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Volunteers are an integral part of the programs and services of El Buen Samaritano. The organization operates with less than 50 full-time staff members and nearly 500 annual volunteers. Volunteers serve across all divisions at El Buen Samaritano and are considered vital partners in the organization.
Currently, El Buen is recruiting for talented ESL instructors, compassionate Child Learning Center assistants and dedicated food pantry volunteers to commit at least one day a week to a shift of 2.5 hours.
Come be a part of our robust volunteer group and see how you can make an impact on your community!
For further information regarding volunteer opportunities, contact Claudia Arniella.
How do I become a volunteer?
1. Complete a volunteer application.
2. If your qualifications and availability match a current opening, you will be contacted by the volunteer coordinator to schedule an interview. During the interview you will discuss your interest in volunteering and receive an orientation to the volunteer program and procedures.
3. If you are placed into an open position, you will be invited to participate in Safeguarding God’s Children training, a program to prevent the sexual abuse of children, conducted by the Episcopal Diocese of Texas.
4. Congratulations! You are a fully fledged volunteer!
For those interested in ongoing opportunities lasting two to four months, please read available position descriptions below.
Ongoing volunteers are defined as anyone who serves more than six (6) hours in one year at El Buen Samaritano. These are volunteers who fill a particular volunteer position in an on-going capacity.
(Volunteers must be 12 years of age and older. Volunteers between 12 and 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.)
Food Pantry volunteers prepare the food for distribution, clean and prep the food pantry, assist clients with their food to their cars and assist food pantry staff. No experience necessary.
Days:
Monday: 9:45-12:00 p.m., 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Time commitment: One day a week for three hours
Tuesday: 8:45-12:00 p.m., 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 8:45-12:00 p.m., 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Thursday: 8:45-12:00 p.m.
Child Learning Center teaching assistants help the teaching staff with program activities for children six months to five years of age. No experience necessary.
Days:
Monday: 9-11:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. or 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Time commitment: A minimum of two hours per week
Tuesday: 9-11:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. or 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 9-11:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. or 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Thursday: 9-11:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. or 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Friday: 9-11:30 a.m.
Adult Education Program instructors and teaching assistants make an impact on the community we serve by imparting skills in English as a Second Language to classes of five to 30 students at a time. By committing one day a week for a minimum of 2.5 hours, you can help guide your students in English skills that open doors of opportunity for themselves and their families. A committment of one semester (or approximately four months) is needed. The semester follows the following schedule:
Spring: Mid-Juanuary to End of April
Summer: End of May to End of July
Fall: End of August to Early December
Days:
Monday: 9:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m., 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Time commitment: A minimum of two hours per week
Tuesday: 9:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m., 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 9:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m., 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Thursday: 9:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m., 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Friday: 9:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
El Buen Samaritano is currently recruiting for volunteers to assist with two community wide events: Día de la Mujer Latina Health Fiesta on September 25 and Hands for Hope Thanksgiving Event on November 20. If you are interested in participating, please read through the following:
Note: Volunteers must be 12 years of age and older. Volunteers between 12 and 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
Día de la Mujer Latina
Día de la Mujer Latina is a community-wide fiesta to promote healthy living to Austin-area families. El Buen will host a resource fair, provide health screenings and host entertainment activities for the entire family. Volunteers are needed in a variety of roles to aid with the day-of needs and ensure a successful event. If you are interested in helping, please complete a special event application and indicate your preference for position placement.
Requirements for DML Volunteers:
Must be at least 16 years of age. Must be able to commit at least two hours on Saturday, September 25. Must be able to work indoors and outdoors.
DML Volunteer Positions:
1. Registration Assistants – 14 total needed in 2 shifts
Verify patient name against pre-registration list Bilingual (Spanish / English) preferred Collect voucher from pre-registered clients Provide patient with appointment reminder card Direct clients to the appropriate entrance points
2. Logistics Assistant - 12 total needed for 2 shifts
Assist with setup and cleanup of event Assist with parking Assist with answering visitor questions and helping manage crowds Assist with recycling efforts
3. Childcare Assistant – 4 total needed for 2 shifts
Must be certified in Safeguarding God’s Children training Assist with childcare for children of parents with pre-registered medical appointments – childcare will not be available for non-registered individuals Bilingual in Spanish / English preferred but not required
4. Entertainment Assistant - 6 total needed for 2 shifts
Ensure all entertainment activities are on schedule Ensure safety requirements are being followed The rules and policies must be consistently enforced Provide hospitality to the entertainment guests Experience working with events preferred
5. Clinic Staff Assistant – 4 total needed for 2 shifts
Shadow clinic staff to assist with general needs in processing client appointments quickly and effectively Individual must be patient, flexible, and able to work indoors and outdoors Individual may be asked to lift up to 10 lbs
Hands for Hope Thanksgiving Event
Distribution and Sorting Volunteer
Assist with sorting food items and distributing to families More details will be provided in the coming weeks
