Referral Hub Community Connector
Volunteer Position
Department
MH Leaf (Language Education and Family), Referral Hub program
Responsible to:
Ali Moghaddasi, Referral Hub Coordinator, and Teresa Schock, Community Engagement Coordinator
Works with Referral Hub Coordinator, Referral Hub program clients and community participants, other MH Referral Hub program volunteers, MH Staff, and community partners and interpreters
Description of Role
A Referral Hub Community Connector serves as a bridge between Manzanita House and the specific linguistic or cultural communities with which they identify. These volunteers use their unique knowledge and experience to smooth a path for others from their community to be connected to resources through Manzanita House. They provide language assistance, contact members of their community, and help individuals complete paperwork. This position offers an opportunity to become a recognized leader in their cultural and/or language community through an empowering and joyful, multicultural/multilingual environment. In addition, volunteers in this position make connections with agencies and resources within the wider Spokane community and gain valuable work experience in the U.S.
Primary Responsibilities:
Based on our multicultural client base, you will work closely with clients to address gender norms and language barriers. Administrative tasks such as paperwork management will also be part of your duties. Additionally, volunteers will participate in weekly meetings, brainstorming sessions, and conduct surveys to accurately assess community needs.
Secondary Responsibilities:
Maintain confidentiality of all MH program participants and community members
Uphold MH mission and values
Accurately record volunteer hours every month via the online log (linked here)
Read and respond to email communications from the Community Engagement Coordinator and/or the Referral Hub Coordinator
Participate in offered continuing education opportunities according to availability and desire.
Skills/Qualifications Needed
Volunteers in this position need to have a commitment to the mission and vision of Manzanita House. They need to be comfortable communicating that mission and vision in English and their heritage language.
Optional Welcome Experience
The 'Welcome Experience' for our volunteers begins with a personalized introduction to our organization’s mission and values. Volunteers are warmly greeted and provided with an orientation that includes a comprehensive overview of their roles under DSHS rules, as well as confidentiality methods when participating in assessment interviews as observers. They are introduced to key staff members, given a tour of our facilities, and receive their name tag along with necessary accommodations such as a laptop or other materials. Throughout these initial interactions, we emphasize open communication and support to ensure volunteers feel valued and equipped to contribute effectively to our programs. Our goal is to create a welcoming environment that fosters enthusiasm and a sense of belonging among our volunteers from the outset.
Time Commitment
Flexible and varies greatly depending on need (can be as little as one hour/week and arranged to fit volunteer’s scheduling needs).
Manzanita House is proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V/SO. It is essential that all staff and volunteers have a strong commitment to the mission, vision, and values of Manzanita House. Hiring, including volunteers and interns, is conducted without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, membership in any labor organization, political ideology, or disability of an otherwise qualified individual.
