Commitment:  This is an 11-month, full-time (40 hours/week) position as a member of the Volunteer Maryland (VM) AmeriCorps program serving at UCF.  Volunteer Maryland Coordinators (VMCs) are responsible for developing and implementing a volunteer program as agreed to in the VM site partnership negotiations that occurred in spring 2009.  The VMC service year will begin on September 16, 2009 and conclude on August 3, 2010.

Interested Individuals:  Contact Kelly Lance at kelly@ulmanfund.org

Purpose & Scope of Work:  The Volunteer Maryland Coordinator (VMC) will work with the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults (UFC) to further their mission to enhance lives by supporting, educating and connecting young adults affected by cancer.  By proactively stimulating conversation and disseminating the UCF message through online and offline communities they will provide important cancer prevention and awareness information; educate individuals about current cancer information and trends; and provide support and resources to recently diagnosed cancer patients and families. 

Targeted communities will include but not be limited to: 1) Online - ulmancancerfund.org, face book, twitter, YouTube, flickr, and 2) Offline – schools, businesses, public events, hospitals, support groups.  Specific volunteer opportunities will include but not be limited to Ambassadors, Community Educators and Patient Navigators.  Through this program volunteers will work to create a mutually beneficial relationship between UCF and the community through which they are disseminating information.  By stimulating conversation through both on-line and off-line channels, volunteers will inform and engage UCF communities and help further the UCF mission.

Benefits:  Full-time VMCs receive a living stipend of $13,000, an education award of $4,725, and health insurance if they are not already covered.  They may also qualify for a child care allowance.  Other benefits include student loan deferment, professional training, valuable networking opportunities, working with a dedicated team of AmeriCorps members and staff, and making a real difference in a local community.  

Duties:

• Develop a written work plan and timeline for implementation.
• Develop program materials such as a policy and procedure manual, volunteer position descriptions, promotional fliers or brochures, and screening, training, and evaluation tools.  
• Recruit volunteers.  Outreach methods may include:  presentations to faith, business, and/or community groups; staffing information booths at community events; and utilizing the media and web-based networks.  
• Screen volunteers as necessary; procedures might include interviews, reference checks, and criminal background checks.
• Develop and facilitate orientation and training for volunteers.
• Supervise volunteers; develop and implement recognition activities for volunteers such as special events, awards, gifts, etc.
• Maintain accurate records of volunteer participation.  
• Evaluate progress made in achieving the program’s goals; report on progress in statistical and narrative reports for Volunteer Maryland.
• Develop community partnerships to support the volunteer program.
• Perform direct community service each week (up to four hours each week).
• Serve as public ambassador for the Service Site, Volunteer Maryland, and AmeriCorps.
• Participate in VM and AmeriCorps training, service projects, and other activities.VMCs may be assigned other volunteer program duties during the course of the service year by the Service Site Supervisor.

Selection Process:  To participate in Volunteer Maryland, applicants must submit a written application.  Staff will review the application, with special emphasis placed on the writing sample, invite the applicant to interview if appropriate, conduct two reference checks, and complete a criminal background investigation.

Enrollment Requirements:  To serve in AmeriCorps, VMCs must be at least 17 years of age; have a high school diploma or GED; and be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien.  Documentation of age, education, and citizenship are due on the first day of the service year.

Skills and Attitudes Necessary:

• Skilled at taking initiative, problem solving, and working independently, to be able to develop and implement a volunteer program.
• Skilled at building interpersonal relationships, to work effectively as part of a team (at the Service Site and with his/her class of VMCs), and to manage volunteers.
• Knowledge of or experience with cancer-related issues helpful.
• Strong verbal skills, to communicate effectively with staff, volunteers, and community groups.
• Skilled at written communication, to develop program materials and reports.
• Committed to the concept of national service and to making a difference in his/her community.
• Basic computer literacy, to be able to produce program materials and track volunteer hours.  Familiarity with web-based social networks a plus.
• Have own, or have access to, transportation to and from VM trainings, events, and Service Site-related activities.
• Able to respond to organizational change productively and maintain positive attitude.Excellent understanding of and commitment to confidentiality.

Orientation and Training:  Volunteer Maryland provides approximately 20 days of training in program development, volunteer management, marketing, communication, and leadership skills.  Training is held the first two weeks of the service year, with monthly training days throughout the rest of the year.  Additional training opportunities are also available through AmeriCorps and the Service Site.  The Site Supervisor provides orientation to the VM Coordinator’s local placement site.

Hours:  Full-time AmeriCorps members are required to serve approximately 40 hours each week.  At Ulman Cancer Fund, the office hours will typically be 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; evening and weekend work will be required from time to time.  Volunteer Maryland training days are 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.

Location:  The VMC’s office will be located at 10440 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, MD 21044; occasional travel to Baltimore will be required.  VM training locations will vary.