VISTA Project Manager

The VISTA will work on marketing Capital Clubhouse to increase referrals and ultimately membership by being more visible in the community, as well as to identify new donors, volunteers and community partners, thereby growing the capacity of our organization. As stated previously there is a high incidence of mental illness in Washington, DC. 22.8% of DC adult residents live with a mental illness, with the national average being 19.9%. (Mental Health America, The State of Mental Health, 2022). The implementation and gradual expansion of our employment program (with the help of previous VISTAs) is providing members with opportunities to return to paid employment through Transitional and Supported Employment positions - real, paid jobs in the community secured by the Clubhouse for its members - as well as independent employment positions; The development of our education program (also part of the previous VISTAs assignment) is now assisting members in completing education interrupted by mental illness, or to start new degree or certificate programs. Capital Clubhouse has the capacity to add many more members to our roles. Clubhouse membership helps our members move out of poverty by giving them a place to practice job readiness skills, independent living skills and inform them about educational and housing resources in the community. By making Clubhouse more visible in the community, we can reach many more individuals who want to return to work and/or school in order to improve their economic situation as well as their mental health. With current colleague input, the VISTA will: Develop a marketing strategy that will include reaching out to local media outlets, increasing our social media presence and updating website content, in order to appeal to and inform the community regarding the Clubhouse model and the benefits of membership for adults with mental illness.

Member Duties : Develop a public relations media plan as it relates to mental illness, behavioral health and communities in need of support, resources and programming. Conduct community outreach and organize meetings with key stakeholders and referral sources, focusing on behavioral health outlets such as shelters, outpatient, in-patient discharged, recidivism, faith-based, housing, food banks, etc. Develop presentations, write articles, create videos with emphasis on creating greater, awareness, branding and showcasing the Clubhouse model. Establish contacts at local media outlets and create stories, pieces and articles that align with Capital Clubhouse growth and retention goals and objectives Help improve knowledge and understanding of mental illness in the community to dispel existing myths of people who face mental health challenges. Help develop community partnerships. Develop fundraising and outreach materials. Disseminate materials in identified outlets.

Program Benefits : Meal Plans, transportation Assistance , Living Allowance , Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend .

*For details about AmeriCorps VISTA healthcare benefits, please visit https://americorps.gov/members-volunteers/vista/benefits .

Terms :
Permits working at another job during off hours .

Service Areas :
Veterans , Community and Economic Development , Homelessness , Community Outreach , Housing .

Skills :
Fund raising/Grant Writing , Public Health , Communications , Writing/Editing , Community Organization .