Opportunities From: Iowa Department of Health and Human Services

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Help make Iowa more welcoming—gain experience in research, systems analysis, and program design while helping strengthen refugee services statewide.

As a Refugee Services Capacity Building VISTA, you will support statewide efforts to improve service pathways and strengthen Iowa HHS’s refugee‑serving systems. You’ll help the Bureau of Refugee Services assess available supports, identify service gaps, and develop tools that expand long‑term system capacity. This role provides hands‑on experience in program evaluation, research, community engagement, and systems improvement—ideal for individuals interested in social work, public policy, international development, public health, or community systems design.

Your work will contribute to a more coordinated, culturally responsive, and accessible refugee service network throughout Iowa.

a { text-decoration: none; color: #464feb; } tr th, tr td { border: 1px solid #e6e6e6; } tr th { background-color: #f5f5f5; } Duties and Responsibilities: Develop surveys, interview tools, and data‑collection instruments to assess refugee service pathways and system gaps.Conduct interviews and gather information from service providers, partner organizations, and community stakeholders (not individual clients). Compile, analyze, and summarize findings to support system improvements. Map and document existing service pathways, highlighting areas of duplication, fragmentation, or unmet need. Draft recommendations and resource materials that help HHS and partner organizations strengthen refugee service coordination. Support development of internal guidance, documentation, and resource maps for improved navigation. Contribute to capacity‑building efforts that improve communication, data practices, and resource organization within refugee service systems. Assist with development of culturally responsive engagement tools or process improvements. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required (and preferred): Strong communication and cultural sensitivity. Research and data analysis skills. Ability to work independently and collaboratively.Preferred lived experience as a refugee (not required)Speaking at near native proficiency in any of the below languages is preferred Afrikaans Amharic Arabic Burmese Dari French Haitian Creole Karen Karenni Kibembe Kinyamulenge KirundiKurdish Pashto Rohingya Somali Spanish SwahiliTigrinya Ukrainian Urdu

Timeframe:

Length of Commitment: 1 Year, Full‑Time VISTA Term
Scheduling: Monday–Friday, standard business hours
Worksite: Des Moines

Benefits of Serving: Professional development and mentorship from experienced HHS staff. Exposure to statewide systems and refugee service networks. Hands-on experience in research and program evaluation. Networking opportunities with state agencies and community organizations. Record of national service for resume and career advancement.

AmeriCorps VISTA Benefits:Living allowance paid biweeklyEnd-of-service award (Segal Education Award or cash stipend)Relocation assistance if eligibleHealth coverage*Childcare assistance if eligibleAccess 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.

Help Iowa strengthen volunteer engagement statewide—build skills in partnership development, data-driven capacity building, and system-wide volunteer coordination. 

As a Volunteer Engagement Capacity Building VISTA, you will help nonprofits, volunteer centers, local governments, and Iowa HHS programs strengthen the systems that make volunteer engagement possible. Your work will support a statewide effort to improve volunteer infrastructure, expand access to high-quality engagement practices, and ensure that all communities especially rural and underserved areas—have the capacity to mobilize volunteers effectively.

You’ll collaborate with Volunteer Iowa, Iowa HHS divisions, community organizations, and volunteer managers across the state to enhance volunteer systems, develop training and outreach tools, expand best‑practice resources, and support Get Connected as a statewide volunteer portal. This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful, lasting impact on Iowa’s service ecosystem while building skills in research, capacity building, program development, community engagement, and cross‑sector collaboration.  

 

Duties and Responsibilities:

Review and update volunteer listings within the statewide Get Connected system to improve data quality and accessibility.Develop clear outreach plans to support nonprofits, volunteer centers, and community partners in strengthening their use of volunteer engagement tools.Collaborate with Iowa HHS divisions to identify where volunteers can support community navigation, aging supports, public health efforts, behavioral health initiatives, and other priority service areas.Research models of volunteer engagement—including barriers for older adults, youth, rural residents, and other populations—to help improve statewide capacity.Analyze statewide volunteer system data and prepare recommendations, briefs, or dashboards that support decision‑making.Create or update training resources for volunteer managers, including onboarding guidance, best‑practice templates, and service‑learning or skills‑based volunteering tools.Assist with statewide volunteer engagement trainings, Get Connected manager meetings, and volunteer management workshops.Support outreach and recognition efforts that highlight strong volunteer engagement and lift up organizations using high‑impact volunteer strategies.Develop communications and resource materials for partners and maintain volunteer engagement resources on Volunteer Iowa platforms.Provide administrative and project support for systems‑building, training, and research initiatives.

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required: Strong written and verbal communication skills.Ability to analyze information, develop clear documentation, and create resource materials.Comfortable working independently and collaboratively with statewide partners.Interest in volunteer engagement, community development, public service, data analysis, or nonprofit systems.Tech‑savvy, with the ability to learn new platforms for communication, database work, or project tracking.

 

Timeframe:1 Year Full-Time Position (35–40 hours / 5 days a week)

Education Level: High School Diploma/GED

Age Requirement: Minimum 18 years old

Accepting Applications From: 03/04/2026 to 08/01/2026

 

Benefits of Serving: 

Professional development and mentorship from Volunteer Iowa and HHS staff.Hands‑on experience in volunteer engagement, capacity building, data analysis, and program design.Exposure to statewide volunteer coordination strategies and public-sector systems.Networking opportunities with state agencies, nonprofits, community organizations, and volunteer managers across Iowa.A strong record of national service to support your resume and future career advancement.

AmeriCorps VISTA Benefits:

Living allowance paid biweeklyEnd-of-service award (Segal Education Award or cash stipend)Relocation assistance if eligibleHealth coverage*Childcare assistance if eligibleAccess to national AmeriCorps training and career development resources

*For details about VISTA healthcare benefits, visit: https://americorpsvista.imglobal.com/

 

Volunteer Agrees To:

Adhere to guidelines from Volunteer Iowa, Iowa HHS, and AmeriCorps VISTA.Maintain a professional and respectful approach when representing the project.Devote the time and effort required to fulfill position responsibilities.Acknowledge that this is a volunteer AmeriCorps VISTA service position.

Help strengthen Iowa’s Early Intervention & Support systems this summer—gain hands-on experience in research, statewide resource mapping, and human services while contributing to the THRIVE Iowa initiative. As a full‑year VISTA, you will support Iowa HHS in improving the way statewide programs identify, understand, and connect resources for TANF‑eligible individuals and families.
You will help build long‑term capacity by conducting research, mapping community assets, gathering information from local providers, and developing system improvements that strengthen statewide initiatives like THRIVE Iowa and the Central Consult Unit. This role provides real‑world experience in policy research, community engagement, systems strengthening, and program evaluation—ideal for individuals interested in social work, public policy, public health, or community development.

Duties and Responsibilities: Research existing resource inventories, statewide directories, and community‑based service lists to identify current support structuresConduct asset mapping to understand available services for TANF‑eligible individuals and where gaps existContact service providers to gather updated information on programs, eligibility, availability, and referral pathwaysCollect, summarize, and organize statewide program data to support THRIVE Iowa and related initiativesDevelop and maintain a county‑by‑county resource inventory to improve internal navigation and partner coordinationSupport improvements to documentation, data collection processes, and resource‑mapping tools.Collaborate with Early Intervention & Support leadership to ensure alignment with statewide priorities and human services goals.Support communications, resource development, and internal planning materials to strengthen long‑term system capacity. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required: Strong research and information‑gathering skills.Excellent communication and comfort conducting outreach calls or meetings.Ability to organize data and present it clearly.Interest in human services, social work, public policy, or community systems.Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team. Timeframe:

Length of Commitment: 1 Year, Full‑Time VISTA Term
Scheduling: Monday–Friday, standard business hours
Worksite: Central Office (Des Moines) with hybrid options

Benefits of Serving: Professional development and mentorship from Iowa HHS staffExposure to statewide human services systems and interagency collaboration Hands‑on experience in research, systems mapping, and program evaluation Networking opportunities with providers, HHS divisions, and community partners A national service term that strengthens your resume and future career opportunities
AmeriCorps VISTA Benefits:Living allowance paid biweeklyEnd-of-service award (Segal Education Award or cash stipend)Relocation assistance if eligibleHealth coverage*Childcare assistance if eligibleAccess 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.
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Launch your career in public service this summer—gain hands-on experience helping Iowans access essential benefits while learning the inner workings of state programs and building skills that employers value.

 

Join Iowa HHS this summer as part of a team dedicated to helping Iowans access essential economic supports. As a VISTA Summer Associate, you will assist with eligibility processes and provide customer service to help individuals and families get the benefits they need, while also contributing to system improvements that make these processes clearer and more efficient. This unique role blends direct service with capacity-building, giving you hands-on experience in public assistance delivery, policy application, and process design—skills that translate to careers in human services, public administration, and program management.

 

Duties and Responsibilities: Assist with eligibility determinations for Supplemental EBT (S-EBT) and related programs. Provide customer service support, answering questions and guiding applicants through processes. Enter information accurately into Forms Studio and S-EBT systems. Document workflows and create job aids for staff and future volunteers. Collaborate with HHS team members to identify process improvements and share feedback.

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required: Strong communication and customer service skills. Ability to learn and apply program policies and procedures. Detail-oriented with accurate data entry skills. Comfortable working independently and as part of a team. Interest in public service, social work, or program operations.

 

Timeframe:

Length of Commitment: 10 weeks (June 1 – early August)
Total Hours: Full-time summer associate term
Scheduling: Monday–Friday, standard business hours
Worksite: River Place Office (Hybrid options may be available)

 

Benefits of Serving: Professional development and mentorship from experienced HHS staff. Exposure to statewide systems and eligibility processes. Hands-on experience in customer service and program operations. Networking opportunities with state agencies and partners. Record of national service for resume and career advancement.

 

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.

 

AmeriCorps VISTA Compliance Note: Summer Associates may perform direct service tasks as part of their role. Prohibited activities still apply (e.g., lobbying, partisan politics, religious instruction, voter registration, direct benefit to for-profit entities).

 

Launch your career in public service this summer—gain hands-on experience helping Iowans access essential benefits while learning the inner workings of state programs and building skills that employers value.

 

Join Iowa HHS this summer as part of a team dedicated to helping Iowans access essential economic supports. As a VISTA Summer Associate, you will assist with eligibility processes and provide customer service to help individuals and families get the benefits they need, while also contributing to system improvements that make these processes clearer and more efficient. This unique role blends direct service with capacity-building, giving you hands-on experience in public assistance delivery, policy application, and process design—skills that translate to careers in human services, public administration, and program management.

 

Duties and Responsibilities: Assist with eligibility determinations for Supplemental EBT (S-EBT) and related programs. Provide customer service support, answering questions and guiding applicants through processes. Enter information accurately into Forms Studio and S-EBT systems. Document workflows and create job aids for staff and future volunteers. Collaborate with HHS team members to identify process improvements and share feedback.

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required: Strong communication and customer service skills. Ability to learn and apply program policies and procedures. Detail-oriented with accurate data entry skills. Comfortable working independently and as part of a team. Interest in public service, social work, or program operations.

 

Timeframe:

Length of Commitment: 10 weeks (June 1 – early August)
Total Hours: Full-time summer associate term
Scheduling: Monday–Friday, standard business hours
Worksite: River Place Office (Hybrid options may be available)

 

Benefits of Serving: Professional development and mentorship from experienced HHS staff. Exposure to statewide systems and eligibility processes. Hands-on experience in customer service and program operations. Networking opportunities with state agencies and partners. Record of national service for resume and career advancement.

 

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.

 

AmeriCorps VISTA Compliance Note: Summer Associates may perform direct service tasks as part of their role. Prohibited activities still apply (e.g., lobbying, partisan politics, religious instruction, voter registration, direct benefit to for-profit entities).

 

Launch your career in public service this summer—gain hands-on experience helping Iowans access essential benefits while learning the inner workings of state programs and building skills that employers value.

 

Join Iowa HHS this summer as part of a team dedicated to helping Iowans access essential economic supports. As a VISTA Summer Associate, you will assist with eligibility processes and provide customer service to help individuals and families get the benefits they need, while also contributing to system improvements that make these processes clearer and more efficient. This unique role blends direct service with capacity-building, giving you hands-on experience in public assistance delivery, policy application, and process design—skills that translate to careers in human services, public administration, and program management.

 

Duties and Responsibilities: Assist with eligibility determinations for Supplemental EBT (S-EBT) and related programs. Provide customer service support, answering questions and guiding applicants through processes. Enter information accurately into Forms Studio and S-EBT systems. Document workflows and create job aids for staff and future volunteers. Collaborate with HHS team members to identify process improvements and share feedback.

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required: Strong communication and customer service skills. Ability to learn and apply program policies and procedures. Detail-oriented with accurate data entry skills. Comfortable working independently and as part of a team. Interest in public service, social work, or program operations.

 

Timeframe:

Length of Commitment: 10 weeks (June 1 – early August)
Total Hours: Full-time summer associate term
Scheduling: Monday–Friday, standard business hours
Worksite: River Place Office (Hybrid options may be available)

 

Benefits of Serving: Professional development and mentorship from experienced HHS staff. Exposure to statewide systems and eligibility processes. Hands-on experience in customer service and program operations. Networking opportunities with state agencies and partners. Record of national service for resume and career advancement.

 

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.

 

AmeriCorps VISTA Compliance Note: Summer Associates may perform direct service tasks as part of their role. Prohibited activities still apply (e.g., lobbying, partisan politics, religious instruction, voter registration, direct benefit to for-profit entities).