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The volunteer experience at Interfaith Ministries is designed to be rewarding and productive for each individual. Volunteers come from all walks of life, including retirees, teachers, college students, business professionals and homemakers to name a few. In 2009 we had 141 dedicated volunteers who contributed a total of 9,216 hours which translates into over $192,000 of volunteer time.

We are always looking for responsible, outgoing volunteers to serve in all areas. From working directly with the public to the behind the scenes positions, our volunteers are the life blood of IMI. We pride ourselves on being prepared for volunteers, creating a relaxed environment and providing the training necessary to accomplish all tasks.

As committed as we are to providing a positive experience, the same commitment is expected from our volunteers. Volunteers perform valuable work with clients which helps free up our staff to manage the administrative work load. Volunteers are expected to be dependable and appear for scheduled work shifts.

Our volunteers are one of our most valued assets. Volunteers enjoy the benefits of personalized training and supervision, a flexible work schedule, great fellowship and the knowledge that you are able to make a real difference in the lives of others. Click here to fill out a Volunteer Application Form

AVAILABLE POSITIONS

OFFICE VOLUNTEER

• Areas of Responsibility: To be responsible for the smooth operation of the Interfaith office, including preparing client files, answering the telephone and doors, filing, copying, and other routine office tasks.
• Qualifications: Organizational skills; ability to relate in a friendly manner to clients, other volunteers and staff; good telephone skills; legible handwriting; accurate filing ability.
• Time required: minimum 2 hours per month.
• Training: Orientation (2 hours) and on-the-job training will be arranged with the Volunteer Coordinator to thoroughly acquaint the volunteer with the tasks required in this position.
• Comments: Office volunteers are the first people encountered by clients who come to Interfaith for assistance. A friendly, calm, accepting attitude toward those in need is a must!

INTAKE VOLUNTEER

• Areas of Responsibility: To interview clients and determine how Interfaith can best help with the needs presented. This includes a one-on-one interview, careful completion of required paperwork, and joint decision-making with other intake volunteers and staff.
• Qualifications: The ability to establish rapport with all kinds of people in order to gain necessary information. The ability to summarize situations verbally and in writing. The willingness to “follow through” in each case by exploring options on client’s behalf. Also intake volunteers need good telephone skills, legible handwriting, and the ability to work well with staff and other volunteers.
• Time required: minimum 2 hours per month.
• Training: Orientation with the Volunteer Coordinator, observing other intake volunteers, reading and then reviewing the manual with the Director of Services, and interviewing under supervision by other intake volunteers (minimum 6 hours).
• Comments: Intake is at the heart of Interfaith’s ministry, and requires self-confidence and the ability to make decisions and stand by them.

RX VOLUNTEER

• Areas of Responsibility: To interview clients requesting admission to the Rx Project; to take prescription orders from Rx clients and fax the orders to the pharmacy; to keep accurate records on each client.
• Qualifications: Good telephone skills; friendliness; legible handwriting; organizational skills.
• Time required: 8 – 10 hours per month (usually 2 hours one morning each week).
• Training: Orientation with the Volunteer Coordinator, reading the entire manual and learning the details required, on-the-job observation and training with experienced Rx volunteers (4 – 6 hours).

PANTRY VOLUNTEER

• Areas of Responsibility: To be responsible for weighing, sorting, shelving, and packaging all incoming and outgoing food items; to keep the pantry area clean and well-organized.
• Qualifications: Ability to lift sacks of groceries; some organizational skills; ability to work well with other volunteers and staff; compassion for clients in need of assistance; willingness to tackle jobs that need to be done with little supervision.
• Time required: minimum 2 hours per month.
• Training: Orientation with the Volunteer Coordinator, reading the entire manual to obtain an awareness of the details required, on-the-job observation and training with experienced pantry volunteers (2-4 hours)

CITA INTERPRETER/TRANSLATOR

• Areas of Responsibility: Provide translating and/or interpreting services for CITA program clients according to CITA Program Guidelines.
• Qualifications: Ability to speak, read and write fluently in English and speak, read and/or write fluently in at least one other language. Although interpreting/translating training or experience is not required, it is important for CITA volunteers to be comfortable communicating in both languages and switching between languages. CITA volunteers should be able to distance themselves, to a certain extent, from a client’s circumstances in order to concentrate on the task of interpreting and/or translating. At the same time, CITA volunteers should be courteous and helpful.
• Time required: Variable per interpreting/translating assignment. No minimum hours are required. Volunteers are contacted on an “as needed” basis. Often volunteers are needed almost immediately or with very little notice.
• CITA Training: Orientation and training workshops are offered on an “as needed” basis. All CITA volunteers are given an orientation packet that outlines program guidelines and basic interpreting practices. The CITA Coordinator can provide additional guidance and training as necessary. Also, arrangements can be made for a new volunteer to accompany a more experienced volunteer on an interpreting assignment.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What kind of volunteer positions are available?

• Office volunteers greet clients, gather the initial information, maintain files, make copies, and answer the phone.
• Intake volunteers interview clients, complete the required paperwork, and determine how IMI can best help with the needs presented.
• Pantry volunteers weigh, sort, shelve and package incoming pantry items and prepare pantry orders for clients who meet the qualifications as determined through the intake process.
• RX Project volunteers interview clients requesting admission to the RX Project; take prescription orders from RX clients and fax them to the pharmacy and keep accurate records on each client.
• CITA (Community Interpreting and Translating Assistance) volunteers provide interpreting and translating for non- or limited-English speaking individuals in the area in and around Wichita Falls.

What happens if I’m volunteering and don’t know how to answer a question?

Excuse yourself and go to any staff member for assistance. In the absence of a staff member, any experienced volunteer will assist you. Each individual client that comes to IMI has a different and unique story and need, so while our general policies apply to the majority of cases, there are always exceptions. All of us, whether new or seasoned volunteers, depend on each other for support.

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VOLUNTEER APPLICATION PROCESS

1. Make an appointment with Volunteer Coordinator to tour the facility during one of 8 weekly sessions. See volunteers in action and get an overview of volunteer positions. Receive a packet with information on our history, mission statement, client profile, volunteer opportunities, available services and a volunteer application form.
2. Complete the application and return to Volunteer Coordinator for processing.
3. Background check performed and references contacted. Allow 5 business days for processing.
4. One on one training with Volunteer Coordinator. Length of training will be tailored to individual need.
5. Shadow a seasoned volunteer for 2 or 3 sessions. Follow a file from the front desk to the pantry to fully experience the range of volunteer opportunities.
6. Choose your area of interest, determine your schedule with the Volunteer Coordinator and you’re on your own, with staff and volunteer support.

Access our Volunteer Application below. (This is a fillable form. You may fill out the form online and PRINT. You will NOT be able to save the form data on your computer unless Adobe Acrobat Professional® is installed on your computer.)

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