Join Volunteer Iowa and Iowa HHS this summer to support statewide projects that build stronger, more resilient systems for Iowans. As part of the Volunteer Iowa HHS Summer VISTA program, you’ll contribute to one of six key project tracks—Disaster Preparedness, Refugee Services, Economic Assistance, Youth Mental Health Corps, CASA, or Aging/Assisted Decision Making—each designed to expand capacity, improve service delivery, and support vulnerable populations across Iowa. Summer VISTAs help develop tools, document workflows, analyze data, enhance volunteer engagement, and recommend improvements to statewide systems. Whether you’re mapping refugee service pathways, updating disaster preparedness materials, supporting youth mental health sustainability efforts, assisting families through economic assistance access, analyzing child welfare program quality, or conducting research for Iowa’s aging and decision making initiatives—you’ll be making a meaningful contribution. This program offers hands-on experience in public service, program evaluation, research, emergency planning, communications, and community engagement. Members receive mentorship from experienced staff, professional development opportunities, and exposure to collaborative statewide initiatives across multiple divisions of HHS and Volunteer Iowa. If you want to build your skills, strengthen communities, and contribute to Iowa’s statewide systems, this role provides a powerful résumé-building experience and a chance to make a real impact.
Member Duties : Develop SOPs, improve partner coordination, strengthen volunteer systems. Conduct interviews, map pathways, analyze data to improve statewide refugee networks. Assist with Summer EBT eligibility, support applicants, improve workflows. Research funding, gather feedback, design convening and sustainability materials. Analyze program data, support Impact Assessment, develop volunteer guidance and training tools. Conduct research, map decision-making supports, identify gaps and recommendations. Document all work and contribute to sustainable program practices.
Program Benefits : Training , Living Allowance , Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend .
Terms :
Permits attendance at school during off hours , Car recommended , Permits working at another job during off hours .
Service Areas :
Disaster Relief , Health , Community Outreach .
Skills :
Team Work , Computers/Technology , Communications , General Skills .
Summer Associate HHS - Volunteer Iowa VISTA
Minimum: 18 Maximum: None
From 03/03/2026 To 05/08/2026
benjamin.cohen@volunteeriowa.org
