Purpose of Role The Volunteer Coordinator’s role is to recruit, select, train and support volunteers that will be supporting the Australian Syrian Charity roll out its programs, currently containing piano lessons and a marching band rehearsal for children and young people, English classes and one-on tutoring for adults, as well as a women’s program focused on employment pathways.

In this role, you will be responsible to make sure the ASC activities run smoothly through a solid volunteer base. You will be writing position descriptions, and posting the vacancies on the relevant pages. Responding to expressions of interests, reading applications and conducting interviews, reference checks and inductions. You will have a good understanding of managing databases, implementing and maintaining administrative processes and policies, communications and community engagement. Crucial to your success in this role will be your ability to thrive in a small, volunteer-run environment that will often require you to apply a creative and proactive approach.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage Volunteer Program, including writing position descriptions, posting the vacancies on the relevant web pages; responding to expressions of interests, reading applications and conducting interviews, reference checks and inductions.
• Conduct and supervise the induction, support and supervision of volunteers.
• Supervision of volunteer work teams in collaboration with HR officer.
• Maintain a database of current volunteers, applications and community members requiring English conversation classes.
• Liaise with Program coordinator and HR officer about vacancies and support.
• Check emails and respond 2-3 times a week.
• Attend weekly or fortnightly team meetings.
• Offer regular support and be available for volunteers to contact you when needed.
• Follow up with volunteers to submit their volunteered hours each month.
• Revise and update ASC current volunteer manual and policies.
• Provide a monthly report of all tasks completed and statistics about volunteer recruitment and engagement.
• Identify, coordinate, and monitor external training opportunities for volunteers.
• Contribute to the writing of grant proposals to fund this position.
• Management of grants related to the volunteer program when applicable.
• Contribution to development of relevant operational policies and guidelines.
• Manage team files, documents and records
• Provide input into the development of program activities
• Maintain a culturally sensitive attitude and avoid discussing topics related to politics or religion, respecting the conservative Christian background of most of the community members
• Attend community events and where possible
• Organise occasional volunteer get-togethers and sub team meetings.
• Record and submit volunteer hours
• Comply with ASC policies and procedures, identify OHS concerns and communicate these to ASC staff (e.g. report hazards or incidents)
• Other related duties as delegated

Legislative Requirements

• Ensure compliance with relevant policies and legislative requirements such as Occupational Health & Safety (OHS), the Commonwealth Privacy Act and ASC Child Protection Policy.
• Obtain a Working With Children Check and a Police Check before starting your work with ASC.
• Familiarise yourself with relevant policies, procedures and work practices of ASC

Selection Criteria

• Demonstrated 5 years’ experience as a volunteer coordinator or similar role
• Proven excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent administrative, IT and time management skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to engage with a wide range of stakeholders, including through correspondence, at events and meetings
• Experience in recruitment, induction, supervision and coordination of volunteers
• Computer and report writing skills
• Creative and enthusiastic, with ability to motivate others
• Ability to work independently and as a part of a team
• A strong interest in working with refugees, and a great degree of cultural sensitivity in working with people from CALD and /or complex or vulnerable backgrounds
• Demonstrated flexibility, patience and cross-cultural communication, especially in building rapport with people
• Affinity with the values of the organisation

What volunteers gain from their experience with the Australian Syrian Charity:

• Valuable work experience & training with a respected NGO (non-government organisation) that can be added to your resume.
• Future references for volunteers completing a successful agreed period.
• A full induction and a supportive and friendly working environment.
• Become part of a welcoming Syrian community and participate in community events.
• Dedicated staff to support volunteers.
• Arabic coffee, tea, and biscuits!