Volunteer Policy Counsel Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ministry: Programs 

Reports to: Director of Volunteers, In-Kind Donations and Program Support

FLSA Status: Salary Exempt

Salary Range: $44,000 - $50,000 

ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND: At Hesed House, saving the world isn’t a flight of fancy – it drives us in every action we take. We truly believe we are going to end homelessness. For us, serving one’s neighbor – particularly poor, oppressed, marginalized, victimized, disinherited neighbors – is both a calling and an obligation that we tackle head on each and every day. 

SUMMARY: Hesed House is a faith-based organization serving the homeless and vulnerable, and a national model for ending homelessness with our Comprehensive Resource Center, shelter programs, supportive housing, and more. Our programs serve an average of 1000+ individuals per year. We are open to serve 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Our shelters offer meals, clothing, sleeping accommodations, showers and laundry facilities to people in need. In addition, through our case managers, guests have access to general counseling, substance abuse counseling, medical services, legal services, job coaching, rehousing services, and more. Our vision is to end homelessness – one person, one family at a time.

VOLUNTEERS 

This role is vital to the success of the organization and is responsible for filling the volunteer roles identified by staff from across Hesed House. Working with the Director of Volunteers, In-Kind Donations and Program Support and the Division Director of Programs, this role is cross-functional. They are the point-person for handing off-volunteers into the areas which will be using them.

As the second-largest homeless shelter in Illinois, an estimated 7,500 volunteers help us care for our guests on an annual basis. This role has the unique opportunity to help us care for the people who help make the world of Hesed House possible.

VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

• Manages existing volunteer relationships including groups who serve meals at Hesed House 3 times a day, 365 days a year.

  o Maintain and grow relationships with over 90 group coordinators.

  o Regular communications and meetings to share updates, guest needs, and train and empower groups.

•  Conduct interviews with potential volunteers and uphold current volunteer policies and procedures in line with organizational objectives.

• Conduct volunteer orientation, ongoing training, celebrations, and evaluations (as needed).

•  Define new ways for the community to support the work of Hesed House and develop these opportunities.

  • Engage volunteers of all ages from children to adults with both on-site and off-site opportunities.

  • Conduct tours of the facility and assist in community outreach efforts.

• Track and report personal data and service hours for volunteers in the volunteer database.

  • Including daily group volunteers, “super-volunteers", group volunteering days, and other volunteer experiences which support the work of Hesed House either on or off site.

• Support in-kind donation drives and holiday events.

• Provide timely and appropriate follow up with staff, volunteers, service groups, and others.

• Share regular updates from Hesed House to encourage connection.

ONGOING VOLUNTEER SUPPORT

• Coordinate volunteers as needed for all departments of Hesed House including Development, Family Shelter, Harbor, Men’s Shelter, Women’s Shelter, Clothes Closet, Facilities/Groundskeeping, and others.
• Supporting follow-up efforts to ensure proper gratitude is being conveyed to groups and individuals.
• Develop relationships with new group coordinators, individual volunteers, and organizations.
• Work collaboratively to create various toolkits for groups to better recruit, engage, and empower Coordinators as they lead their Hesed House volunteers.
• Including, but not limited to, videos, flyers, images, cards, phone calls, etc.
• Seek feedback from volunteers and share with staff to ensure individuals and groups are having a positive experience.
• Serve as representation of Hesed House at community events.
• Other duties as assigned.

CORE REQUIREMENTS

• Have demonstrated written and verbal communication skills; excellent people and organizational skills; above average ability to handle multiple priorities.
• Have the ability and desire to work in a team-oriented environment, while also being self-motivated.
• Effectively utilizes Microsoft programs including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced, sometimes chaotic environment with people from across the organization serving in a variety of capacities.
• Have the ability to work flexible hours including nights, holidays, and weekends, when needed.
• Must pass DCFS and criminal background checks.
• Remains well versed in programs, services, and system procedures.
• Is punctual, prepared for, and participates in meetings.
• Must carry a walkie-talkie on person at all times during working hours to ensure effective communication across the organization.
• Must exhibit professional conduct within the work environment by demonstrating tact, diplomacy and a professional image; maintaining confidentiality and develops positive, professional relationships with staff, guests and volunteers.

QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION, and EXPERIENCE

• Must ascribe to the Hesed mission “To feed the hungry, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, and give people the chance to have hope again.”
• Must be able to work with both faith-based and secular organizations.
• Superior management and organizational skills needed.
• Previous nonprofit volunteer management preferred.
• Must have a Bachelor's degree or a combination of education and life experience.

DESIREABLE FACTORS INCLUDE

• Bilingual ability (English/Spanish)
• Familiarity with Raiser's Edge, CERVIS, Canva, and other online tools

BENEFITS

• Retirement plan with organizational match to help you plan the future.
• Generous paid time off (PTO), including vacation, personal time, and holidays.
• Health, dental, vision insurance, effective the first full month of employment. 
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for health care and dependent care. 
• Life Insurance coverage at no cost to employees
• Access to counseling and therapy services.
• Health and wellness reimbursement.
• Cell phone reimbursement.