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 Director of Community Programs, and the support of the Programs Team, to build the foundation of our volunteer program and recruit 10 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. Assess the current state of the volunteer program at the St. Louis Area Foodbank and make recommendations.
2. Create and implement templates and standard operating procedures for the volunteer program based on research findings.
3. Create and implement 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 and hours/shifts completed
4. Actively recruit volunteers for all open job descriptions outside of traditional repacking positions
5. If needed, assist Foodbank staff in training volunteers
6. Maintain newly developed models and tracking methods, research the need for volunteers in partner agencies, implement findings and continually improve tracking 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 Director of Community Programs or other staff.

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

• 40 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 $12,490/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: January 21, 2020 to January 20, 2021

Goal of the Project:

The goal of the St. Louis Area Foodbank VISTA Program is to increase the number of meals the Foodbank provides by 5% each year. 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 19,000 episodic volunteers support our mission this fiscal year through our traditional repackaging positions. However, we only have five volunteers who assist on an ongoing basis. In addition to the building 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 January 21 February 29, 2020): Assess the current state of the volunteer program at the St. Louis Area Foodbank and make recommendations.

Member Activities:

1. Review 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

Objective of the Assignment (Period of Performance March 1 June 30, 2020): Create and implement templates and standard operating procedures for the volunteer program based on research findings.

Member Activities:

1. Create and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that outline procedures for recruiting, onboarding, recognizing, and growing volunteers
2. Create and implement 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 and hours/shifts completed
3. Create necessary templates and forms (job descriptions, application process, feedback, etc.) that support SOPs and begin implementation throughout the Foodbank
4. Update Volunteer Hub to fit new model (ongoing)
5. Begin recruiting volunteers for newly developed positions
6. Create process to identify, train and grow volunteer leaders

Objective of the Assignment (Period of Performance July 1, 2019 January 20, 2021): Maintain newly developed 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, if needed, develop and implement an SOP
5. Create job description(s) for the volunteer program to recruit and aid in the sustainment of the program
6. Continually assess data collection methods to determine volunteer satisfaction and adjust program as needed based on results
7. If needed, assist Foodbank staff in training volunteers
8. Implement process to identify, train and grow volunteer leaders

SLAFB is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

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