Volunteer Liasion

Ministry: Development 

Reports to: Director of Community Engagement 

FLSA Status: Salary 

Exempt Salary Range: $43k - $47k 

Posted Date: September 2025

ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND: At Hesed House, saving the world isn’t a flight of fancy – it drives us in every action we take. We truly believe we are going to end homelessness. For us, serving one’s neighbor – particularly poor, oppressed, marginalized, victimized, disinherited neighbors – is both a calling and an obligation that we tackle head on each and every day. 

SUMMARY: Hesed House is a faith-based organization serving the homeless and vulnerable, and a national model for ending homelessness with our Comprehensive Resource Center, shelter programs, supportive housing, and more. Our programs serve an average of 1000+ individuals per year. We are open to serve 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Our shelters offer meals, clothing, sleeping accommodations, showers and laundry facilities to people in need. In addition, through our case managers, guests have access to general counseling, substance abuse counseling, medical services, legal services, job coaching, rehousing services, and more. Our vision is to end homelessness – one person, one family at a time.

VOLUNTEERS 

This role is vital to the success of the organization and is responsible for assisting the scheduled volunteer groups. Working with the Director of Community Engagement and the Volunteer Coordinator, this role is cross-functional. They are the point-person for handing-off volunteers into the areas which will be using them, and supporting them with their work within our programs.

As the second-largest homeless shelter in Illinois, an estimated 7,500 volunteers help us care for our guests on an annual basis. This role has the unique opportunity to help us care for the people who help make the work of Hesed House possible!

VOLUNTEER LIAISON 

• Primary point of contact (besides Volunteer Coordinator) between Hesed House and scheduled volunteer groups. 
• Managing scheduled on-site volunteer groups.
  • Confirming details of scheduled volunteer group. 
  • Sending out weekly calendar updates to staff of meal service/volunteer groups. 
  • Working with Program Staff and making sure volunteers have what is needed for their volunteer shift.
• On-site support staff to volunteer groups. 
  • Assisting volunteers during their scheduled time. 
  • Work alongside Program Staff (Including Food Coordinator) to support guest needs. 
  • Assisting with arrival process and end-of-shift process. 
  • Making sure volunteers know their responsibilities during their shift. 
    • Communicating the different challenges faced by guests to help volunteers better understand their volunteer experience.
• Direct support to Volunteer Coordinator
  • Helping with managing the meal schedule for the year.
  • Training new volunteer groups. 
  • Assisting with tours of Hesed House to potential and scheduled volunteers.
  • Collecting volunteer information and keeping contact records updated. 
  • Communicate with volunteer groups when appropriate about Hesed House updates.

ONGOING VOLUNTEER SUPPORT 

• Supporting follow-up efforts to ensure proper gratitude is being conveyed to groups and individuals in conjunction with the work of the Development team to share the impact of their efforts. 
• Seek feedback from volunteers to ensure individuals and groups are having a positive experience. 
• Serve as a representative of Hesed House as a member of the Development Department (as needed): 
  • At Fundraising Events. 
  • Speaking Engagements. 
  • Hike for Hesed Events. 
  • Third-party Events.
  • And other community events.
• Other duties as assigned. 
  • Cross-trained to help serve as Hesed House Adult and Family Shelter Program Staff for emergency situations.

CORE REQUIREMENTS 

• Have demonstrated written and verbal communication skills; excellent people and organizational skills; above-average ability to handle multiple priorities. 
• Have the ability and desire to work in a team-oriented environment, while also being self-motivated.
• Effectively utilizes Microsoft programs including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint. 
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced, sometimes chaotic environment with people from across the organization serving in a variety of capacities. 
• Will be required to work flexible hours including nights, holidays, and weekends when needed. 
• Must pass DCFS and criminal background checks. 
• Remains well-versed in programs, services, and systems procedures. Must be willing to work under Harm. 
• Reduction and Housing First principles. Be able to assess and intervene appropriately in crisis situations. 
• Is punctual, prepared for, and participates in meetings.
• Must be certified in CPR/First Aid/Bloodborne Pathogens/Narcan Training within 30 days. 
• Attend mental health first aid within 60 days.

QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE 

• Must ascribe to the Hesed mission: "To feed the hungry, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless and give people the chance to hope again.” 
• Must be able to work with both faith-based and secular organizations.
• Good communication and strong telephone and computer skills. 
• Superior management and organizational skills needed. 
• Must have a high school diploma/GED. 
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.

DESIRABLE FACTORS INCLUDE 

• Bilingual ability (English/Spanish).
• Familiarity with Raiser’s Edge, CERVIS, Canva, and other online tools. 
• Previous non-profit volunteer management preferred.

BENEFITS

• Retirement plan with organizational match.
• Generous PTO, vacation, and holiday policies.
• Part-time vacation and holiday time.
• Full-time employees are eligible for health care and dental care in your first full month of employment.
• Counseling/therapy partnerships and reimbursement.
• Health and wellness reimbursement.
• Cell phone reimbursement.
• Flexible Spending Account & Dependent Care.

As the second-largest homeless shelter in Illinois, thousands of donors and volunteers help us care for our guests on an annual basis. This role has the unique opportunity to help us care for the people who help make the work of Hesed House possible!