Program Evaluation VISTA

Program Area: All Programs
Reports to: Community Engagement Coordinator & Director of Programs
*This is a 1 year, full-time position through the AmeriCorps VISTA program. Learn more about the AmeriCorps VISTA program and apply for this position through the Americorps VISTA portal*
​
GENERAL SUMMARY:  The Center for Women in Transition advocates for and assists women in the criminal justice system to support their successful transition to family and community. This position is through the AmeriCorps VISTA program, a national service program designed to build capacity in nonprofit organizations. The VISTA member will increase the Center’s organizational capacity to better serve and support justice-involved women’s transitions from incarceration to home by developing effective and consistent data collection practices and tools across the agency to inform and improve services to clients. The data systems and processes that the VISTA develops and implements will have lasting impact on the Center’s services, which will allow the Center to better serve women transitioning from incarceration and help women gain the stability to be free from poverty. In improving the Center’s data management, the VISTA member will enhance each of these services and their outcomes.


OBJECTIVES AND MEMBER ACTIVITIES:  

Objective: Develop effective and consistent data collection practices and tools across the agency.

VISTA Member Activities:

1. Onboard a new database system. Coordinate with the database system company to learn all aspects of functionality relating to the database. Develop a user-friendly manual for staff to use the database which can be used to train staff beyond the VISTA’s service term. Develop other education tools for staff to learn the database as determined by the VISTA and Director of Programs. Identify errors in database use and communicate with staff to quickly remedy errors. Coordinate with the database system company to fix initial kinks in the system.
2. Research best practices, academic studies, and other reentry services for types of data the Center should be collecting. Enhance database to incorporate those data points.
3. Develop mobile-friendly survey tools for key constituents.
   
   

​Objective: Analyze data to inform and improve client services.

VISTA Member Activities: 

1. Communicate key metrics and findings to program staff, Development Department, and organization leaders. 
2. Create easy to understand graphics and charts to share findings with key stakeholders.
3. Create standard tools and practices for analyzing client surveys.
4. Work effectively with the Communications and Events VISTA to communicate findings with Center supporters.

QUALIFICATIONS:  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The Center encourages people with criminal justice backgrounds to apply.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Undergraduate degree from a four-year accredited institution. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

1. Strong commitment to the Center's mission and restorative justice practices.
2. Ability to communicate effectively with people from a variety of backgrounds to promote cooperation.
3. Ability to work independently as well as in partnership with clients, volunteers, other staff and professionals, and the community.
4. Strong critical thinking skills.
5. Strategic thinker who enjoys improving systems and practices.
6. Strong research and writing skills.
7. Good organizational skills with attention to details.
8. Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
9. Strong computer skills including: Microsoft Word, Excel, the internet, and ability to learn new database systems.
10. Strong data analysis skills.

WORKING CONDITIONS:  

1. Willingness to participate in the AmeriCorps VISTA program.
2. Ability to tolerate long periods of sitting and using computers.
3. Position will be subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

​To apply, go to the AmeriCorps VISTA portal. Contact cwit@cwitstl.org with questions.

---