This document provides an orientation for new supervisors of College Health Corps sites that will host AmeriCorps VISTA members during the 2011-2012 service year. It outlines the role and expectations of VISTA members, responsibilities of supervisors, and the recruitment and selection process. Key points include that VISTAs focus on capacity building projects, cannot perform direct service or replace staff tasks. Supervisors must provide strong communication, structure, and feedback to guide VISTA members. The timeline and required paperwork for selecting a VISTA member by April 29th is also reviewed.

1. HOST SITE ORIENTATION FOR NEW SUPERVISORS MARCH 7, 2011 College Health Corps

2. Introduction Congratulations to the 10 sites for 2011-2012! Broadway Family Medicine Clinic (Minneapolis, North) Growing Up Healthy (Northfield/Faribault) Hawthorne Education Center (Rochester) Metropolitan State University (St. Paul) Minnesota Internship Center (Minneapolis, South) Neighborhood HealthSource (Minneapolis, North) Northern Dental Access Center (Bemidji) NorthPoint Health and Wellness Center (Minneapolis, North) University of Minnesota, Duluth (Duluth) University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview (Minneapolis, Cedar-Riverside) What is the College Health Corps & MNCC? role of campus-community partnerships

3. Clarifying the VISTA role VISTAs: building capacity in a sustainable way Indirect service; no direct service other than in orientation best when focused on a few large projects can not replace staff tasks and can not do administrative work UNLESS all staff are required to share responsibility VISTAs must be at least 18 years old be a U.S. citizen, national, or legal permanent resident alien commit a full year of service

4. What VISTAs can/can’t do Education courses one course- related to service Other employment VISTAs can not have outside employment Religious or political activity VISTAs can not participate in any religious or political activity while representing VISTA.

5. VISTA Member Service Year VISTAs service year is 365 days, 24/7 10 medical and 10 sick days CNCS provides: bi-weekly living allowance stipend health coverage education award or cash stipend for completion of year Childcare for income-eligible members moving allowance if relocating more than 50 miles for service Host site benefits Can’t give money. Can give housing, meal, or bus stipend, etc.

6. Strong Supervision The most important competency in supervising a VISTA project is communication with your VISTAs. Do not assume they understand the big picture regarding the project Meet regularly with your VISTAs, as a group and one-on-one if possible Share the project plan with the VISTA Introduce the VISTA to the community Provide structure, advice, and guidance for the VISTA's assignment Clarify internal policies for requesting leave, and obtaining reimbursements and obtaining supplies Understand the full set of policies in the VISTA Member Handbook Assess assignment performance with the VISTA Give the VISTA feedback on their project activities Work with the VISTA on meeting personal and professional goals Partner with the VISTA in developing community activities Ensure that the rules, regulations, and guidelines of the VISTA program are met Supervisor Manual: http://vistacampus.org/mod/book/view.php?id=2223&chapterid=2372

7. VISTA Recruitment Recruitment process MNCC posted applications on the AmeriCorps website VISTAs apply at www.americorps.gov Sites manage VISTA applications through eGrants https://egrants.cns.gov/espan/main/login.jsp

9. 2) Select your site from the drop down menu. 1) Select ‘Search Submitted Applications’ on the left column 3) Select ‘Submitted’ to ensure you just see current applications (otherwise previous years’ applications will appear)

10. Click on the applicant’s name to see the full application and recommendations. If you just hit ‘print’ on the right, you won’t be able to see the applicant’s recommendations.

12. The last step to selecting a VISTA : Sponsor Recommendation is for the VISTA supervisor to fill out & is reviewed by CNCS office before approval. This must be detailed!

13. Supervisor Resources The CHC Blog includes a supervisor intranet, http://mncollegehealthcorps.wordpress.com/ click on the last tab on the right labeled ‘Supervisor Intranet’ password: chcsupers

15. Recruitment Logistics Required Paperwork due by April 29 All documents are found on the Supervisor Intranet Eligibility documentation form (no longer accept SS card) VISTA Interview checklist background check release Travel to service site (if moving more than 50 miles) Timeline April 29 is the deadline to select a final candidate & all required paperwork Site forfeit a VISTA position if the slot is not filled by April 29 due to CNCS policies

16. Next Steps Host Site Agreement Fill out specifics for your site Mail two copies to Minnesota Campus Compact 2211 Riverside Avenue S, #48 Minneapolis MN 55454 $3,000 Program fee Due April 15 with Host Site Agreement Non-refundable

17. Next steps continued Revisions to VAD MNCC and CNCS State Office will make comments comments will be emailed by Friday, March 18 due April 15 VISTA’s on-site orientation and training schedule Critical to a successful year for VISTA and site Don’t assume ANYTHING during orientation orientation should last at least 2-3 weeks due June 1 Supervisor in-person meeting in May- preferred dates?

18. Questions? Comments? This is A LOT of information! Please contact us with any questions Meghan’s contact information: [email_address] 612-436-2080 Jessica’s contact information (VISTA Leader): [email_address] 612-436-2082