Catholic Charities offers an array of programs that strive to empower individuals, children and families. Catholic Charities of Buffalo, NY, is the most comprehensive human service provider serving all eight counties of Western New York with dozens of programs at 40 professionally staffed locations.
At Catholic Charities, we value inclusivity, flexibility, and respect, believing that each employee should feel comfortable expressing their authentic selves while maintaining a professional and respectful work environment. We believe that embracing diversity and fostering a positive environment enriches our organization and enhances our ability to serve our community.

The VISTA Community and Resource Liaison will work collaboratively with agency teams and diocesan groups to enhance services provided to Catholic Charities of Buffalo clients. The goal is to ensure that our presence and programs are known and accessible to all individuals, children and families. We will provide parishioners, students, parents and community members with opportunities to get involved in service and to support our clients, so they have the tools to improve their lives and alleviate poverty. The VISTA will work to establish infrastructure to streamline processes for referrals and tracking mechanisms for goods received from donors and provided to clients.

The VISTA member will:

• Develop and/or enhance linkage and referral systems to provide a more streamlined and effective process of service delivery as well as expand resource availability to low income individuals and families.
• Develop and implement an inventory and tracking system for in-kind donations.
• Assist in planning, development, and execution of an emergency preparedness program and disaster relief plan for the agency.
• Engage Parish Families and Catholic Schools to ensure they are aware of Catholic Charities programs and how the agency can support the community throughout the year.
• With the support of the Development Team - support off-cycle connections to the appeal - i.e. engage parishioners in summer volunteer activities.
• Build out the structure to establish "Welcome Circles" for newly arrived families.
• Coordinate basic need drives to engage local communities, create awareness of agency support, and to give back and provide goods to those in need in those communities

Requirements:

• Willing to give a year of service - 35 hours/week
• Age 18 years and older
• U.S. Citizen or permanent resident
• Criminal History Check
• Some college

Benefits:

• Living allowance - $22,819.16 for the year
• End of Service Award:
• Education Award ($6,895) or
• End of Service Cash Stipend ($1,800)
• Healthcare Benefit - AmeriCorps VISTA Healthcare Allowance or AmeriCorps VISTA Health Benefit Plan
• Child Care - Specific eligibility requirements
• Relocation: 50 miles, per mile reimbursement, settling in allowance ($750), & close of service travel
• Loans: Federally qualified deferment and forbearance
• Leave: 10 sick days, 10 vacation days
• Professional Development: courses, webinars, training
• Non-Competitive Eligibility - 1-year special hiring status; helps to get federal jobs