Community Engagement Volunteer

To meet the immediate needs of individuals and families and increase their access to opportunities that strengthen their capacity to thrive.

Community Engagement Volunteer

Description of Duties : The Community Engagement Volunteer will provide clerical support to the Gateways Employment Services program. Duties include phone banking services, inviting participants to upcoming program activities, completing data entry, file organization, and conducting research for available job postings.

Impact : The Community Engagement volunteer will help community members in need of employment successfully connect to services that increase job readiness skills and access to local jobs that support them to obtain employment.

Specific Responsibilities : Engage with community members via phone call to invite them to GES activities including GES orientations, drop-in hours, job readiness workshops, career interest sessions, quarterly job fairs, and partner enrollment sessions. Maintain detailed notes and records of participant interest lists for respective GES activities. Support data entry and file organization. Maintain excellent communication with the GES team to provide updates on outreach efforts. Conduct online research of available local job opportunities including updating the GES Job Board weekly. Maintain an organized and tidy area in the Here We Thrive space.

Skills / Experience / Resources / Certifications Needed : Bi-lingual English / Spanish highly preferred, strong interpersonal communication, strong research skills, proficient in data entry and organization skills.

Dress Code : Business casual attire (i.e. pants, blouse) and closed toe shoes required. Shoes must provide safe and secure footing.

Time Commitment : 3-4 hours weekly Tuesday-Friday between 8 : 30-12 : 30pm or 1 : 00-4 : 30pm.

Covid-19 Vaccination and Masking : MEND follows the LA Public Health Guidelines for COVID-19 cases (isolation) and close contact. While at MEND, masks are optional.

• Recurring
• Adults
• On-site
• Weekdays

CNP Driver's Assistant

Description of Duties : Represent MEND at donor's homes and businesses. Pick up food and miscellaneous donations from donors' and businesses in the San Fernando Valley. Interact with MEND associates including donors and business employees.

Volunteer Impact : Strengthen partnerships and increase in-kind donation numbers by assisting with off-site pick-up and drop-off service.

Specific Responsibilities : Accompany and assist MEND driver during drop-off and / or pick-up of donations. Assist in loading donated goods onto the truck. Unload and weigh donated goods with safe and proper placement in mind. Responsibilities include loading and unloading goods by hand or by use of hand trucks at MEND and offsite at donation pick-up locations. Assist drivers to find donation pick-up locations. Properly use unloading techniques to ensure safety of self and others. Assist with unloading of the vehicle at the end of each shift. Use customer service best practices with donors to ensure consistent quality service.

Skills / Experience / Resources / Certifications Needed : Experience working in warehousing, manufacturing. Customer service experience preferred. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Positive attitude, strong customer service, attention to safety. Ability to move 25 pounds. Ability to read driving directions and maps. Good communication and writing skills. Bilingual in English / Spanish preferred.

Dress Code : Wear comfortable, light clothes (i.e. pants, t-shirt) and closed toe shoes. Shoes must provide safe, secure footing. Shorts may be worn under the following conditions : All shorts must fall at the knee, all shorts must be worn at waist level (no 'sagging'), made of cotton, jean, or 'Dickies' type material (no nylon type or running shorts, bicycle type shorts, yoga shorts). Required to wear a medical grade mask and other Personal Protective Equipment that will be provided for the specific role such as gloves, gowns, face shield as instructed by MEND COVID-19 Supervisor.

Time Commitment : Tuesday / Thursday / Friday 8am – 12pm, Wednesday 12pm – 3pm.

Walking Guide Volunteer

Description of Duties : The Walking Guide Volunteer is responsible for encouraging walking groups to increase their level of physical activity through participation in regular health walks, which last from 15 minutes upwards. The Walking Guide Volunteer will be an expert on the 2-mile walking route from San Fernando Rd to Glenoaks and will direct participants through the route. The Walking Guide Volunteer will walk with participants and ensure to always have a first aid kit and phone for safety precautions.

Impact : The Pathways to Wellness volunteer plays an important role in creating a welcoming and professional environment for all staff, participants, and visitors that come to MEND.

Specific Responsibilities : The Walking Guide volunteer will indicate to walkers when to stretch, when to start their brisk walking, when to cool down, and if necessary, when to change direction. The Walking Guide will ensure that new walkers complete registration forms and waivers before they take their first walk. Ensure that everyone completes the walk, or if anyone needs to stop early, ensure they get back to the start safely. Ensure all walking group attendance is inputted into the ETO database.

Skills / Experience / Resources / Certifications Needed : Bilingual, customer service, time-efficient, previous experience in leading a large group. Must be comfortable walking 2 miles. Must demonstrate cultural competence and be sensitive to vulnerable populations. CPR certified.

Dress Code : Dress in a way that allows for comfort, flexibility, and functionality. Wear clean and appropriate clothing that contributes to a professional appearance. Wear non-slip comfortable shoes.

Time Commitment : Wednesdays and Fridays – 8am-11am.

Covid-19 Vaccination and Masking : MEND follows the LA Public Health Guidelines for COVID-19 cases (isolation) and close contact. While at MEND, masks are optional.

Short Term

Short Term Volunteers participate in special events, or plan a shorter-term commitment of less than 3 months in any MEND department. Orientation is not required.

Groups

Group Volunteers participate in special events, or plan a shorter-term commitment in any MEND department. Orientation is not required.

Long Term

Long-Term Volunteers are committing to a minimum of 3 hours per week and planning to volunteer for a period longer than 3 months. Since these positions often require in-depth training and / or professional certifications, attending orientation is required. Teens ages 16 and older may volunteer on their own.

How you help

MEND cannot be all things to all people, but with your help, we can continue to be a place where those who fall through the social safety net can find help.

About us

A majority of the individuals and families who come to MEND live in extreme poverty – some in unconverted garages, uninhabitable spaces, or vehicles. Still others live in apartments with multiple other families – one family per bedroom. Some are able to secure transitional housing or stay in a shelter, while others are completely unsheltered. MEND's programs and services help meet the immediate crisis needs of people and support them in developing connections, skills, and resources to address and overcome long-term challenges that have kept them from thriving. Core services are provided by the Foodbank, Homeless Care Services, and Here We Thrive.

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