Help strengthen Iowa’s public health infrastructure—gain experience in systems analysis, communication design, and program capacity‑building while improving how the Iowa HHS Division of Public Health serves communities facing the greatest health and economic barriers.
As a Public Health Division Capacity Building VISTA, you will support efforts to build sustainable communication tools, onboarding systems, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) that help staff deliver more consistent, equitable public health services. You will work closely with the SOP Collaborative, Communications Committee, and workforce initiatives to streamline processes, increase workflow efficiency, and enhance accessibility of internal resources.
Your service will strengthen public health programs that reach low-income Iowans, ALICE households, rural communities, and populations experiencing health disparities, ensuring teams across the Division are better equipped to improve health outcomes statewide.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Develop SOP toolkits, visual guides, templates, and process maps that streamline workflows and support consistent, high‑quality service delivery.
- Build and organize SharePoint hubs and resource libraries for SOPs, onboarding materials, and communication tools.
- Support SOP Collaborative and Communications Committee meetings by preparing agendas, documenting decisions, and tracking progress.
- Conduct assessments of existing SOPs, communication systems, and onboarding tools to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Develop and implement staff surveys to assess communication barriers and internal system needs; analyze results and compile recommendations.
- Create reusable survey tools, templates, and tracking systems for long‑term sustainability.
- Support development of a Division‑wide onboarding framework, including orientation materials, checklists, role‑based resources, and training pathways.
- Assist with creating a centralized onboarding hub and supervisor tools for consistent onboarding practices.
- Document new processes and tools and prepare a sustainability plan to ensure long‑term maintenance.
- Partner with HHS Volunteer Engagement staff to identify volunteer-supported roles and develop onboarding or training materials that expand program capacity.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required (and preferred):
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to analyze information and develop clear documentation
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Interest in public health, public service, systems design, or workforce development
- Tech‑savvy, with ability to learn new platforms (SharePoint, document management, communication tools)
Timeframe:
Length of
Commitment: 1 Year, Full‑Time VISTA Term
Scheduling: Monday–Friday, standard business hours
Worksite: Des Moines, Hybrid (primarily in‑person; minimum 2 days per week per HHS policy; supervisor may set additional in‑person expectations)
Benefits of Serving:
- Professional development and mentorship from public health leaders and supervisors
- Hands‑on experience with systems design, public health operations, onboarding, and communication strategy
- Exposure to statewide public health programs and cross‑bureau collaboration
- Networking opportunities within Iowa HHS and partner organizations
- A record of national service and résumé‑building experience
AmeriCorps VISTA Benefits:
- Living allowance paid biweekly
- End-of-service award (Segal Education Award or cash stipend)
- Relocation assistance if eligible
- Health coverage*
- Childcare assistance if eligible
- Access to AmeriCorps training and career development resources
*For details about VISTA healthcare benefits, visit https://americorpsvista.imglobal.com/.
Volunteer Agrees To:
- Adhere to guidelines provided by Iowa HHS and AmeriCorps VISTA.
- Maintain a respectful and professional demeanor throughout the project.
- Devote sufficient time and energy to fulfill the outlined position requirements.
- Acknowledge that this is an unpaid, volunteer position offered through AmeriCorps VISTA.
