(a) At its discretion, AmeriCorps may approve the establishment of a leader position based on the following factors:

(1) The need for a leader in a project of a substantial size and with multiple VISTAs assigned to serve at that project, or the need for leader for multiple projects located within a contiguous geographic region.

(2) The need for a leader to assist with the communication of VISTA policies and administrative procedures to VISTAs within a project, or throughout the multiple projects within a contiguous geographic region, as applicable.

(3) The need for a leader to assist with the professional development of VISTAs within a project, or throughout the multiple projects within a contiguous geographic region, as applicable.

(4) The need for a leader to assist with the recruitment and preparation for the arrival of VISTAs within a project, or throughout the multiple projects within a contiguous geographic region, as applicable.

(5) The capacity of the VISTA supervisor to support and guide the leader.

(b) A sponsor may request, in its project application, that AmeriCorps establish a leader position in its project.

An individual is eligible to apply to serve as a leader if they have successfully completed any of the following:

(a) At least one year of service as a VISTA;

(b) At least one full term of service as a full-time AmeriCorps State and National member;

(c) At least one full term of service as a member of the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC); or

(d) At least one traditional term of service as a Peace Corps Volunteer.

(a) Application package. An eligible individual must apply in writing to AmeriCorps to become a leader. The sponsor's recommendation must be included with the individual's application to become a leader.

(b) Sponsor recommendation. A sponsor with which an individual is seeking to serve as a leader must recommend the individual to become a leader, in writing, to AmeriCorps.

(c) Selection. AmeriCorps has sole authority to select a leader. The criteria considered for selection include the individual's experience, special skills, and leadership, as demonstrated in the application and the sponsor's recommendation.

AmeriCorps reviews the application package for the leader position, considers the recommendation of the sponsor, and approves or disapproves the individual to serve as a leader.

(a) The application process to become a leader, as described in § 2556.610, is separate and distinct from the application process to enroll as a VISTA in the VISTA program.

(b) A leader may receive a living allowance computed at a higher daily rate than other VISTAs, as authorized under section 105(a)(1)(B) of the DVSA.

(c) A leader is subject to all the terms and conditions of service described in § 2556.625.

Though not exhaustive, terms and conditions of service as a leader include:

(a) A leader makes a full-time commitment to serve as a leader, without regard to regular working hours, for a minimum of one year.

(b) To the maximum extent practicable, a leader must live among and at the economic level of the low-income community served by the project.

(c) A leader aids the communication of VISTA policies and administrative procedures to VISTAs.

(d) A leader assists with the leadership development of VISTAs.

(e) A leader is a resource in the development and delivery of training for VISTAs.

(f) A leader may assist the sponsor with recruitment and preparation for the arrival of VISTAs.

(g) A leader may advise a supervisor on potential problem areas and needs of VISTAs.

(h) A leader aids VISTAs in the development of effective working relationships and understanding of VISTA program concepts.

(i) A leader may aid the supervisor and sponsor in directing or focusing the VISTA project to best address the community's needs.

(j) A leader may serve as a collector of data for performance measures of the project and the VISTAs.

(k) A leader is prohibited from supervising VISTAs. A leader is also prohibited from handling or managing, on behalf of the project, personnel-related matters affecting VISTAs. Personnel-related matters affecting VISTAs must be managed and handled by the project and in coordination with the appropriate AmeriCorps Region Office.