Volunteer with 211
Like to talk? Like to help? 211 Tompkins Cortland is looking for volunteers!
Past Volunteers have Said:
One long-time volunteer explained that, “Working with 211 has been a greater experience than I could have imagined at the start. I set out to help others, but the amazing stories and people that I met along the way surprised me–and continue to surprise me–every time I answer the phone.”
Another volunteer has been struck by the contrast between her 211 experience and the teaching position she’d retired from: “211 has made me aware of the ‘thinness’ of the ‘slice’ of humanity I’d been in contact with. It has sensitized me and immeasurably broadened my scope.”
Volunteer Job Description
Duties:
- Help to staff 211 Tompkins Cortland Community Services Center by responding to phone inquiries, online chats, walk-ins, and emails. Provide assessment, problem-solving, and information and referral services. Conduct follow-up and advocacy services when appropriate and participate in quality assurance initiatives. Provide eligibility screening, appointment scheduling, and other services related to 211 Tompkins Cortland special contract services.
- Become familiar with the iCarol database we use and other resource materials such as reference guides, internet, etc., used to assist clients.
- Learn and follow established 211 Tompkins Cortland policies, protocols, and procedures and stay current on service and procedure updates, etc.
- Depending on skills and interests, assist with publications, database management, web site maintenance, outreach/publicity projects, local and statewide networking initiatives, and other special projects as required.
- Participate in two initial 4-hour training sessions followed by one-on-one orientation sessions on database use, community resources, practice calls with current volunteers/staff. Ongoing in-service training sessions required.
Reports to: Contact Center Manager
Qualifications: Excellent communications skills (written and verbal); familiarity with Microsoft Office applications helpful, however, comfort with learning computer systems is more important; desire to learn the human service network and help people solve problems. Demonstrate a helpful, positive demeanor, respect, fairness, and nonjudgmental approach with each caller, walk-in, or online chat service recipient.
A minimum of one four-hour shift per week Monday-Friday between 8:30 am and 5:00 pm for a minimum of six months is required.
Individuals from all backgrounds welcome.
If you are interested in learning more about volunteering with 211, please email iandr@hsctc.org. We would love to talk with you!
Not the right volunteer opportunity for you? Visit Volunteer Tompkins at the United Way of Tompkins County for other volunteer roles.