Volunteer Coordinator
Role Overview
The Volunteer Coordinator is responsible for intake and matching volunteers with community needs. This role requires strong organizational skills, the ability to multitask, and proficiency in problem-solving and conflict resolution. As a primary point of contact, you must greet visitors with a friendly yet firm demeanor to determine the purpose of their visit and direct them efficiently. Key responsibilities include screening and interviewing volunteers based on their skills and the community’s immediate needs. You will develop and maintain a volunteer schedule that aligns with Safe Hub operational hours, ensuring you allow yourself enough time for administrative tasks at the beginning and end of each day. Accurate tracking of volunteer names and hours is essential, as this data is critical for the community’s long-term disaster recovery.
To ensure a smooth workflow, designate a specific area for volunteer coordination with clear entry and exit points. Because this position involves significant clerical work, you should consider recruiting assistants to help manage the workload. Keep the scope of data collection simple: do not collect personal information beyond names, contact details, and specific skills. Your goal is to organize, assemble, and deploy volunteers effectively. If you wish to expand the Safe Hub’s capacity for volunteer reception before a disaster strikes, you may complete the FEMA-recognized course on Spontaneous Volunteer Management. You can also request a Volunteer Reception Center (VRC) Kit by coordinating with the Safe Hub Manager and your Municipal Emergency Manager.
Responsibilities in a Safe Hub
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Know your hub ID number
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Familiarize yourself with the Give Pulse platform. This platform has a QR code printed to post at the Hub
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Connecting licensed, certified professionals or skilled people with active volunteer groups such as Medical Reserve Corps, Team Rubicon, American Red Cross or contractors providing debris removal and rebuilding projects.
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Roster teams as force multiplier for CERT
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Know your local CERT leadership
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Document people/businesses that have volunteered services
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Post requests for needed work and items
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Learn to use and be proficient with volunteer tracking forms
The Roles in a Safe Hub