Employment Readiness Support for Residents of The Brooks

Organization: Friendship Place

Location: The Brooks Transitional Housing Program – 3318 Idaho Ave NW, Washington, DC

Time Commitment: Scheduling to be determined as program launches

Start Date: Ongoing / rolling basis

About The Brooks

The Brooks is a transitional housing program providing safe, supportive housing for families and individuals moving from homelessness toward stability. Located at 3318 Idaho Avenue NW in the Cathedral Heights neighborhood, The Brooks offers case management, life-skills support, and community connections to help residents build strong foundations for long-term success.

At Friendship Place, we believe in breaking the cycle often described by those we serve:

“I can’t get a home because I’m unemployed, and I can’t get a job because I’m homeless.”

Through compassionate, person-centered programming, The Brooks and Friendship Place work together to end that cycle—one individual at a time.

About the Volunteer Initiative

This is a new volunteer initiative developed in partnership with Friendship Place’s award-winning AimHire employment program. Volunteers will help residents of The Brooks strengthen their job readiness and confidence as they prepare to re-enter the workforce.

As the initiative is still developing, volunteer schedules and opportunities will be coordinated once the team is formed. This is a great opportunity to help shape a new program from the ground up.

Volunteer Responsibilities

Volunteers will provide one-on-one and small-group support similar to the AimHire model:

• Assist residents with job applications, resumes, and cover letters
• Provide basic computer help (Microsoft Office, email, job search platforms)
• Conduct mock interviews to build confidence
• Support workforce development workshops and training sessions
• Offer light administrative help (data entry, organizing materials, scheduling)

Qualifications

• Age Requirement: 18+
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Comfort using computers and navigating online job platforms
• Empathy, respect, and professionalism when working with diverse populations
• Experience in HR, career coaching, or social services is a plus, but not required

Background Checks Required for The Brooks Volunteers

To ensure a safe and supportive environment for residents, all volunteers must complete the following background check process:

• Submit a color copy of a valid government-issued ID
• TB Screening (Mantoux tuberculin skin test within the past 12 months)
• National Sex Offender Registry check (completed by Friendship Place)
• DC-MPD Criminal History Report (10-year conviction history; $7 fee)
• CPR/First Aid Certification (support available if not already certified)
• Drug and Alcohol Screening (instructions provided after ID submission)
• FBI Background Check (fingerprinting; instructions provided)
• Child Protection Register (CPR) Check (ensures no record of abuse or neglect in DC)

Benefits of Volunteering

• Make a direct impact in breaking the cycle of homelessness and unemployment
• Gain experience in employment services and nonprofit work
• Join a compassionate and mission-driven team
• Contribute to the development of a new volunteer initiative