What are the responsibilities and job description for the Volunteer Programs Specialist position at Opportunity Council?
THIS POSITION IS CURRENTLY PART-TIME, BUT EXPECTED TO GO UP TO FULL-TIME LATER THIS YEAR!
DETAILED SUMMARY:
The Volunteer Programs Specialist will take a lead role in managing and strengthening several key programs within the Volunteer Center, with a primary focus on strategic volunteer recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing oversight and support. This position is central to advancing Opportunity Council’s mission by expanding and maintaining a strong, engaged base of community volunteers. The Volunteer Programs Specialist will serve as the primary coordinator for the AmeriCorps VISTA Program and provide support and coordination for the Volunteer Medical Transportation and Volunteer Chore Programs. This role requires proactive program development, volunteer engagement strategy, and cross-program collaboration.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Volunteer Recruitment, Training, and Coordination:
a. Recruits, orients, and trains new volunteers to ensure they are well-prepared for their roles.
b. Provides ongoing coordination, resources, and regular check-ins with volunteers to foster engagement and satisfaction.
c. Coordinates volunteer schedules and assignments to ensure all services are delivered efficiently and effectively to program participants.
d. Organizes engagement activities, professional development and National Days of Service for the AmeriCorps VISTA program.
2. Strategic Partnerships & Outreach:
a. Establishes and maintains partnerships with local organizations, agencies, and networks in Whatcom, Island, and San Juan Counties to support the growth of the AmeriCorps VISTA program and The Volunteer Chore Program.
b. Cultivates relationships with community partners to strengthen and expand a diverse volunteer base.
c. Develops meaningful VISTA site placements in collaboration with partner organizations to increase their capacity to lift communities out of poverty.
d. Provides technical assistance and guidance to VISTA sites.
e. Works closely with the rest of the Community Engagement team to publicize volunteer activities and program updates via media outlets and other channels.
f. Represents Opportunity Council at community events, volunteer fairs, and partner meetings to promote program awareness in alignment with broader Opportunity Council outreach efforts.
3. Funder Reporting and Compliance:
a. Ensures compliance with funder policies and procedure and adherence to funder policies on volunteer supervision.
b. Collects and submits timely reports on project progress, performance outcomes, and volunteer activities.
BILINGUAL POSITIONS ONLY:
Specialize in providing services to clients and families who speak a language other than English as a primary language. May occasionally be asked to support with translating/interpreting a language other than English to assist potential or current clients.
OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Supports other volunteer-driven programs as needed.
2. Other duties as assigned.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:
1. Associates Degree preferred and 2 years of related experience.
2. OR year for year experience to replace degree.
3. If hiring for a bilingual position. Must be able to speak, read, and write with proficiency and fluency in the required language.
4. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Zoom or other virtual platforms.
4. Valid Washington State driver’s license and five-year driving history within Opportunity Council’s Auto Insurance Standards.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
1. Ability to implement and assist with multiple different projects.
2. Time-management skills, including the ability to work with frequent interruptions.
3. Communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to establish professional relationships with community members.
4. Works well as a team member and independently.
5. Familiarity with seasonal shelter programs or emergency services preferred.
6. Knowledge of Whatcom and Island County communities preferred.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work is performed in a fast–paced office environment with frequent interruptions and occasional crisis situations. Travel also includes attending local and statewide level meetings. Majority of work centers on client services and procedures that require a high degree of confidentiality, tactfulness and respect for clients from a diversity of economic and ethnic backgrounds. All job duties are completed while following current Opportunity Council COVID-19 safety guidelines.
Benefits@Opportunity Council
DETAILED SUMMARY:
The Volunteer Programs Specialist will take a lead role in managing and strengthening several key programs within the Volunteer Center, with a primary focus on strategic volunteer recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing oversight and support. This position is central to advancing Opportunity Council’s mission by expanding and maintaining a strong, engaged base of community volunteers. The Volunteer Programs Specialist will serve as the primary coordinator for the AmeriCorps VISTA Program and provide support and coordination for the Volunteer Medical Transportation and Volunteer Chore Programs. This role requires proactive program development, volunteer engagement strategy, and cross-program collaboration.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Volunteer Recruitment, Training, and Coordination:
a. Recruits, orients, and trains new volunteers to ensure they are well-prepared for their roles.
b. Provides ongoing coordination, resources, and regular check-ins with volunteers to foster engagement and satisfaction.
c. Coordinates volunteer schedules and assignments to ensure all services are delivered efficiently and effectively to program participants.
d. Organizes engagement activities, professional development and National Days of Service for the AmeriCorps VISTA program.
2. Strategic Partnerships & Outreach:
a. Establishes and maintains partnerships with local organizations, agencies, and networks in Whatcom, Island, and San Juan Counties to support the growth of the AmeriCorps VISTA program and The Volunteer Chore Program.
b. Cultivates relationships with community partners to strengthen and expand a diverse volunteer base.
c. Develops meaningful VISTA site placements in collaboration with partner organizations to increase their capacity to lift communities out of poverty.
d. Provides technical assistance and guidance to VISTA sites.
e. Works closely with the rest of the Community Engagement team to publicize volunteer activities and program updates via media outlets and other channels.
f. Represents Opportunity Council at community events, volunteer fairs, and partner meetings to promote program awareness in alignment with broader Opportunity Council outreach efforts.
3. Funder Reporting and Compliance:
a. Ensures compliance with funder policies and procedure and adherence to funder policies on volunteer supervision.
b. Collects and submits timely reports on project progress, performance outcomes, and volunteer activities.
BILINGUAL POSITIONS ONLY:
Specialize in providing services to clients and families who speak a language other than English as a primary language. May occasionally be asked to support with translating/interpreting a language other than English to assist potential or current clients.
OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Supports other volunteer-driven programs as needed.
2. Other duties as assigned.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:
1. Associates Degree preferred and 2 years of related experience.
2. OR year for year experience to replace degree.
3. If hiring for a bilingual position. Must be able to speak, read, and write with proficiency and fluency in the required language.
4. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Zoom or other virtual platforms.
4. Valid Washington State driver’s license and five-year driving history within Opportunity Council’s Auto Insurance Standards.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
1. Ability to implement and assist with multiple different projects.
2. Time-management skills, including the ability to work with frequent interruptions.
3. Communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to establish professional relationships with community members.
4. Works well as a team member and independently.
5. Familiarity with seasonal shelter programs or emergency services preferred.
6. Knowledge of Whatcom and Island County communities preferred.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work is performed in a fast–paced office environment with frequent interruptions and occasional crisis situations. Travel also includes attending local and statewide level meetings. Majority of work centers on client services and procedures that require a high degree of confidentiality, tactfulness and respect for clients from a diversity of economic and ethnic backgrounds. All job duties are completed while following current Opportunity Council COVID-19 safety guidelines.
Benefits@Opportunity Council
Opportunity Council offers the following benefits to eligible employees:
- Paid time off earned on an accrual basis (vacation, sick, personal holidays)
- Paid time off for wellness needs
- Employer-paid holidays
- Employer-paid HDHP and low-cost traditional health care options
- HSA and FSA, subject to plan terms
- Eligibility for Critical Illness coverage
- 403(b) retirement plan (5% employer contribution)
- Eligibility for health coverage for legal dependents
- Eligibility for employee/family dental and vision coverage
- Voluntary benefits such as life insurance, long-term disability, long-term care and personal legal services
Opportunity Council is a private, non-profit Community Action Agency serving homeless and low-income families and individuals. Our mission is to help people improve their lives through education, support, and direct assistance while advocating for just and equitable communities. For over 50 years we have offered a broad scope of services that range from addressing immediate and crisis-oriented needs (food, emergency shelter, eviction-prevention) to longer-term programs that promote self-sufficiency in our community (early childhood education, home weatherization). For more details, please visit our website at https://www.oppco.org.
