RIS Reception Support Volunteer - Portland

Related Program: Refugee & Immigration Services

80 Sherman Street
Portland, Maine

Portland, ME

Position Description:

The Reception Support Volunteer supports our busy reception desks in Portland or Lewiston. The RSV works alone and with other team members to greet visitors from all around the world, answer phones and direct folks with varying levels of English proficiency. This position is perfect for friendly problem solvers who are available during the day!

The Reception Support Volunteer practices our core values of hospitality & respect by welcoming immigrants and creating a safe, supportive environment.

Key Responsibilities:

· Welcome and screen visitors.

· Create a safe and respectful environment.

· Triage visitors and determine need.

· Access & provide language interpretation if needed.

· Receive & sort mail, packages and/or donations.

· Manage calls from the public.

· Research & refer those ineligible for services to trusted community resources as needed.

Impact of Opportunity:

The Reception Support Volunteer will embody the CCM core value of “hospitality” by “welcoming the most vulnerable and in need to an environment of dignity, safety, warmth and a sense of being home.”

Qualifications & Skills Required:

• Ability to approach cultural, linguistic, racial, religious differences humbly from a place of learning.

• Commitment to ongoing self-reflection to examine own privilege and prejudices.

• Willingness to learn from immigrants and promote respect.

• Ability to build relationships and establish trust.

• Ability to set & enforce behavioral limits and interpersonal boundaries.

• Patience, flexibility, and dependability.

• Outgoing with excellent communication skills. Language skills are helpful.

• Fluent in English.

• Strong organizational, computer & writing skills. Digital literacy.

• Experience and/or strong interest in working with people from different cultural backgrounds.

Training Offered:

· Catholic Charities Maine Volunteer Orientation video series

· Ongoing RIS program/department orientation with various staff

· Webinars & courses from Cultural Orientation Resource Exchange, Switchboard.

Time Commitment & Schedule: 4-40 hours per week, during work hours Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm

Benefits:

· An increased appreciation for language access.

· An increased appreciation for human rights.

· Deepening of your knowledge of immigration & resettlement.

· Exposure to new cultures.

· Learn how to use an interpreter effectively and practice language skills.

Program Contact: Tracy Moore, Director of Compliance & Client Services, [email protected]

Click Here to Apply Online

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