Homeowner Services Development

VISTA - 2026-27

Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Indiana Gary, Indiana Full-time, in-person | One-year AmeriCorps VISTA service term About the Opportunity Help families move closer to successful homeownership by building sustainable systems that connect people with information, education, and community resources. Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Indiana is recruiting a Homeowner Services Development VISTA to lead the development of our new Family Resource Navigation Program. This position will strengthen Habitat's recruitment, preparation, and support of prospective homeowners throughout Lake County. AmeriCorps VISTA members perform indirect, capacity-building service. This position will focus on creating systems, partnerships, educational resources, and planning tools, not providing ongoing case-management services. What You'll Do

• Research and develop a comprehensive homeowner recruitment plan.
• Build outreach strategies for faith organizations, employers, schools, civic groups and other community partners.
• Help create a user-friendly and consistent homeowner application process.
• Develop systems to track applications, applicant status, sweat-equity hours and homeowner scheduling.
• Design individualized "Pathways to Homeownership" planning tools.
• Develop homeowner education materials covering financial literacy, credit improvement, mortgage readiness, home maintenance and related topics.
• Establish referral partnerships with colleges, nonprofit organizations, financial institutions, employers, municipalities and faith-based organizations.
• Identify resources addressing barriers such as transportation, childcare, employment, health care, financial readiness and credit.
• Help strengthen Habitat's Family Services Committee through expanded community participation.
• Develop volunteer descriptions and recruitment materials for committee members.
• Create applicant and homeowner satisfaction surveys.
• Produce manuals, procedures, training materials and transition plans to sustain the program after the service term.
• Support outreach to underserved communities throughout Lake County. Who We're Looking For An ideal candidate:
• Is passionate about affordable housing, financial empowerment, and community development.
• Enjoys researching resources and creating practical systems.
• Has strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Is organized and comfortable tracking information and managing multiple projects.
• Can build productive relationships with community organizations and service providers.
• Works effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrates respect for different experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds.
• Is committed to full-time, in-person service.
• Has a personal vehicle available for service-related travel.

Experience in social work, human services, education, nonprofit management, public administration, communications or community development is helpful but not required.

Minimum Requirements Applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have a high school diploma or GED.
• Meet AmeriCorps citizenship or eligible residency requirements.
• Be available for full-time, in-person service in Gary, Indiana.
• Have access to a personal vehicle. Eligible citizenship and residency classifications include U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents, and certain other qualifying classifications recognized by AmeriCorps, including refugee, asylum or asylee, temporary protected status, and DACA status. AmeriCorps Service Benefits
• Annual living allowance ranging from $24,962 to $40,869, determined by the service location; most locations are toward the lower end of the range.
• $7,395 Segal AmeriCorps Education Award after successful completion of service.
• $400 monthly housing stipend paid directly to the member's landlord.
• $100 monthly grocery gift card.
• Health care benefits and access to an Employee Assistance Program.
• Ten personal-leave days and ten medical-leave days.
• Forbearance for most federally guaranteed student loans.
• Childcare assistance for qualifying members.
• Personal and professional development opportunities.
• Relocation assistance for members moving more than 50 miles to serve.
• One year of noncompetitive eligibility for federal employment following successful completion of service.

Service Term and Schedule This is a full-time, in-person AmeriCorps VISTA position with a one-year service commitment. Start dates are flexible, generally four to six weeks after an offer is accepted, and no earlier than September 2026. About Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Indiana Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Indiana brings people together to build homes, communities and hope. We help families and individuals develop the strength, stability and self-reliance needed to achieve successful homeownership. The Homeowner Services Development VISTA will help establish sustainable systems that allow Habitat to reach more prospective homeowners, address barriers to program readiness, and strengthen partnerships throughout Lake County. How to Apply Review the complete position description and apply online: https://www.habitat.org/about/careers/americorps/homeowner-services-development-vista-2026-27-10997br Reference number: 10997BR Habitat for Humanity brings together people of all faiths and people of no faith to build homes, communities and hope. We are committed to an environment where individuals with varied experiences, backgrounds and perspectives are welcomed, respected and valued.

Pay:

$24,962.00 - $40,869.00 per year

Benefits:

Employee assistance program Health insurance Paid time off

Work Location:

In person