Distribution Volunteer Coordinator
Growing Places Garden Project

325 Lindell Ave, Leominster, Ma 01453, Usa
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Distribution Volunteer Coordinator

StatusActively recruiting
Openings1 Full-Time
Service datesAugust 22, 2022 - June 24, 2023
Description

Essential Responsibilities:

  • Develop, implement and evaluate volunteer-based systems for Growing Places distribution program including updating volunteer procedures, strategies and materials (recruitment, orientation, retention, appreciation, and evaluation);
  • Work with community partners to create sustainable systems for volunteer recruitment and engagement at Growing Places.
  • Pilot new procedures and systems that advance food equity and access in North Central MA related to distribution: Key elements include:
    • Establish partner communication for volunteer engagement in distribution systems with farmers and institutions;
    • Recruit and coordinate volunteers for Growing Places distribution program;
    • Scale and integrate volunteer driven distribution procedures that include picking up/delivering
      produce from local farms for delivery to Growing Places warehouse, local institutions, and home
      delivery participants; building capacity of the Mobile Market; and optimizing delivery routes with volunteers;
  • Maintain the Salesforce database for volunteers participating in distribution programs and support the volunteer evaluation and appreciation process;
  • Grow the SNAP/HIP (Healthy Incentives Program) and institutional customer base to support the local food system and resident health and wellbeing.
  • Complete a minimum of 1,500 hours of service, serving through June 24, 2023.
  • Attend a minimum of 6 Commonwealth Corps trainings and service events held by MSA post orientation.
  • Participate in a minimum of 1 hour of MSA-related activities each week. This may include filling out timesheets, completing a bi-monthly reflection or check-in, or other MSA-related tasks or activities.

Marginal Responsibilities:

  • Participate in Local Food Works and HEAL Winchendon coalition meetings.
  • Provide periodic volunteer program reports to demonstrate progress.
  • Be a part of the greater Commonwealth Corps community, including participating in cross-site learning groups, writing a short profile for the CC newsletter, connecting with other members on our online platforms, and attending optional social/service events.
Locations

Leominster, MA

Living allowanceStipend of $1100 semi-monthly while in service, up to $23,100 minus taxes and withholdings;
BenefitsWhat You’ll Get:
  • Stipend of $1100 semi-monthly while in service, up to $23,100 minus taxes and withholdings;
  • Health insurance (individual coverage only);
  • Member assistance program, including unlimited, confidential, 24/7, phone counseling services and up to three free, in-person counseling sessions, plus a lot more;
  • Completion award of up to $4000 upon successful completion of service, minus taxes and withholdings;
  • Reimbursement for outside training or professional development opportunities relevant to member’s service and/or goals (Up to $100; Dependent on approval from MSA);
  • A monthly Growing Places CSA share and garden space in the staff garden;
  • Extensive training from MSA with a diversity, equity and inclusion focus and other professional development opportunities;
  • Limited reimbursement for travel to Corps-wide MSA-sponsored activities;
  • Internet reimbursement up to $50/month while required to complete some service from home;
  • Limited travel reimbursement from their host site for certain service-related travel away from their usual service location, according to that agency's policies;
  • Mental Health/Personal Day once per month counting towards 8hrs;
  • The opportunity for at least 10 days of planned absences (may include holidays, does not count towards hours requirement);
Please note that receipt of these stipends/benefits may impact an individual’s eligibility for certain public benefits.
Desired skills, certifications or qualifications

You must be:

  • A Massachusetts resident (see guidelines here) with legal authorization to work in the U.S.
  • 18 years of age at minimum (average member age range is 18 – 70+ years old)
  • Excited to give back to your community and interested in developing your skills and gaining new professional experiences
  • Able to balance service internship commitments with personal commitments in a sustainable way
  • Interested in building knowledge/skills within local food systems with an equity focus.
  • Demonstrate good people skills and be eager to grow the program with Growing Places support.
  • Able to provide quality customer service in a volunteer setting, i.e., maintain a positive, empathetic, and professional attitude toward our volunteers at all times.
  • Willing to plan and support volunteer-based local food delivery routes in a large geography.
  • Comfortable using the Internet, and email applications such as Outlook or Gmail, and word processing software such as MS Office Word.
  • Have a valid driver’s license and the ability to lift 25+ pounds.

It would also be great if you:

  • Have lived experience as a volunteer yourself or with leading volunteers previously.
  • Had familiarity with MS Office Excel or other data management software.
  • Speak a language other than English -- multi-lingual candidates encouraged to apply – Spanish/English preferred.
  • Have familiarity North Central MA
Desired LanguagesSpeak a language other than English – Spanish/English preferred.
Other conditions
Weekly HoursService commitment 40 hours per week during the following days/times: Monday-Friday 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM; Members will be required to serve in-person with the option to serve remotely as applicable and may be asked to work 1 weekend a month with two weeks’ notice provided.
Our missionOur mission is to inspire and connect the North Central MA community to create equitable access to healthy food and environmental sustainability through education, collaboration and advocacy.
Causes
Health, Hunger, Poverty