Position Summary: Missoula Interfaith Collaborative’s “Open Office Hours” is a short-term supportive services program for individuals and families who stop by MIC offices to learn more about our housing and employment support programs. Volunteers will meet with walk-ins to address any immediate needs and connect to the Housing Advocate Network and/or Missoula Works as appropriate.
Volunteer Expectations and Commitments:
- Provide safe and welcoming space for walk-ins to share about their current situation and needs
- Assess for eligibility for HAN, Missoula Works, diversion or other on-site services
- Provide short-term supportive services, such as referrals to community resources or assistance with understanding and navigating housing and employment resources
- Schedule and support next steps for program engagement, if appropriate
- Complete intake forms and document notes/next steps for new programees
- Participate in ongoing trainings with MIC as provided
- Coordinate weekly schedule with staff coordinators
Qualifications and Experience:
- No degree required
- Must be 18 years of age
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (training provided):
- Basic personal skills: Practicing respect, offering dignity, creating safety in sharing and an ability to listen and provide empathy
- Ability to respect privacy and maintain confidential information
- Ability to identify potential crisis and follow referral protocol for professional staff to intervene
- Knowledge of basic Housing Problem Solving/Diversion strategies
- Ability to be assertive, practice healthy boundaries and apply conflict management techniques effectively
- Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with other staff, volunteers, and representatives from related agencies in the community
- Willingness to learn about resources and other opportunities in the community
Position Relationships:
- Directly accountable to HAN Program Director
- Work closely with other MIC volunteers, practicum students and staff
- Engage in daily contact with other employees, adult clients, and child clients
- Engage in occasional contact with personnel from other agencies
Level of Independence and Expectations:
Within the parameters of MIC policies and procedures, volunteers exercise a moderate level of independence in decision-making. Significant errors in judgment may endanger the health and safety of the clients and/or staff/volunteers and may cause serious financial and/or legal repercussions for MIC. If volunteers are unable to meet the expectations of the MIC, the volunteer time of service may be terminated.
