Community Engagement Specialist

About the role

The Volunteer Specialist is responsible for recruiting, selecting, orienting, and engaging individual volunteers and volunteer groups in Volunteers of America (VOA) Colorado’s Southwest Colorado programs. This position will also be responsible for the intake, organization, and record keeping of the Volunteer Services Program volunteers, including youth, family, adults and groups. and reporting.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Recruit, select, orient, and place individual and group volunteers in VOA Colorado programs throughout Southwest Colorado.
• Carefully coordinate application processes, background checks, safety/confidentiality training, and Safehouse orientation for all volunteers.
• Lead and supervise volunteer-led activities for shelter guests, including maintenance, meal prep, and donation sorting.
• Maintain accurate volunteer data, including hours served, in compliance with legal and regulatory standards, using Salesforce.
• Develop relationships with local businesses, civic groups, faith communities, and schools to build a pipeline of engaged volunteers.
• Carefully coordinate house and yard maintenance projects, and manage the service calendar involving providers, vendors, groups, and volunteers.
• Aid with grant reporting related to volunteer contributions and impact.
• Represent VOA Colorado in regional volunteer networks and community events to amplify program awareness and engagement.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Directly supervises individual and group volunteers, ensuring clarity of roles, safety, and meaningful engagement.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Requires lifting and carrying up to 40 pounds. Driving short distances is required.
• Bending, Climbing, Stooping, Kneeling, Reaching, Crouching, Squatting, Lifting (30 to 50 pounds), Balancing, Standing, Sitting, Hand/Foot motions, Walking, Seeing (Close and distant vision, Detect, Determine, Perceive, Identify, Recognize, Judge, Observe, Inspect, Assess, Estimate), Depth Perception, Hearing/Listening, Speaking/Shouting (Communicate, Discern, Convey, Express, Exchange), Use of Hands/Fingers (Grasping, Holding, Touching).
• A combination of office and field work; flexibility to work some evenings and weekends.
• Must be able to stand, walk, and move for long periods during events or projects (up to 10 hours).
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs for donation sorting or event setup.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

• Full time
• Hourly, Typically M-F 8:00- 4:30
• Weekends and evenings as needed (approx. 1x a month)

Location

Durango Community Shelter

SALARY

$22.00-$24.00/hr non exempt

Benefit eligibility is based on job type/status

Competencies

• Models VOA Colorado’s AIRS values: Accountability, Integrity, Respect, and Service.
• Embraces the organization’s virtues: Hungry, Humble, and People Smart (HHS).
• Displays servant-leadership through transparency, joyfulness, and compassion.
• Maintains a trauma-informed, client-centered approach to all work.
• Displays high energy, emotional intelligence, and a proactive, problem-solving mindset.

Minimum Qualifications of Position

• Associate degree in related field or equivalent relevant experience. Minimum one-year supervisory or administrative experience.
• At least one year of experience in volunteer coordination, supervision, or administrative support.
• Valid driver’s license, access to reliable transportation, and proof of insurance.

Preferred Qualifications of Position

• Six months of direct service experience with vulnerable or at-risk populations
• Experience working with survivors of domestic violence and/or crisis intervention
• Bilingual preferred.
• Previous experience using Salesforce or similar CRM/volunteer management platforms.

Knowledge and Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Publisher.
• Knowledge of or willingness to learn about issues related to homelessness, poverty, aging, mental health, veterans, and survivors of domestic violence.