report to identify the most effective model and core components for delivering and sustaining a successful Digital Literacy Program for Older Adults, based on learnings from the Pilot.
4. Test methods for collecting and tracking program data, including participant information and learning outcomes; volunteer hours and activities; and outreach and community engagement activities.
5. Develop a system for collecting and tracking performance measurement data as required by AmeriCorps.

Management and Supervision
1. Abides by a strict code of confidentiality in all matters related to IFW and its members
2. Promotes internal agency-wide positivity
3. Adheres to agency Personnel Policies
Other duties as assigned.

Program Benefits
AmeriCorps VISTA is a national program; members serve for 12 months, helping a local organization expand capacity to alleviate poverty. VISTA Members earn a Living Allowance ($24,894) and an End of Service Award. Other benefits include a Housing Stipend, Health Coverage, Childcare assistance, Relocation Allowance, Transportation Reimbursement, Training and Professional Development, and Non-Competitive Eligibility for federal jobs. To learn more about AmeriCorps VISTA, visit AmeriCorps VISTA | AmeriCorps

Skills and Experience
The ideal candidate will have an aptitude for and be interested in growing the following skills:
1. Written, communication, and organizational skills
2. Project Design and Management
3. Community Needs Assessment
4. Partnership-Building
5. Leadership
6. A commitment to supporting low-income community members as they age.

Other Terms
This is an in-person position. Personal transportation is required. This position permits working at another job during off hours; this position permits attendance at school during after hours.

Working conditions and physical demands required:
The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the VISTA Member to successfully perform the essential functions of the job:
1. Must have personal vehicle for regular travel throughout Onondaga County; must be able to travel through the service area at least 50% of the time using reliable transportation, traversing streets, ascending/descending stairs, and exposed to outside weather conditions
2. Working some nights and weekends required
3. Remain in a stationary position at a workstation and use a computer approximately 25-50% of the time
4. Ability to frequently sit for long periods attending meetings/trainings

About InterFaith Works of Central New York
InterFaith Works builds bridges of understanding to affirm the dignity of all people in Central New York. Working with the different faith communities and the diversity of the region’s people, we address deeply embedded social divisions. Informed and influenced by the values and ethics of the faith traditions, we work with the community to find common ground on its issues. Using the tools of interfaith and cross-cultural dialogue, we create life-changing experiences that lead to actions for the creation of a more equitable and loving community.
 

To apply: Please send a cover letter and resume to Rick Lee at rlee@ifwcny.org