AmeriCorps VISTA Volunteer Coordination Member

AmeriCorps VISTA Volunteer Coordination Member

The Mission of the St. Louis Area Foodbank is to build stronger communities by empowering people with food and hope. As the region's largest food distribution charity dedicated to feeding those in need, we are working to create a stronger, healthier bi-state region where no one goes to be hungry. The Volunteer Coordination VISTA works under the direction of the VP of Community Programs & Partnerships, and the support of the Programs Team, to grow the foundation of our volunteer program and recruit new regular volunteers in order to best meet the needs of the 26 counties we serve. The service year is meant to be a rewarding experience where the individual gains transferable skillsets essential to every nonprofit.

This position requires someone who:

The Volunteer Assignment Description (VISTA's job description format) is found on page 2.

Main responsibilities include:

1. Review and understand the current volunteer process.
2. Create and implement templates and standard operating procedures for the volunteer program based on review of the current process and make recommendations for improvement.
3. Become fluent with the Volunteer Hub management system & train others on features
4. Expand our methods of collecting volunteer satisfaction surveys and tracking of volunteer efforts including years of service, unique volunteers and hours/shifts completed
5. Maintain newly developed models and tracking methods, research the need for volunteers in partner agencies, implement findings and continually improve tracking as needed.
6. Work throughout departments to review volunteer needs and create job descriptions.
7. Actively recruit volunteers for all open job descriptions outside of traditional repacking positions by researching & developing new recruiting sources and partnerships throughout the SLAFB 26 county region.
8. Assist with onboarding interns & volunteers, utilizing developed SOPS, PowerPoints, & tools
9. If needed, assist Foodbank staff in training volunteers and document the training process
10. Research, recommend, implement Volunteer Recognition projects.
11. Attend program deployments as needed to support volunteers
12. Assist with COVID-19 response as needed

The above list is not exhaustive; there will be times where you will be asked to help participate and potentially lead out other projects on an as needed basis. This can include areas outside of your immediate area of responsibility. These projects can come from the VP of Community Programs & Partnerships or other staff.

Other Details: See servethelou.org for more detailed information.

• 35 hours per week with the flexibility to work more as needed; One-year commitment
• Allowed to have secondary employment with prior approval from supervisor; VISTA responsibilities must always be the first priority
• Pay: Approximately $13,400/year stipend; end-of-service educational award of approximately $6,000 or a cash stipend of approximately $1,800 is available *All dependent upon service year completion
• Professional development opportunities related to position available
• Other benefits may include: a relocation allowance for moving for service, childcare assistance, mileage reimbursement for service-related travel and health care options
• Join a community! In St. Louis, there is a VISTA umbrella with other like-minded individuals living and working in the community. Events take place monthly.

Volunteer Assignment Description - AmeriCorps VISTA Volunteer Coordination Member

Title: AmeriCorps VISTA Volunteer Coordination Member

Sponsoring Organization: St. Louis Area Foodbank

Project Name: St. Louis Area Foodbank

Project Period: February 16, 2021 to February 17, 2022

Goal of the Project:

The goal of the St. Louis Area Foodbank VISTA Program is to increase the number of meals the Foodbank provides to the community each year. During this term, we plan to distribute at least 41 million meals. To do this, the Volunteer Coordinator VISTA will alleviate poverty by increasing the number of regular volunteers that support the work of the Foodbank. Currently, the Foodbank is projected to have over 10,000 episodic volunteers support our mission this fiscal year through our traditional repackaging positions. In addition to continuing to build the foundation of the volunteer program, the VISTA would recruit 10 new regular volunteers during their term. This will allow the Foodbank to build a volunteer workforce beyond our traditional repacking positions, track the work of those volunteers, and recognize them for their efforts. These volunteers will increase access to food throughout out our 26-county jurisdiction which will enable the one in six families who face hunger to save precious dollars that they can then use on health care costs, utilities, unexpected costs such as repairs, etc.

Objective of the Assignment (Period of Performance February 16 March 30, 2021): Understand the current state of the volunteer program at the St. Louis Area Foodbank and make recommendations.

Member Activities:

1. Become fluent with current volunteer program including usage of volunteer database (Volunteer Hub), recruitment of volunteers outside of traditional repacking positions, recognition program, data collection methods to determine the success of the volunteer program, etc.
2. Research best practices and provide recommendations
3. Attend program deployments as needed to learn and support volunteers
4. Assist agencies and partners through the recruitment and placement of episodic volunteers

Objective of the Assignment (Period of Performance April 1 July 31, 2021): Revise, update and, if necessary, create and implement templates and standard operating procedures for the volunteer program based on research findings.

Member Activities:

1. Update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that outline procedures for recruiting, onboarding, recognizing, and growing volunteers. Create and implement new SOPs as needed.
2. Expand data collection methods to determine the success of the volunteer program to include, but not limited to, volunteer satisfaction and tracking of volunteer efforts including years of service, unique number of volunteers and hours/shifts completed
3. Update and create necessary templates and forms (job descriptions, application process, feedback, etc.) that support SOPs and continue implementation throughout the Foodbank
4. Continue update to Volunteer Hub to fit new model (ongoing)
5. Continue recruiting volunteers for newly developed positions
6. Create process to identify, train and grow volunteer leaders
7. Attend program deployments as needed to learn and support volunteers
8. Assist agencies and partners through the recruitment and placement of episodic volunteers

Objective of the Assignment (Period of Performance August 1, 2021 February 17, 2022): Maintain and grow models and tracking methods, research the need for volunteers in partner agencies, implement findings and continually improve tracking as needed.

Member Activities:

1. Regularly evaluate and update existing models, tools, and resources
2. Provide ongoing training as need on the tools created
3. Actively recruit volunteers for all open job descriptions outside of traditional repacking positions
4. Research the need for volunteers in partner agencies and implement findings and continue tracking and documenting
5. Work throughout departments to review volunteer needs and create job descriptions to recruit and aid in the sustainment of programs
6. Actively recruit volunteers for all open job descriptions outside of traditional repacking positions by researching & developing new recruiting sources and partnerships throughout the SLAFB 26 county region.
7. Continually assess data collection methods to determine volunteer satisfaction and adjust program as needed based on results
8. If needed, assist Foodbank staff in training volunteers and document the training process
9. Implement process to identify, train and grow volunteer leaders
10. Research, recommend, implement Volunteer Recognition projects.
11. Attend program deployments as needed to learn and support volunteers
12. Assist agencies and partners through the recruitment and placement of episodic volunteers

Apply at:

https://stlfoodbank.aaimtrack.com/jobs/

Contact Person:

Nicole Hawkins

VP of Community Programs & Partnerships

nhawkins@stlfoodbank.org

314-292-5392

Current Openings for AmeriCorps VISTA Volunteer Coordination Member Jobs at St. Louis Area Foodbank