Description of Volunteer Roles for NYC Street Clinic

Outreach District Captain

  • The assigned role will be responsible for assigning and managing teams of outreach volunteers into specific sections of Manhattan for the purpose of canvassing information about the street fair. Outreach will take place before and the day of the event.
  • The Outreach District Captain and their team of Outreach Volunteers will most likely be the first point of contact for people facing homelessness with their companion animals that are wanting to learn more about the street clinic
    • Important to highlight that outreach and engagement means going to where the people are
    • Outreach and engagement is a critical component of homeless service delivery
    • Communication is key: maintain rapport and trust, connect with people
  • Requirements prior to volunteering:
    • Attend a mandatory volunteer orientation prior to canvassing
    • Commitment to 3 hours of canvassing per week for four weeks
    • Commitment to leading the outreach volunteer orientation directly prior to first canvassing shift

Outreach Volunteer

  • Assigned Outreach District Captains will lead groups of outreach volunteers to canvass information about the street fair across certain sections of Manhattan before and the day of the event.
  • An Outreach Volunteer will be required to:
    • Post and distribute flyers containing details of the street fair to all people experiencing homelessness, with a pet or not, on the street
      • A list will be provided with areas to consider distributing information
    • Engage individuals facing homelessness and encourage them to participate in the street fair
      • During outreach, patience and a friendly persistence is imperative. People must remain non-judgmental to foster positive relationships while sharing information.
  • Requirements prior to volunteering:
    • Attend a mandatory volunteer orientation prior to canvassing
    • Commitment to 3 hours of canvassing per week for two weeks

Remote Volunteer

  • Cold call, email and follow up with 10 service organizations to inform them about the clinic using a script.
  • Be able to call during business hours – 9am EST to 5pm EST Monday to Friday.
  • Keep sufficient records of who they spoke with, when, and any additional relevant information.
  • Requirements prior to volunteering:
    • Attend (or listen to recording) an online mandatory volunteer orientation.
    • Have personal email address and phone number

Clinic Volunteer

  • Assigned Team Leads will direct groups of clinic volunteers to specific tasks and roles. You may sign up for more than one clinic volunteer shift such as clinic set-up PLUS clinic volunteer or clinic volunteer PLUS clinic clean-up. Volunteer shift times are located next to each role.
  • Clinic set-up (10:00-noon)
    • Set up tables and chairs for all clinic stations, food tables and volunteer tables
    • Cut out vouchers and put together clipboard packets
    • Hang up directional signs for clinic
    • Set up clinic stations with supplies and info
  • Intake Table/ Sanctuary Intake Table (SIT) (11:30-5)
    • Provide clients with packet of information and directions for completion
    • Provide clients with assigned number
    • Answer client questions or direct them to team lead
    • Hand clients off to floater once they’re checked in
    • Be first point of contact for people i.e. clients, visitors and media
    • SIT:
      • Support clients in completing paperwork
      • Call upcoming client numbers and maintain the flow of clinic
  • Non-Medical Tabling (11:30-5)
    • Answer questions or direct those with questions to Team Lead
    • Make sure table is adequately supplied
    • (If required) keep track of documents/items during tabling and returning any documents info and materials to Team Lead
    • Be responsible for marking off client vouchers
  • Exit Table (11:30 – 5)
    • Collect all remaining information from clients
    • Confirm voucher check-off
    • Respond to questions from clients or direct to Team Lead
    • Hand out any exit materials
  • Floater (11:30-5)
    • Support clients in completing paperwork
    • Help direct clients between stations
    • Answer any questions or direct questions to Team Lead
    • Make sure all tables have all essential materials
    • Support intake staff and help to maintain flow of clinic
    • Troubleshoot issues and convey information between Team Leads
  • Clean-up (4:30-6)
    • Break down and wipe down tables and chairs
    • Remove all clinic-related signs and tables
    • Organize and compile all supplies
    • Transport extra supplies to storage location
    • Collect all remaining documents and bring to Team Leads
    • Mop and vacuum sanctuary
    • Remove garbage to dumpsters and change garbage bags
  • Requirements prior to volunteering
    • Attend mandatory volunteer orientation on Wednesday, November 20 in lower Manhattan
    • May be required to lift up to 50 lbs depending on position role

            To sign up for a volunteer role click here.