VOLUNTEER ROLES
updated 11/17/07
Conduct a brief, confidential interview with the client(s) to establish a new files or note updates since the previous visit. Verify that 30 days have passed since their last visit. Ask about and note any special circumstances.
Click here to view and/or print detailed instructions for interviewing clients.
Greet clients. Check each client's identification and verify that they reside in Oakland County. Prepare log sheets, noting each client's name, date of birth, file number, and number and ages of members of the household. Click here to view and/or print detailed instructions for checking in clients.
Note the client's household size as well as any special needs, likes, or dislikes (e.g., no sugar, vegetarian, etc). According to the reference card in the shopping room, give the client the alotted number of cans or packages from each catagory of items. Pack the groceries in bags and ask client if assistance is needed taking the bags out to the car.
Prepare coffee, hot water, tea, and hot chocolate mix (ice water and cold drinks in the summer) at the hospitality table. Set out cups as well as any goodies available for immediate consumption.
Greet clients as they arrive and offer a beverage and/or something to read. Chat with clients while they are waiting.
Any perishable items that cannot be frozen should be sent home with clients. A supply of plastic bags may be placed by these perishable items so clients can take what they are interested in.
The stocking team makes sure grocery items are in supply in the shopping room. Before the first client's shopping starts, the shopping area should be as fully stocked as possible. During the morning/afternoon, shelves may need to be restocked from the stock rooms as items are depleted. At the end of the shift shelves should be as fully stocked as possible.
The ad hoc role is a very important one! This job is for someone who is good at recognizing a need and acting upon it. Potential duties could include:
-Taking in donations
-Sorting donations
-Chatting with clients and answering their questions, handing out 211* information
-Taking out the garbage
-Helping a client carry groceries
-Cleaning up spills
-Filling in for another volunteer who needs a break
-Pulling files for clients to be served
-Filing away client files
-Breaking down cardboard boxes
*211 is a hotline clients can call for referrals to contacts for job assistance, help with paying utilities, substance abuse, theft victims, resources for clothes, medications, etc. For more information on 211, click here.
