VISTA OSOT Guidelines

The scope and duration of the OSOT (On-Site Orientation and Training) depends on the background of your member and the specifics of your organization.

  • Develop an OSOT plan which is consistent with project goals and which meets minimum desired outcomes.
  • Submit OSOT plan to the Corporation for National and Community Service (a.k.a, Corporation) State Program Office 30 days prior to the Pre-Service Orientation (PSO) your VISTAs will attend.
  • Involve the member in an ongoing evaluation of OSOT activities; adjust plans, as necessary, to meet individual member's needs.
  • Evaluate OSOT, and have written member and supervisory evaluations submitted to the Corporation State Program Office within five days of the completion of OSOT.
  • Begin process of defining in-service training needs based on OSOT outcomes and evaluation.

The scheduling of OSOT should be timely enough to provide the member with the immediate information and skills needed to begin the job, yet flexible enough to satisfy personal and adjustment needs.

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