Location of Service:
Sitka, AK 99835
TITLE: Shelter Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator
Date Created: Updated 11.28.2022
PURPOSE
Sitka AmeriCorps Program mission is to mitigate the effects of high ACEs scores prevalent in rural Alaskan communities, through developmental relationships and enrichment activities.
Friends of the Sitka Animal Shelter (FOSAS) is a newly formed local nonprofit whose mission is to provide quality care to animals in need while offering resources, services, and education to community members. Our vision is that every companion animal in the community has a safe, healthy, and nurturing life with a loving, prepared and supported owner. We accomplish this vision through supporting the Sitka Animal Shelter, educating the public and pet owners, facilitating community engagement, and preventing overpopulation of the feral community through spay and neuter programs. FOSAS was formed in 2021 and currently consists of seven board members who work closely with shelter volunteers and the City of Sitka. The AmeriCorps member would be supervised by a FOSAS board member and work closely with the Animal Control Officer.
POSITION SUMMARY
This position is in Sitka, Alaska; a small town located in the Tongass National Forest on Baranof Island that provides unparalleled opportunities for hunting, fishing, hiking, and exploring the outdoors. The Shelter Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator will have an office at the Sitka Animal Shelter and work closely with all FOSAS board members to care for the animals that reside at the shelter, coordinate 20-30 volunteers, support community outreach and work with local schools, and help facilitate adoptions.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
AmeriCorps member position description follows the requirements related to supplementation, duplication or displacement of staff as outlined in 45 CFR §2540.100 (e) – (f).
As a valued member of the AmeriCorps community, you will share in some or all of the responsibilities listed below. If you have not done all these things, that is okay. We don’t expect you to come in knowing how to do them and provide 2-4 weeks of training at the beginning of the year to support you. Plus, you will work with your program and site staff every step of the way.
Friends of the Sitka Animal Shelter seeks a Shelter Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator to assist with shelter operations alongside the Animal Control Officer (ACO) and FOSAS Board of Directors. This individual will be responsible for:
· Coordinate and schedule volunteers monthly in conjunction with FOSAS to ensure that the shelter is fully staffed.
· Check-in with volunteers throughout the day during their shifts and fill in for volunteers as needed.
· Provide access to the shelter for school groups, potential adopters, and the public.
· Work with the FOSAS board to solicit and train new volunteers at the shelter.
· Support volunteers as they socialize shelter animals.
· Promote safety protocols and safe handling of animals for all shelter volunteers and visitors.
· Communicate regularly with FOSAS leadership about needs and activities at the shelter.
· Support FOSAS leadership with the planning and facilitation of fundraising and community engagement events.
· Create bios for individual animals to be posted outside of kennels and on social media.
· Create and submit the weekly Critter Corner post for the Sitka Sentinel newspaper featuring an animal available for adoption.
· Operate under the direction of an on-site FOSAS board member and take direction and input from all members of FOSAS leadership.
· Deliver humane education classes in local schools, at the shelter, and through community organizations.
· Socialize animals at the shelter as time allows.
POSITION SUPERVISION
Sarah Lawrie, Program Director, Sitka AmeriCorps Program
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS
AmeriCorps member position description follows the requirements related to supplementation, duplication or displacement of staff as outlined in 45 CFR §2540.100 (e) – (f).
QUALIFICATIONS
Candidates must be enthusiastic, outgoing and be willing to work hard.
The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented and able to work with a high degree of independence; have strong interpersonal skills and be able to effectively communicate with the public; be willing to take direction and work closely with a variety of people; enjoy being around animals and be comfortable interacting with cats and dogs on a daily basis; and be reliably present during their service schedule as the animals at the shelter rely on this person for care.
Candidates must have some supervisory experience, either formal or from having acted as a leader in some capacity.
Member will undergo National Criminal History Check as outlined in 45 CFR §2522.202.
Member must have a college degree (prefer a focus in social service, education, related field)
Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions, maintain student confidentiality, meet schedules and deadlines, read/interpret/apply rules.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
Be at least 17 years of age at the commencement of service
Have a high school diploma or its equivalent
Be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States
Clearance of National Service Criminal History Check
TERM OF SERVICE
This is a full-time twelve-month position. 1700 hour minimum. Member will serve between 36 and 40 hours per week.
Member has sufficient opportunity to fulfill the term of service including holidays, time off, and missed hours.
TIME REQUIREMENTS
Members will be released from their primary service for three mandatory national days of service: 9-11 Day of Remembrance, MLK Jr Day, and a third day TBA usually around Earth Day.
Member will attend mandatory individual and group meetings once a month.
Member training hours meet the requirements of 45 CFR§2520.50.
ORIENTATION AND TRAINING
Member orientation to the Sitka AmeriCorps program is provided by program staff upon
members’ arrival in Sitka and will cover AmeriCorps prohibited and allowable activities.
Orientation, training, and professional development will be provided by the host site and be
specific to host site placement.
BENEFITS
Benefits of the Sitka AmeriCorps Program include a monthly living allowance, the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award, student loan forbearance, and healthcare. Members will make a difference in our community, be part of a dedicated service team, gain job skills, gain networking opportunities and engage in professional development.
Benefits available for AmeriCorps alumni: http://www.nationalservice.gov/special-initiatives/employers-national-service/alumni.
https://www.americorpsalums.org/default.aspx
Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program: http://www.consumerfinance.gov/askcfpb/641/what-public-service-loan-forgiveness.html.
Segal AmeriCorps Education Award in the amount of $__________________ upon successful completion of the term of service. (AC V.B.3)
Amount of the living allowance will be $______________________ per month before tax. (AC VIII.A)
Member will be provided the option of healthcare coverage. (AC VIII.D)
Member will be provided the option of childcare coverage, if the member qualifies (AC VIII.E and 45 §CFR 2522.250)
Student loan forbearance and interest payments, if the member qualifies (FAQ G.7)
EVALUATION AND REPORTING
Member performance evaluation requirements (AC V.E).
Member will receive professional development guidance from host site.
Member will be formally evaluated twice annually by host site
Member will submit demographic reports monthly.
Member will write one Great Story.
Member will collect Performance Measure data and submit monthly.
Member will submit monthly time sheet.
SERVING CONDITIONS
Ability to life 50 lbs. occasionally
Depending on housing location, ability to traverse daily in adverse weather conditions
Ability to maintain an appropriate serve pace
Ability to perform assigned tasks
Ability to comprehend and follow instructions
Ability to perform complex or varied tasks
Ability to relate to other staff and youth
Ability to influence and direct youth
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Guidance related to the employment status of AmeriCorps members:
Guidance on AmeriCorps branding and messaging:
Additional information on member position descriptions is on the National Service Knowledge Netserve: http://www.nationalservice.gov/resources