AmeriCorps VISTA Hub
About | Overdose prevention | COVID-19 response | ▸ The service year | FAQ | For current members
Make an impact and boost your career in public health by supporting local teams and organizations
AmeriCorps members support the work of multi-sector teams and local organizations to bolster overdose prevention efforts and the response to COVID-19 and related impact. Service members work on a wide range of projects, including robust social media presence, project coordination, data analysis, and more.
About the year of service
Where members serve
AmeriCorps members are placed in counties across California covering 85% of the population.
Who serves
AmeriCorps members are 18 years or older. Most have bachelors or master’s degrees with a health focus and diverse work experience.
What they do
Members work on capacity building projects for overdose prevention and COVID-19 impact initiatives with local organizations across California, including activities such as:
Distributing naloxone to communities
Connecting people to services like MediCal and CalFresh
Updating websites and creating content for social media
Learn more about overdose prevention
Learn more about COVID-19 impact
Benefits Provided by AmeriCorps
Living Allowance
Members receive a bi-weekly living allowance based on the county of their host site to cover basic expenses.
End of Service Award
Members choose a Segal Education Award valued at $7,395 or a $1,800 cash stipend.
Student Loan Management
Members may be eligible for loan forbearance, deferment, or payment of accrued interest. Additionally, AmeriCorps VISTA service counts toward Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
Relocation Allowance
Members who move 50+ miles from their home to their service site will receive relocation assistance paid at the rate of $0.40/mile and a settling-in allowance of $750. Learn more.
Healthcare Benefit
Members choose a healthcare reimbursement plan or a healthcare benefit plan. Dental and vision are also included. All enrolled members also receive access to free telehealth services. All premiums are covered by AmeriCorps.
Non-Competitive Eligibility
All members who successfully complete a year of service are granted non-competitive eligibility hiring status for federal employment. NCE permits (but does not require) a federal agency to noncompetitively hire an AmeriCorps VISTA alum who meets the minimum qualifications for the position.
Childcare
Members with children under the age of 13 may be eligible to receive a childcare benefit to cover the cost of childcare services.
Holidays and Personal Leave
Members receive ten medical leave days, ten personal leave days, and federal holidays observed by their host site. Special leave for emergencies is also available.
Additional Benefits of Serving with Us
No matter where you want to go after service, PHI Center for Health Leadership & Impact can help get you there. Take advantage of these unique opportunities just for members serving with our AmeriCorps VISTA Hub.
Tailored Support for Career and Academic Exploration
Join professional development webinars focued on your future plans.
Build skills and capacity to find employment or pursue higher education opportunities.
Work with coaches who offer guidance on applications for school, review resumes, or prep for interviews.
Participate in informational interviews with partners within our network.
Technical Skill Development
Develop your skills in grant writing, project management, working with data, and public health story telling through monthly learning networks.
Get trained on Mental Health First Aid and become certified for three years.
Public Health Exposure
Gain understanding of core concepts of public health and health equity through dedicated learning sessions.
Get hands-on exposure to public health by working directly with host organizations.
Additional Networking Opportunities
Become part of our network—nearly 200 AmeriCorps VISTA members and alums and growing.
Connect through monthly coffee breaks, virtual convenings, in-person conferences, and more!
Make an impact. Apply today and start your year of service.
What AmeriCorps members have worked on during their service year
“Two years ago, distributing Naloxone was very new to the community and the state. My team and I really spearheaded the Naloxone distribution project and getting it off the ground.”
“I added pages on [the website] on stigma and substance abuse related help within pregnancy, and [developed] a fitness toolkit guide for youth that educators and parents
could help facilitate.”
“I am very thankful for the opportunity to work with government officials and develop and organize and implement an Opioid Awareness Summit, as well as speak publicly and change Naloxone policies for over 125
high school and middle school campuses in my region.”
IMPACT AREAS