Volunteer Program InternAt — Pathways of Hope

Job Description: 

The Volunteer Program Intern will work with the Volunteer Program Specialist and other Pathways staff at our business office, and/or food pantry, and/or shelter locations to provide support to Pathways’ volunteering needs, food pantry programs, fundraising and events. This role will directly impact our housing and food program by helping to serve the families and individuals seeking housing and service navigation and food resources. This role may also assist with the fundraising, recognition events, and other company events that occur several times a year. The intern will have the opportunity to dive into all things to do with managing & coordinating volunteers, running our food pantry and event planning. They will be able to work closely with the Volunteer Program Specialist and other Pathways staff, connect with individuals inquiring about volunteering, communicate with staff who are seeking new volunteers and with partner organizations. The intern will become familiar with our access point and food pantry, provide support to our neighbors in need through filling open volunteer shifts, communicate with volunteers to relay important shift information and appreciation for their time, assist with event planning & fundraising, complete record-keeping tasks, and any other duties as assigned.  

Description Of Tasks:  

The Volunteer Program Intern will be assigned the following tasks/responsibilities: contacting potential volunteers who desire to volunteer with Pathways of Hope alongside the Volunteer Program Specialist (VPS), contacting staff to discuss current volunteer needs or issues alongside the VPS, learning the how to match each potential volunteer with company needs, assist in maintaining up to date volunteer databases, work in a business office but be flexible about visiting our food pantry, learn to build relationships with partner agencies, assist with updating policies and procedures, record keeping and document maintaining (i.e. collect and upload signed volunteer forms, updating multiple databases, etc.), attending internal and community meetings as necessary, and any other duties as assigned. 

Training: 

All interns receive onboarding training which details an overview of the agency and all programs. The Food pantry site visit will be conducted, and supervisory staff introductions will be provided. Ongoing training will take place within the roles/duties an intern performs alongside the Volunteer Program Specialist and any supervisors. All interns will get a chance to be a part of all internal training offered by the agency to better help inform the work we do. 

Learning Outcomes: 

1. Student will learn agency policies and procedures, maintain confidentiality, basic computer skills, active listening skills, trauma informed care practices, phone interviewing skills, and about the causes of houselessness and food insecurity. 
2. Understand all components of managing volunteers including necessary communications with both staff and volunteers and learn how to use multiple databases to keep track of this dynamic program.
3. Gain confidence engaging with a variety of projects and people in a professional environment and learn how to deal with constructive criticism.