Volunteer Coordinator

POSITION TITLE: VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR 

PROGRAM/LOCATION:  COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT – SAN LUIS OBISPO 

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Volunteer Coordinator recruits, trains, provides trauma informed supervision, and retains agency volunteers, working directly with program staff to develop volunteer opportunities and facilitate volunteer placement. The Volunteer Coordinator will collaborate with the Community Engagement team on the overall approach to media and communications when it comes to representing TMHA and the need for volunteers to the community at large.

This position has a primary focus upon promoting TMHA's mission, supporting a philosophy of recovery and wellness, outreach and mental health education in the community, recruiting volunteers, and promoting the agency's special events, social enterprises, and fundraising campaigns. In all areas of work, the Volunteer Coordinator will uphold the program philosophy and promote social rehabilitation, recovery, and wellness and use inclusive language.

HOURS/ SALARY:

Part-time, non-exempt position. 10 hours per week. Anticipated hiring wage is $24.00-$25.00 per hour. Includes paid sick time and a variety of helpful employee perks as well. (*Full Salary Schedule $24.00-$28.00 per hour).

Employee Perks/ Work Culture:

A few of our helpful employee benefits include membership discounts to various local fitness centers, as well as a voucher to Sycamore Mineral Springs for discounts. We offer years of service gift cards to businesses of your choice. We offer gift cards for walking, biking, or carpooling to work as well as 20% discount for shopping at our Growing Grounds Downtown Store/Nursey/ Farm. We host two employee appreciation events for employees and their families yearly. We practice Trauma Informed Care Principles, Guidelines for Collaborative Conversations, and encourage the use of pronouns. We mindfully promote equality, respect and diversity of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin, and all the fascinating characteristics that make us different TMHA is also a pet friendly workplace (upon approval)

Mission Statement:

Transitions Mental Health Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating stigma and promoting recovery and wellness for people with mental illness through work, housing, community and family support services. 

Organization Description:

Transitions – Mental Health Association is a leading non-profit agency committed to providing comprehensive mental health services and support to individuals and families by inspiring hope, growth, recovery and wellness in our communities.  TMHA has decades of experience with teams of compassionate staff. TMHA is a driving force in improving mental health and wellness in our communities and a supportive and inclusive work environment that values diversity and individual contribution

Responsibilities and Duties:

1. Develops, promotes, and maintains a range of volunteer opportunities within the organization.

2. Works closely with the Central Coast Hotline Program Manager to create regular cohorts of volunteers who will undergo Hotline training throughout the year.

3. Communicates and collaborates with local agencies, groups and colleges that provide interns and volunteers. Identifies community outreach and recruitment opportunities for volunteer recruitment.

4. Creates volunteer position descriptions and training materials, whether for one-time volunteer needs or ongoing volunteer roles.

5. Coordinates volunteer teams for special events, annual fundraisers and mailings.

6. Surveys staff to assess needs for volunteer assistance. Collaborates with departments in volunteer recruitment and placement, and insures departments are staffed with volunteers to meet their needs. 

7. Develops a volunteer recruitment pipeline for North Santa Barbara County to assist program needs in that region.

8. Processes applications, maintains a database of applicants.

9. Conducts interviews or arranges with appropriate staff to do so. 

10. Trains volunteers on tasks or positions, including office and specialized equipment when appropriate. Provides ongoing support and guidance for volunteers and acts as a single point of contact for communication.

11. Confers with volunteers to resolve problems and promote cooperation and interest.

12. Creates and distributes various communications and publications for volunteer promotion.

13. Develops and manages volunteer policies, procedures, and standards of volunteer service.

14. Evaluates volunteer positions to ensure effectiveness and recommends changes as appropriate.

15. Maintains accurate records and provides timely statistical and activity reports on volunteer participation.

16. Collaborates with Community Engagement Team for assistance to publicize opportunities for volunteers.

17. Attend various job fairs such as those offered on local college campuses, to inform the community of the agency, while promoting and recruiting volunteers and unpaid interns. 

18. Develop a comprehensive unpaid internship program with the local college campuses to provide a pipeline of interns needing hours to complete their degree/certification and possible retain them into competitive employment. 

19. Develops and maintains relationships with other volunteer organizations within the area.

20. Maintains a schedule of external and internal opportunities and events.

21. Monitors and improves the volunteer experience, including the development and implementation of volunteer recognition activities, incentives.

22. Plans and executes an annual Volunteer Appreciation event.   

23. Remains current in general office technology, including database and spreadsheet management. 

24. Understands that a positive, collaborative, can-do attitude is effective in maintaining a vibrant volunteer program.

25. Promotes, encourages and maintains trauma-informed practices in all services and activities. Practices and promotes, both individually and in team meetings, the Collaborative Communication Guidelines

26. Keeping up to date and dispersing the TMHA Volunteer Handbook to current and future volunteers.

27. Other duties as assigned by the Community Engagement Director

Job Environment:

1. Moderate, physical activity and frequent driving; may include moving or lifting up to 50lbs.

2. Involves moderate risks that require safety precautions and the risk of exposure to potentially intense situations.  

3. Active, busy, professional environment with frequent spoken and written interaction with colleagues, staff, and community members. 

Requirements

Minimum Requirements:

1. One year of experience organizing and/or overseeing a volunteer program.  Experience in a health and human services setting is preferred.

2. Bachelor's Degree / or AA with 2 years volunteer supervision experience.

3. Self-sufficient, initiative and take charge skills.

4. Friendly and welcoming demeanor. Strong interpersonal skills, collaborative work style and strong oral/written and communication skills.  

5. Must be responsible, and reliable, and possess problem solving and conflict resolution skills. 

6. Ability to work well within a team and maintain a professional, respectful attitude in the workplace.

7. Ability to be willing to work with supervisor oversight and direction.

8. Ability to possess and maintain good physical and mental health.  

9. Attendance is an essential function of this job that requires face-to-face interaction with clients and/or other employees.

10. Ability to mindfully promote equality, respect, and diversity of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin, and all the other fascinating characteristics that make us different.

11. Demonstrate the ability to successfully deliver culturally responsive services.

12. Knowledge of the various dimensions of diversity including mental health, gender, race and ethnicity.

13. Ability to work independently and flexibly.

14. Ability to handle intense situations, display good judgment and decision-making skills, and remain calm and clearheaded under pressure. 

15. Able to work effectively with a variety of people and personality types regardless of age, ethnicity, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or socio-economic level.

16. Must use reasonable precautions in the performance of one's duties and adhere to all applicable safety rules and practices while acting in such a manner as to assure at all times, maximum safety to one's self, fellow employees, clients, and other persons contacted through TMHA business. 

17. Conditions of employment include: 

• Must be at least 18 years of age; possess a valid CA Driver's License and DMV driving record that meets TMHA's current vehicle insurance requirements.  May be required to utilize reliable personal vehicle and auto insurance.  

• Must comply with a TB assessment (possibly a TB test if needed to confirm a negative tuberculosis result) and receipt of a criminal record clearance through fingerprinting.  

• Must be able to successfully complete First Aid and CPR training.

Physical Demands:

1. Seeing

2. Hearing

3. Speaking

4. Stooping/Bending

5. Moving around office

6. Moving between offices/clients

7. Driving

8. Climbing

9. Lifting/carrying heavy items

10. Computer use

11. Pushing/pulling/dragging items

12. Standing for long periods

13. Working outside

14. Using hands/fingers