Job Profiles
Volunteers play a vital role in the work carried out by the voluntary and community sector, making the role of Volunteer Co-ordinator a very important job with varying tasks to organise.
The Job
The role of Volunteer Co-ordinator involves the recruitment of volunteers for various work placements, either within the organisation they work for or on behalf of voluntary groups that need additional help. The job can often include organising events to encourage people to volunteer or planning specific recruitment drives.
The position involves interviewing prospective volunteers to find out their needs and abilities, before matching them to the most appropriate organisation and position. Volunteer Co-ordinators need to ensure that volunteers are aware of what is expected of them, and the job also involves the provision of ongoing support and the arrangement of any necessary training for the volunteers.
Many Volunteer Co-ordinators are expected to undertake various other activities within the project or organisation they work for so often have a wider ranging role. However, the main duties of the job focus on recruitment, training and supervision of volunteers, communication with various volunteers and organisations, as well as a host of administration tasks.
Skills Needed
There are a number of skills needed by Volunteer Co-ordinators which include;
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Excellent organisational skills and an adaptable approach
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Understand the needs of both voluntary organisations and volunteers in order to match volunteers with the right placement
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Ability to effectively communicate with people from varying backgrounds
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Enjoy working with people
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Ability to lead and motivate others, and to work as part of a team
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Recruitment skills and a commitment to volunteer development and support
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Knowledge of administration systems and good IT skills
Useful Training
There are no formal entry requirements for a position as a Volunteer Co-ordinator, although experience in management, human resources or administration can be helpful. Previous work in the voluntary sector is also an advantage and relevant experience may be accepted as an alternative to qualifications.
There are a number of courses and qualifications available at various levels and in different formats to help Volunteer Managers develop their skills further. For example, PNE's Managing Volunteers course offers a good all-round introduction to the skills needed to be a successful manager of volunteers and leads to an Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM) NVQ at Levels 3, 4 or 5.
Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM) - Managing Volunteers
