Cedar Rapids Library Opportunity Center Associate VISTA

The Opportunity Center at the Cedar Rapids Public Library provides resources to the community to support employment and job training goals. In FY2025, the Center served over 1,110 patrons. Through resume workshops, computer skills classes, mock interviews, English as a Second Language classes, and career fairs, the Opportunity Center helps people find employment. While the program is open to all needing service in finding employment, the majority of our walk-in patrons come from our immigrant/refugee population. With the opening of our new Busse Branch in September 2026, we expect to see an increased number of walk-in patrons. This location is in the heart of the immigrant/refugee community and Section 8 housing in Cedar Rapids. This VISTA position will directly support the growth of the Opportunity Center's during this expansion. The goals of this VISTA project will be to: 1. Create data management tools and document procedures to streamline the intake process for new patrons that increases the efficiency for reporting data to stakeholders 2. Develop processes for volunteer engagement in the Center, including writing job descriptions, developing a recruitment plan, creating and implementing processes and training tools, and overseeing volunteers 3. Assist with outreach efforts to reach marginalized communities, including developing informational packets for outreach, identifying potential partners, and coordinating information for referrals to other community resources