Key Responsibilities: 

The AmeriCorps Vista volunteer will support the full spectrum of PH+’s work with homebuyers and homeowners - from conducting initial applicant interviews to reimagining the services and assistance we extend to homeowners. This AmeriCorps Vista volunteer will work closely with staff and be an integral member of our growing team. There is potential for a stellar volunteer to take on increasing responsibility and potentially shift into a more permanent role at the conclusion of their volunteer service.  

Client Intake and Processing

• Review pipelines and practices of newly merged partner organizations and redesign system to integrate best practices from each organization. 
• Design tools and processes that improve the efficiency and accuracy of applicant follow-up with the goal of clarifying missing information and coordinating homebuyer training meetings. 
• Optimize Salesforce database to better capture and synthesize applicant data, verify eligibility, and analyze trends
• Lead initial application review and income verification
• Schedule and conduct initial applicant meetings, introducing our program, history and mission, and explaining the guidelines, home features and process
• Review homebuyer training materials to identify areas for improvement that will improve the experience of applicants as they navigate the home buying process
• Assist throughout the home buying process, identifying areas for improvements and enhancing our processes for applicant follow-ups, homebuyer training referrals, collecting and organizing required homebuyer documentation, and working with home appraisers and inspectors
• Develop and execute marketing plans to recruit eligible applicants for various PH+ programs
• Create a community outreach strategy to identify and coordinate participation in relevant outreach opportunities, such as housing fairs and festivals, and distribute program material digitally

Stewardship

• Help build a homeowner resource library with information on maintenance and repairs
• Interface with key organizational partners to develop resources and trainings
• Create and test homeowner surveys and a potential homeowner feedback panel

Program development

• Work with PH+ staff to redesign our homeowners manual and homebuyer training materials
• Identify and assess the feasibility of new projects, partnerships, and funding opportunities
• Work with PH+ staff to develop and launch a recurring individual donor campaign to seed a homeowner stewardship fund.
• Identify new sources of homebuyer subsidy and grant opportunities

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent communication skills, both verbally and in writing
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated reliability, with ability to work as part of a team as well as independently
• Personable - ability to work well with a wide range of people, including other staff and Board members, volunteers, homeowners and tenants
• Ability to project manage different programs and resources
• Ability to handle highly sensitive, confidential information and have ability to exercise confidentiality and attention to detail
• Ability to read and comprehend instructions, correspondence and memos
• Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers and clients
• Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from clients or community members
• Ability to interpret the land lease and traditional housing program documents and communicate the PH+ model to the public, residents and lenders
• Professional - ability to self-start, multi-task, manage time and set priorities
• Good organizational skills, thorough and attention to detail
• Thorough understanding of or the ability to quickly learn about the project or program being developed
• Must have valid driver's license and reliable transportation

Education and Experience

• High School diploma or equivalent is required
• Associates Degree or higher required
• A New Orleans native with knowledge of New Orleans' housing history and a passion for stewardship preferred
• 3-5 years of experience in affordable housing industry
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Powerpoint), Canva
• Salesforce experience preferred
• Familiarity with social media platforms
• Bilingual ability in English and Spanish is a plus

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times