What are the responsibilities and job description for the Disaster Preparedness Summer Vista position at Iowa Department of Health and Human Services?
VISTA Opportunities at Iowa HHS
AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) is a national service program aimed at alleviating poverty by building the capacity of local organizations and communities. VISTA members work with nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and government agencies to develop and implement programs that address the root causes of poverty. The program emphasizes community engagement, capacity building, and sustainable solutions.
Interested in Joining Volunteer Iowa as a Disaster Preparedness Summer VISTA ?
Apply Today!
Until Apr 30, 2026
Help Iowa prepare for the unexpected this summer—gain experience in emergency planning and volunteer coordination while building skills for your future career.
As a Disaster Preparedness Summer VISTA, you’ll develop tools for mass care and volunteer management, improve coordination processes, and identify communication gaps to strengthen statewide disaster response systems. You’ll work alongside Volunteer Iowa and Iowa HHS professionals, gaining hands-on experience in emergency management, systems design, and stakeholder engagement—skills that translate to careers in public safety, nonprofit coordination, or government operations. Apply now to make a lasting impact and advance your professional development.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Develop SOPs and resource guides for disaster response and volunteer management.
Document and improve coordination processes with community partners.
Identify communication gaps and propose solutions for future preparedness.
Assist with administrative support for disaster preparedness initiatives.
Role may include a change of responsibilities if responding to a disaster.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:
Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
Ability to write clear, actionable documentation.
Comfortable working independently and collaboratively.
Interest in emergency management, public safety, or nonprofit coordination.
Tech‑savvy, with the ability to learn and use new software, online platforms, and data tools related to planning, communication, and project tracking.
Timeframe:
Length of Commitment: 10 weeks (June 1 – early August)
Total Hours: Full-time summer associate term
Scheduling: Monday–Friday, standard business hours
Worksite: Volunteer Iowa – Des Moines
Benefits of Serving:
Professional development and mentorship from experienced Volunteer Iowa and HHS staff.
Exposure to statewide emergency preparedness systems and volunteer coordination strategies.
Hands-on experience in systems design and disaster planning.
Networking opportunities with state agencies and emergency response partners.
Record of national service for resume and career advancement.
AmeriCorps Summer Associate VISTA Benefits:
Living allowance paid biweekly.
End-of-service award (choice of Segal Education Award or cash stipend).
Access to training and career development resources offered through AmeriCorps.
Volunteer Agrees To:
Adhere to guidelines provided by Volunteer Iowa, Iowa HHS, and AmeriCorps VISTA.
Maintain a respectful and professional demeanor throughout the project.
Devote sufficient time and energy to fulfill the outlined position requirements.
Acknowledge that this is an unpaid, volunteer position offered through AmeriCorps VISTA.
AmeriCorps VISTA Compliance Note:
Summer Associates may perform direct service tasks as allowed by AmeriCorps guidelines.
Prohibited activities still apply (e.g., lobbying, partisan politics, religious instruction, voter registration, direct benefit to for-profit entities).