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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Sarah Hinzman
(515) 725-3333 or [email protected]
Iowa Department on Aging Recruiting AmeriCorps VISTA Members
Des Moines, Iowa (May 14, 2015) – The Iowa Department on Aging is seeking candidates to serve as
AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) members for its new Expanding Senior Resources project
to assist with a variety of activities impacting older Iowans, adults with disabilities and their caregivers.
Members will be selected in the month of June and will begin serving in August. To qualify, applicants must be a
U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident, be 18 or older and have at least a high school diploma (bachelor's
degree preferred). Competitive applicants will also possess skills in writing, public speaking,
communications/marketing/advertising, community organization/grassroots outreach, project management and
have a familiarity with current office technology.
Positions available include:
• Community Outreach Specialist, placed at Milestones Area Agency on Aging (Davenport)
• Communications and Event Specialist, placed at the Iowa Department on Aging (Des Moines)
• Volunteer Coordinator, placed at the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman (Des Moines)
For more information about these positions, please visit www.iowaaging.gov/volunteerism.
A term in AmeriCorps VISTA is considered a commitment to country through national and community service; it
is not considered paid employment. The term of service for an AmeriCorps VISTA position is a minimum of one
year, with the potential of renewal. Members will serve in a full-time capacity with their service site. Benefits of
serving include:
• Modest living allowance ($11,676 during the year of service, dispersed bi-weekly)
• Education scholarship of $5,730 OR a $1,500 end-of-service cash stipend upon completion of service
• Optional benefits, such as health allowance, child care or life insurance
These positions are open until filled. To apply, visit www.AmeriCorps.gov and search for Elder Care positions in
Iowa under "Join AmeriCorps." Questions may be directed to Sarah Hinzman at the Iowa Department on Aging
at (866) 236-1430.
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The Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman (OSLTCO) works to advocate for the rights and wishes of
residents and tenants in long-term care, including those living in nursing homes, residential care facilities,
assisted living facilities and elder group homes. Established within the Iowa Department on Aging under the
Older Americans Act of 1965, the OSLTCO oversees a team of eight local long-term care ombudsmen and Iowa’s
Volunteer Ombudsman Program, which places trained and certified volunteers in facilities statewide to protect
the rights of Iowa’s 22,000 long-term care residents. Together, the team investigates complaints made by, or on
behalf of, residents and tenants; serves as a resource for answers regarding long-term care rules and rights;
provides information, education, awareness and training about long-term care options and residents’ rights; and
promotes policy changes to improve the quality of life for individuals in long-term care. More information is
available at www.iowaaging.gov.