Front Desk Volunteer

Under the direction of the Governance and Support Coordinator, this position is responsible for front desk reception, customer service, enrollment support, including answering basic program eligibility questions, and performing all aspects of administrative support at the Community Action Head Start main office, including customer service, enrollment support, scheduling, copying, answering phones, and other administrative projects.

Your Impact:

Your support will help create a positive, organized experience for every guest and client who walks through our doors. By supporting key administrative functions, you directly expand our ability to serve more people with dignity and efficiency.

Essential Functions:

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Welcome and assist guests and visitors by greeting them and answering questions in a courteous, helpful manner. Direct inquiries to the appropriate staff as necessary.
• Support the enrollment team by responding to messages from families who are interested in applying for Head Start or who would like more information about funding sources and community resources.
• Assist potential Head Start families with completing the Head Start Application and ensure the application is fully completed.
• Manage the phone system. Answer and respond timely and appropriately to requests or inquiries. Forward phone calls to appropriate staff as necessary.
• Utilize database to look up basic enrollment information in order to assist families.
• Sign for incoming deliveries and monitor incoming and outgoing mail. Assure proper distribution to the assigned person, program or department in a timely manner.
• Maintain and ensure cleanliness and orderliness of the reception area and lobby on a daily basis. Keep brochure information racks and other materials fully stocked.
• Ensure proper sign-in procedures for visitors and staff.
• Provide activities to children while families are completing paperwork.
• Assist with inventory flow and distribution of diapers to families on designated days.

Safety: Responsible for conducting all duties in a safe manner.

Qualifications:

Education & Experience:

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• No previous work experience necessary

Abilities & Skills: In order to be successful in this position, the volunteer will at minimum need to possess the following abilities and skills:

• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks
• Must be able to function independently with minimal supervision, accept support as needed, and be an effective team member
• Must be self-motivated, dependable, and demonstrate both leadership skills and mature judgment abilities
• Ability to adapt to new processes, tools and environments
• Ability to pull a problem apart and figure out how to fix it
• Must be comfortable interacting with people of diverse backgrounds, education, economic status, and culture
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information in a professional and discreet manner
• Fluency in English language (written and spoken). Bilingual in Hmong, Karen, Nepali, Somali, Spanish or another language desired
• Must successfully pass a criminal background check

Physical Requirements:

Normal office exertion required. Ability to lift 20 lbs (desired).

Mental Requirements:

This position requires the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks under sometimes stressful conditions. Must be able to function independently with minimal supervision, accept support as needed, and be an effective team member. Must be self-motivated, dependable, and demonstrate both leadership skills and mature judgment abilities.

Environmental Requirements:

This is a busy community center environment with multitasking.

Time Commitment:

8-12 hours per week depending on availability. Ideally looking for someone available Tuesday and Thursday morning from 8am-12pm and possibly Monday afternoon from 12pm-4:30pm.

Location:

450 Syndicate St North, St Paul, MN 55104 (Office is located on the Green Line train route.)

REGISTRATION INFORMATION:

Complete a Volunteer Application, which includes providing your resume, at https://www.caprw.org/get-involved

Questions? Email volunteers@caprw.org.