Volunteer Services Internship
Volunteer Vision Statement: YSS seeks to maximize the skills and interests of volunteers to better impact
our organization and the youth and families we serve.
Description:
YSS utilizes the generously donated time and talents of volunteers throughout the organization and various
programs. Volunteer Services exists to efficiently screen, place, support and recognize the individuals who
choose to become involved and assist in providing more complete services to children, youth and families in
the community. We serve a similar function to an HR department but instead of hiring and placing paid staff we
are enrolling, training, and placing volunteers and UNPAID interns.
Location: Jacobson Center, 420 Kellogg Ave., Ames, IA 50010
Job Duties:
 Assist with recruiting and screening of all volunteers according to established YSS procedures
 Keep regular communication and contact with each volunteer program supervisor at YSS
 The intern will assist the Volunteer Coordinator and Liaisons in facilitating and encouraging feedback to
the volunteers and maintaining effective, working relations in regard to the Volunteer Program
 Enter and maintain appropriate records on each volunteer according to established YSS guidelines
 Ensure that volunteer/intern files are created and contain background information, child abuse checks,
DCI checks, references, placement information and evaluations
 Assist with preparing monthly statistical reporting of volunteer hours by the 15th of each month, as well
as a written quarterly and annual summary of the data
 Develop YSS Volunteer Position Descriptions for use by YSS staff and future volunteers.
 Contribute to the quarterly Volunteer Newsletter as appropriate
 Develop volunteer recruitment materials to be used at recruiting fairs and events.
 Attend recruiting, special, or fundraising events, and assist with inquiries, set-up and tear down at these
events.
 Assist with group volunteer service projects as available
 Attend Resource Development Team meetings as available
 Attend YSS trainings as available, including but not limited to Customer Service Training, Mandatory
Child Abuse Reporting, CPR/First Aid, and New Volunteer Agency Orientation
 Assist with and participate in other YSS programs, events and activities as interested and available
 Assist with coordination of the annual McCay Parenting Achievement Award nomination process and
work with the Volunteer Coordinator and committee in the selection process
 All other duties as assigned
Qualifications/Preferred Experience:
 Clear and concise writing and communication skills
 Self-starter, flexible, takes initiative
 Interest in working with volunteers and ability to reach out to and communicate with a wide variety of
people over the phone, in person, and through e-mail
 Ability to work both independently and as part of a group effort
 Comfortable using word processing, spreadsheets, databases, email, internet and social media
applications
YSS provides hope and opportunity by putting kids first. Visit yss.org for more information.
Training & Supervision:
 Must attend an orientation to cover YSS policies regarding confidentiality, drug-free work environment,
and child abuse reporting
 Participate in orientation specific to program administration under the guidance of assigned program
staff members
 Volunteer Coordinator will always be available to provide support and assistance
 Invited to attend any YSS all-staff trainings that are available during your time with us
 Regular supervisory meetings will occur based on schedule availability, legislative and organization
calendars, committee deadlines and timeliness of issues
Time Commitment/Requirements:
 This position is ongoing in nature.
 Schedule is flexible. 2-10 hours per week based on schedule availability, meeting times and available
information. Work hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:00pm).
 Must be 19 or older
 Must report hours to volunteer coordinator on a monthly basis
How to Apply:
Individuals interested in ongoing volunteer service at YSS must be approved by the agency prior to
participation. The application process to become an ongoing volunteer may take several weeks and includes
the following steps:
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Go to yss.org/volunteer
Create a MyVolunteerPage.com account
Fill out an application
Attend volunteer training/orientation (includes background check)
Reference checks and interview
Questions:
YSS Volunteer Coordinator
420 Kellogg Ave P.O. Box 1628 / Ames, IA 50010
P: (515) 233-3141. ext. 4451 / F: (515) 233-2440 / W: www.yss.org
[email protected]
YSS provides hope and opportunity by putting kids first. Visit yss.org for more information.