Volunteer Program Assistant

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The purpose of the Volunteer Program Assistant role is to work in conjunction with the Volunteer Engagement Specialist to help further engage DCCK’s 16,000 annual volunteers. This position plays a vital role in maintaining a high level of engagement with volunteers, who are needed for daily food production as well as gleaning fresh fruits and vegetables that are transformed into healthy meals for the community. The responsibilities of this role contribute to the larger goals of breaking down stereotypes of hunger and homelessness as volunteers are directly engaged in DCCK’s work. Through educating volunteers about our work and model, community members are exposed to DCCK Staff, Students, and Graduates of our culinary job training program. This position will serve as the point of contact for volunteers during times when the Volunteer Specialist is not present.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• • Communicate with kitchen leads/managers prior to start of shift regarding menu, composition of meals, ingredients to be processed, donation origin and possible allergens, as well as potential religious or philosophical prohibitions regarding the days meal to accommodate any special volunteer needs.
  • Greet and welcome volunteers as they arrive for scheduled shifts in the volunteer welcoming area. Ask what group they are with or if individual. If the contact person for the group listed on the schedule is present, confirm final numbers with them for recording in end of shift report.
  • Explain the sign in/check in process and assist volunteers with sign in issues that may arise.
  • Provide engaging, informative orientation to each volunteer/volunteer group that is in attendance. This orientation will adhere to a script that includes DCCK’s Mission & Programs overview, role of volunteers in the kitchen and where the food is going, safety expectations, volunteer video, and the value of the volunteer survey, offering a desire for participation, when applicable.
  • Ensure cleanliness and functionality of volunteer welcome space, including keeping DCCK slideshow running before/after video.
  • Ensure volunteers are appropriately dressed for safety, provide volunteer clothing to them when necessary; be sure to have them suited up with hairnets and aprons before leading them into the kitchen to secure their belongings.
  • Ensure proper handwashing via the two designated handwashing stations, or restrooms.
  • Work with kitchen leads/management to ensure that volunteers are placed appropriately, and with adequate levels of supervision.
  • Accurately complete detailed shift reports for the Volunteer Specialists review.
  • Stay abreast of upcoming DCCK events and fundraisers to further engage volunteers.
  • Administer volunteer surveys as needed