Criteria
- Agency:
- The mission must involve assisting marginalized populations to meet their own needs while working to change the social constructs that perpetuate injustice.
- Must directly serve the poor and/or oppressed with a preference given to agencies that serve individuals with pressing needs that are often ignored by the larger community.
- Preference will also be given to agencies that could not otherwise afford a full-time employee to meet the needs of the population they serve.
- Type of Work:
- Work must be outlined in a clear 12-month job description. Agencies are asked to review the job description with the volunteer and supervisor after two months in order to incorporate the volunteer's specific strengths and the continued needs of the agency.
- Must be meaningful and serve as an integral part of agency's functioning.
- The majority of the volunteer's time must involve consistent contact with clients so as to provide the opportunity to establish genuine, working relationships between the CCSC Volunteer and those served.
- Minimum of 35 hours/week. Maximum of 40 hours/week.
- Volunteers make a commitment to community living and must be able to contribute to and receive from their community on a regular basis. Therefore, their work schedule must not involve more than two evenings or one weekend day perweek. Volunteers must also receive at least ten vacation days and standard sick/personal days for a new employee at your organization. In addition, Volunteers will be required to attend four retreats throughout the year, utilizing approximately eight days not counted within those outlined above. These days will be outlined more specifically in the Agency Contract to be signed at the beginning of each Volunteer year.
- Support:
- Agencies must understand and support the mission of the CCSC.
- The volunteer must receive substantial support/training with a minimum of one hour of supervision per week.
- A site liaison (typically, the CCSC Volunteer's supervisor) must be identified and available to discuss mutual concerns with the CCSC Director should the need arise.
- The CCSC Volunteer's supervisor must attend a meeting involving all agencies twice during the year. Along with the CCSC Director, they must also participate in a site visit and evaluation mid-year.
** Acceptance of an agency as a possible position does not ensure a volunteer placement. Placement will depend on the number of volunteers accepted into the CCSC, particular skills and interests of the individuals accepted, skill level required by the agency, location, need level, and ability to meet the above criteria.