CJFS Community Research and Engagement VISTA

AmeriCorps; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 10,000 - 20,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Education award upon successful completion of service

Relocation allowance

Training

Choice of education award or end‑of‑service stipend

Stipend

Health coverage

Childcare assistance if eligible

Living allowance

Job summary

AmeriCorps is seeking a Community Research and Engagement VISTA in Cleveland, Ohio to improve access to public benefit programs for residents. This role involves data analysis, identifying barriers for residents, and recommending solutions.

Successful candidates will collaborate closely with community staff to enhance participation in public assistance programs. An education award, relocation allowance, and health coverage are among the program benefits offered.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Proficiency in English required.
• Ability to analyze agency and community data.

Responsibilities

• Work heavily with data to improve public benefit access.
• Identify eligible residents and assess their barriers.
• Recommend interventions based on data analysis.
• Collaborate with community engagement staff.
• Develop implementation strategy and marketing approach.
• Build relationships with CJFS staff.

Skills

General Skills

Public Speaking

Team Work

Community Organization

Communications

Computers/Technology

Writing/Editing

Education

Some college

Job description

About the Organization

Cuyahoga Job and Family Services (CJFS) connects residents with public benefits and work supports to help individuals and families on their journey to self‑sufficiency. CJFS determines eligibility and manages case support for five core benefit programs and workforce initiatives: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Ohio Works First (OWF), Medicaid, Child Care Assistance, and Prevention, Retention, and Contingency (PRC).

Program Overview

As a Community Research and Engagement VISTA with the Office of Community Engagement, you will assess and increase participation of eligible residents who are not yet enrolled in public benefit programs. Your role focuses on analyzing agency and community data for non‑citizen and limited‑English‑proficient residents to strategize engagement and improve access to services.

Responsibilities

• Work heavily with data and make recommendations to improve public benefit access for county residents.
• Identify residents in Cuyahoga County who may be eligible for public benefits but are not enrolled and assess the barriers they face.
• Recommend possible interventions or solutions based on collected data.
• Collaborate with community engagement staff to conduct fact‑finding, research, and analysis.
• Develop an implementation strategy, including informational materials and an adaptable engagement and marketing approach tailored to each target community.
• Learn about the public benefit system and workforce initiatives in Ohio, with a focus on Cuyahoga County.
• Build relationships with CJFS staff and administrators.

Program Benefits

• Education award upon successful completion of service
• Relocation allowance
• Training
• Choice of education award or end‑of‑service stipend
• Stipend
• Health coverage*
• Childcare assistance if eligible
• Living allowance

Terms

Permits attendance at school during off hours. Permits working at another job during off hours.

Service Areas

None

Skills

• General Skills
• Public Speaking
• Team Work
• Community Organization
• Communications
• Computers/Technology
• Writing/Editing

Work Schedule

Full Time

Education Level

Some college

Language Requirements

English

Location

Ohio – Cleveland / Akron

Age Requirement

Minimum 18