Careers

Fresh Start Mentor & Volunteer Coordinator AmeriCorps Member

Location: Eau Claire, WI
Starting Wage: $775.00 per pay biweekly pay period
Department: Housing & Family Services
Shift: Days
Status: Full Time

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.

This is a full-time AmeriCorps position which requires 1,700 service hours (approximately 33–36 hours per week), beginning as soon as possible and continuing through August 31, 2026. Members of the Fresh Start Program generally serve Monday through Thursday, 7:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m., with occasional evening and weekend commitments.

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.
• Assist with transportation to appointments when necessary.

• 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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Must have a high school diploma or GED, have a valid driver’s license, vehicle insurance, be able to commit to approximately one full year of AmeriCorps Service beginning as soon as possible and ending August 31, 2026, be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident of the U.S.  Desired education level: College Graduate.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• 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 receive a stipend of $750.00, paid bi-weekly. Upon successful service completion, members receive an education award of up to $7,395.  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.

SUPERVISION:

The Mentor and Volunteer Coordinator Fresh Start AmeriCorps member reports directly to the Fresh Start Program Coordinator.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

To apply, send a cover letter and resume to Tami Syverson, Fresh Start Program Coordinator, via email at tami.syverson@wdeoc.org or by mail to 418 Wisconsin Steet  Eau Claire, WI 54703. The position will be open until it is filled. 

This agency is an equal opportunity employer. Learn more about our organization at www.westerndairyland.org.