Fresh Start Mentor & Volunteer Coordinator

Western Dairyland; Eau Claire (WI); On-site; USD 15,000 - 19,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Education award

Living allowance

Professional training

Networking opportunities

Job summary

Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council, Inc. in Eau Claire, WI, seeks a Mentor and Volunteer Coordinator AmeriCorps Member.

This full-time service position requires 1,700 hours across about 33–36 hours per week, starting asap through August 31, 2027, with occasional evenings and weekends. You will mentor at-risk youth, coordinate the Fresh Start Volunteer Program, create program materials, recruit/train volunteers, and provide ongoing support and coordination.

Qualifications

• Must have a high school diploma or GED, reliable transportation, US citizenship or eligible status, and be able to commit to nearly a full year of AmeriCorps service.
• Strong mentoring and volunteer coordination abilities, with effective communication and organization skills.

Responsibilities

• Mentor at-risk youth to develop independent living skills and educational goals.
• Develop and implement the Fresh Start Volunteer Program, including materials and recruitment.
• Train and supervise volunteers and maintain program records and hours.
• Plan outreach to recruit volunteers and participate in community events.

Skills

Mentoring

Volunteer coordination

Program development

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Base Pay: $ / Year

This full-time AmeriCorps position requires 1,700 service hours (approximately 33–36 hours per week), beginning as soon as possible and continuing through August 31, 2027. Members of the Fresh Start (FS) Program generally serve Monday through Thursday, 7:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m., with occasional evening and weekend commitments.

The Mentor and Volunteer Coordinator AmeriCorps Member will serve in two key areas: mentoring at-risk youth and coordinating the program’s volunteer initiatives. In this role, the member will mentor young adults, supporting them in building independent living skills that foster long-term self-sufficiency. Additionally, the member will develop and implement the Fresh Start Volunteer Program, which includes creating program materials, recruiting and training volunteers, and providing ongoing support and coordination.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Serve as a positive role model, demonstrating constructive life skills and behaviors.
• Mentor young adults in developing independent living skills such as budgeting, renting apartments, and obtaining a driver’s license.
• Support young adults in setting and working toward personal, educational, and employment goals.
• Provide guidance and support to participants on community project sites as needed.
• Participate actively in Fresh Start team meetings and collaboratively with all program staff and activities.
• Strengthen and expand the Fresh Start Volunteer Program through recruitment, training, and ongoing support of volunteers.
• Review, update, and maintain volunteer program materials, including policies and procedures, position descriptions, promotional materials, and training/evaluation tools.
• Conduct outreach to recruit volunteers through networking, presentations to community, faith-based, and business groups, participation at community events, and media engagement.
• Screen prospective volunteers using established procedures such as interviews, reference checks, and background checks.
• Facilitate volunteer orientations and trainings; update content as needed.
• Supervise and support volunteers, providing recognition through events, awards, and appreciation activities.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of volunteer participation and service hours.
• Plan and participate in the program’s annual Day of Service project.

Qualifications

• Must have a high school diploma or GED, reliable transportation to and from Fresh Start, able to commit to approximately one full year of AmeriCorps Service beginning as soon as possible and ending August 31, 2027, be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident of the U.S.
• Desired education level: College Graduate.

Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated initiative, problem-solving skills, and the ability to develop and implement program activities independently.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships, collaborate effectively as part of a team, and engage volunteers.
• Effective verbal communication skills for working with staff, volunteers, and community partners.
• Proficient written communication skills, including the ability to create program materials and prepare reports.
• Dependable, flexible, and able to maintain a positive attitude throughout the term of service.
• Commitment to the mission of AmeriCorps and dedication to making a positive impact in the community.
• Basic computer literacy, including the ability to produce program materials and accurately track data such as volunteer hours.
• Ability to adapt productively to change and manage additional tasks as assigned.

Benefits

• Mentor & Volunteer Coordinator AmeriCorps members earn a living allowance throughout the service term.
• Upon successful service completion, members are eligible to receive an education award.
• Other benefits include student loan deferment, professional training, valuable networking opportunities, working with a dedicated team of AmeriCorps members and staff, and the opportunity to make a real difference.

We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. Reasonable accommodation is available on request.

Western Dairyland is proud to be certified as a Gold Level Family Friendly Workplace by Family Friendly Workplaces . This recognition reflects our dedication to creating a supportive and flexible work environment where employees can thrive both professionally and personally. We are committed to policies, benefits, and resources that help our team balance work, family, and life responsibilities.