Overnight Volunteer

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As an emergency shelter, Willis Dady always needs a person present to oversee any client needs, even during the overnight hours. Having a volunteer willing and able to come in and oversee the shelter’s needs from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. is a critical need in our agency. Every night covered by a volunteer saves the shelter $120 in staffing costs, and provides staff with valuable time to rest and recuperate away from their work environment. In addition, it also allows volunteers to support our clients by both ensuring they’re sleeping in a safe environment and letting our agency operate at a more efficient budget, while also being able to rest themselves!

Volunteers are welcome to sleep, watch TV, or work on projects / activities during their shift. We ask volunteers to stay awake until the second shift workers return to the shelter (about 12:00/12:30), but after that you are welcome to sleep!

Key Responsibilities:

• Using door intercom system to allow clients with late night obligations in for the night
• Allow clients to access medication or toiletry needs during overnight hours
• Refer any emergencies that may occur during overnight hours to staff or 911

Qualifications:

• At least 18 years old, unless accompanied by an adult
• Completion of Willis Dady Volunteer Application
• Completion of Willis Dady Overnight Orientation
• Trustworthiness
• Communication Skills

Time Commitment: 8 hour shifts, 10:00 PM-6:00 AM. The availability for the upcoming month can be found by contacting Willis Dady’s Volunteer Coordinator. They are available at 319-362-7555 or at volunteer@willisdady.org.

Training: Once the application process is completed, we will set up a time to meet for an orientation before a volunteer’s first overnight shift. This will cover shelter policies as they pertain to overnights as well as making sure the volunteer is familiar with the environment. The Volunteer Coordinator, Shelter Manager, and Resident Assistants are on call for any questions or concerns that arise during the volunteer’s shift.