Like to talk?  Like to help?  211 Tompkins Cortland is looking for volunteers!

Multi-colored hands raised

 

 

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.”


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 6 months is required.

Individuals from all backgrounds welcome!

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211 Tompkins Cortland Volunteer Application

Completed applications should be mailed to the Human Services Coalition, 118 N. Tioga Street, Suite 304, Ithaca, NY 14850 or emailed to iandr@hsctc.org.

 

Not the right opportunity for you?  Find other ways to give your time to local organizations here.