Application support volunteers provide support to applicants who may need help completing the online application. Volunteers will be physically present at the city’s application sites during the application period. Use of the language line to communicate with speakers of other languages may be required.  Responsibilities include:

• Providing excellent customer service, showing patience and respect to all applicants
• Being physically present at application site to provide support to walk-ins
• Answering questions about the application, general program design and timeline
• Providing technological support to residents who may not be familiar with computers
• Reading questions to applicants who may not be language literate

Qualifications: Enjoy providing supportive and patient service and interacting with people of diverse backgrounds and skillsets. Basic computer skills. Ideally application volunteers should have a compassionate, supportive approach and experience working with individuals or families from diverse backgrounds. Many applicants are facing challenging economic circumstances. Bilingual skills in Spanish, Amharic, Arabic or Farsi are a plus but not required.

Training: A 1.5 hour survey administration training offered virtually by Abt Associates, City of Alexandria’s research and evaluation partner, is required. If volunteers are not available when this training is offered, they can watch the recording.

Commitment: Volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum of one four-hour shift at one of the application support sites. However, we hope you will consider more!

APPLY NOW  

For more information about volunteering with ARISE, please call 703.746.5668 or submit an email.

Outreach volunteers are critical to spreading the word about ARISE and ensuring that all eligible residents are aware of the opportunity. Outreach Volunteers may take on the following responsibilities:

• Passing out or posting fliers in designated neighborhood/commercial areas.
• Passing out fliers at community events or areas with high foot traffic such as grocery stores, etc.
• Passing out fliers and answering questions at community nonprofit events such as ALIVE food hub distributions, eviction prevention efforts at the Alexandria courthouse.

Qualifications: Strong interpersonal skills and comfort with populations of all backgrounds is required. Willingness to approach strangers with information along with the strong emotional intelligence to recognize when someone doesn’t want to be approached. Bilingual skills a plus, especially in Spanish, Amharic, Arabic or Farsi.

Training Required: a 30-minute program overview for anyone that may be answering questions about ARISE.

Timeframe: Mid-October- first week of November

Requirements for Volunteering: Volunteers should be available to commit to a four-hour shift passing out or distributing fliers in the City. 

Location: Fliers to be hung and distributed throughout the City. However, residential and commercial areas within HUD designated Qualified Census Tracts are the main focus. ARISE program staff will work with volunteers to assign a geographic area convenient. However, we ask for flexibility and willingness to respond to the needs of the program.

APPLY NOW

For more information about volunteering with ARISE, please call 703.746.5668 or submit an email.