AmeriCorps VISTA Specialist
Open Arms Free Clinic AmeriCorps VISTA Associate
Program Overview
The Wisconsin Association of Free & Charitable Clinics (WAFCC) AmeriCorps Program partners with free and charitable clinics across Wisconsin to strengthen healthcare access for uninsured and underserved populations. Through capacity-building service, AmeriCorps VISTA members help clinics develop sustainable systems, expand resources, recruit volunteers, and increase community awareness to ensure that quality healthcare remains accessible to those who need it most.
Open Arms Free Clinic serves individuals and families throughout Walworth County who face barriers to healthcare due to financial hardship or lack of insurance. By serving as an AmeriCorps VISTA, you will help build the infrastructure that allows the clinic to continue providing life-changing healthcare services at no cost to patients.
Position Title
2026 Open Arms Free Clinic VISTA Associate
Service Term: 1 Year, Full-Time
Host Site: Open Arms Free Clinic
Sponsoring Organization: Wisconsin Association of Free & Charitable Clinics (WAFCC)
About the Position
Are you passionate about community health, nonprofit leadership, communications, and making a meaningful impact?
The Open Arms Free Clinic VISTA Associate will play a key role in strengthening the clinic's capacity to serve low-income and uninsured residents throughout Walworth County. This position focuses on building sustainable systems that increase funding opportunities, expand volunteer engagement, and enhance community awareness of clinic services.
This is an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in healthcare administration, nonprofit management, communications, fundraising, public health, or community development.
As a VISTA member, you will create systems and resources that continue benefiting the organization long after your service year is complete.
What You'll Do
Resource Development & Grant Research
Help secure resources that allow Open Arms Free Clinic to expand services and meet community needs.
Responsibilities:
- Research community health needs and funding priorities.
- Identify grant opportunities from public and private funders.
- Develop grant boilerplate language and proposal templates.
- Create systems to track grant opportunities and submissions.
- Develop sustainable resource development processes for future staff and VISTA members.
Marketing, Outreach & Storytelling
Help tell the story of Open Arms Free Clinic and the impact it has on the community.
Responsibilities:
- Develop marketing materials and outreach campaigns.
- Collaborate with clinic leadership to strengthen website and social media presence.
- Create content that highlights patient success stories and clinic impact.
- Assist with press releases, newsletters, and community communications.
- Analyze audience engagement and use data to improve outreach strategies.
- Create communication guides and resources for future VISTA members.
Volunteer Recruitment & Community Partnerships
Strengthen relationships that support clinic operations and patient care.
Responsibilities:
- Research and implement volunteer recruitment strategies.
- Build partnerships with schools, workforce development programs, and community organizations.
- Assist with volunteer engagement and retention efforts.
- Develop volunteer feedback and satisfaction surveys.
- Analyze volunteer data and recommend improvements.
- Support community events and outreach activities.
- Create sustainable volunteer management resources and procedures.
Ideal Candidate
We're looking for someone who is:
- Passionate about health equity and community service.
- A strong communicator with excellent writing skills.
- Comfortable working independently and collaboratively.
- Creative and interested in marketing, outreach, and storytelling.
- Organized with strong project management abilities.
- Interested in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, healthcare, or public health.
- Motivated to create systems that have long-term impact.
Preferred experience includes:
- Community outreach
- Social media management
- Communications or marketing
- Grant research or fundraising
- Volunteer coordination
- Nonprofit or healthcare environments
No specific major is required. We value passion, initiative, and a commitment to service.
What You'll Gain
Professional Development
- Hands-on experience in nonprofit operations and healthcare administration.
- Grant writing and fundraising experience.
- Marketing, communications, and public relations skills.
- Volunteer management and community engagement experience.
- Project management and leadership development opportunities.
Career Preparation
This position provides valuable experience for careers in:
- Public Health
- Healthcare Administration
- Nonprofit Management
- Community Development
- Communications & Marketing
- Fundraising & Development
- Social Services
- Public Policy
AmeriCorps VISTA Benefits
- Living allowance during service
- Segal Education Award OR End-of-Service Cash Stipend
- Health Care Allowance
- Child Care Assistance (if eligible)
- Possible Relocation Benefits
- Professional Development Opportunities
- One Year of Non-Competitive Eligibility for Federal Employment
Why Serve with Open Arms Free Clinic?
Every day, Open Arms Free Clinic helps individuals access healthcare they might otherwise go without. Your work as a VISTA member will help secure funding, recruit volunteers, strengthen community partnerships, and increase awareness of services that improve lives.
By building sustainable systems and resources, you will help ensure that uninsured and low-income individuals continue receiving quality healthcare while avoiding the financial burden of unaffordable medical bills.
Your service will help create healthier communities, stronger organizations, and brighter futures.
Join Open Arms Free Clinic and make a lasting impact through service.
Contact
WAFCC AmeriCorps Program Manager
Tavon Johnson
WAFCC AmeriCorps VISTA Lead
Manoucha Georges
manoucha.georges@wafcclinics.org