Panhandle Area Health Education Center
WTAMU Box 61003
Canyon, Texas 79016
Phone: (806) 651-3480 Fax: (806) 651-3489
AmeriCorps VISTA Opportunity
Panhandle AHEC- Healthy Futures Project
The AHEC-Healthy Futures project is a partnership effort between the Big Country Area Health
Education Center, West Central Texas Communities. West Texas A&M University and the
Panhandle AHEC. The Community Outreach Coordinator (COC) will be based in Canyon, at
the AHEC office to work with and through community partners to participate in outreach
projects for the development and delivery of health information and continuing health care
educational programs. The AHEC-Healthy Future project will focus on capacity-building efforts
to create or expand community based educational programs and mobilize additional regional
support that meet the needs of the underserved, ethnic minority, and/or economically
disadvantaged populations. The Panhandle AHEC was opened in Canyon in 2004 as part of the
West Texas AHEC program. In a coordinated effort between Texas Tech University Health
Sciences Center, healthcare providers, and West Texas A&M University. AHEC focuses on the
development of the rural healthcare workforce as well as being responsive to local health issues.
To learn more about AHEC go to http://www.westtexasahec.org/home/index
Member Duties:
The COC will work toward building sustainable programs and community outreach, specifically
he/she will: 1) develop a survey tool to be utilized in mapping existing health care resources in
the 20 county Panhandle AHEC service region; 2) work with AHEC staff and other VISTA
employees in the area to facilitate comprehensive asset mapping of community and regional
resources that can be used in developing activities that promote/improve community health; 3)
survey existing community-based assets to determine the need for on-site continuing education
programs; 4) map existing clinical placement sites and identifying potential clinical placement
sites for multiple health professions careers; 5) assist AHEC and local resources in promoting
asset based initiatives by publicizing the process at work in the counties as a tool for recruiting,
identifying, and facilitating a working relationship among local, regional, public, private, and
community groups as a way to extend local resources.
A service of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center F. Marie Hall Institute for Rural and Community Health
and West Central Texas Council of Governments
June 15, 2015
Program Benefits:
Training, Health Coverage, Living Allowance, Childcare assistance if eligible, Relocation
Allowance, Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend
Salary: A living allowance of $11,676 per year; $973 per month, before taxes.
Terms:
Serve an average of 40 hours per week serving a 12 month term. Members must be available to
serve the hours needed by the project including weekend and evening service activities. A
VISTA may work or attend school as long as it does not interfere with the VISTA assignment
and Panhandle AHEC’s normal work hours.
Service Areas:
Community Outreach, Community and Economic Development
Skills/Knowledge Required:
 Strong oral and written communication skills
 Ability to self-motivate, be flexible with changing circumstances, and able to prioritize
multiple tasks
 Capacity to work independently and/or as a team
 Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power point
 Strong organizational skills, with high attention to detail and follow through
 Experience in developing and conducting community assessments
 Professional demeanor with the ability to engage successfully with a wide range of
individuals
 Commitment to building the capacity of Panhandle AHEC
 Belief in the value of community and service
 Car required
 Bi-lingual Spanish skills helpful but not required
 Bachelor’s degree preferred but not required and/or similar work experience
Additional Requirements and Key Dates:
 Pre-Service Orientation scheduled November 3-6, 2015. Paid for through the
Corporation for National and Community Service.
 The term of service begins November 3, 2015 and last for 1 year.
 Must be at least 18 years of age and a U.S. citizen, national, or legal permanent resident
alien of the U.S.
Application Procedure: If you are interested in growing professionally and want to serve
disadvantaged communities through a highly respected organization, AHEC invites you to visit
https://my.americorps.gov/mp/login.do and apply to serve. In addition, please submit directly to
the Panhandle AHEC or Big Country- AHEC office by email to tsweat@mail.wtamu.edu or
tnew@bcahec.org or by mail Panhandle AHEC, WTAMU Box 61003,Canyon, TX 79016.
June 15, 2015
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Cover Letter
Resume
Two Professional References
A service of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Office of Rural and Community Health and West Central Texas Council
of Governments
June 15, 2015