Volunteer Job Description
| Reports to: | Program Manager, Chapter Programs and Services |
| Location: | Work from home. |
| Position Summary: | Inspire and support new self-help group leaders as they “Join the Movement”. Provide mentorship to new and existing self-help group leaders through one-on-one communication and relationships. Engage peer leaders to excel in their roles by providing information and support. |
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide one-on-one mentorship to new and existing self-help group leaders
- Engage leaders through email and phone communication on a regular basis
- Utilize leadership experience and current leadership skills to support and inspire new & existing leaders
- Identify appropriate Chapter support and resources to assist leaders with group leadership
- Communicate with Chapter Programs Staff on status of relationship
- Maintain knowledge of MS, NMSS and local Chapter activities
- Remain knowledgeable about NMSS programs and activities
- Maintain knowledge and stay current about MS, symptoms, treatments, research, NMSS & Chapter
- Serve as spokesperson for the National Multiple Society and our mission
- Continue to participate in Self-Help Group Leader training & development options as provided throughout the year
Initial Impact:
- Inspire new leader’s to “Join the Movement”
- Expand Chapter support to new leader’s by providing peer support & understanding
- Creating opportunities for people to be involved with the NMSS in their community
Sustained Outcomes:
- New leaders will have a one-on-one peer connection with a veteran leader
- Veteran leaders will enhance their leadership skills
Training:
- Ongoing training specific for self-help group leaders (in-person trainings, teleconferences, online learning opportunities, etc). This is the annual required training that all Leaders must complete
- Ongoing training about MS, NMSS, and our strategic response
- Training specific to mentor program and 1:1 relationship development
- Customer Service Training
Support:
- Ongoing support provided by staff liaison at pre-determined 4 week intervals
Commitment:
- Participate in two 1 hour calls for Leadership Mentors- October 2008 & March 2009. Calls will be offered in the early evening
- 1 conference call with staff liaison every 4 weeks
- Continue to participate in ongoing Self-Help Group Leader trainings as available
Length/Amount of Time:
- Overall,1 year commitment
- Each 1:1 mentor assignment will last at least 3 months. Chapter staff and the Leadership Mentor can decide to extend the relationship if necessary/desired
- Leadership mentor is asked to provide at least 3 hours of mentoring each month
- This volunteer assignment can be completed from home via phone and email
- This volunteer assignment is flexible in terms of evenings, weekdays and weekends. Leadership mentors will work out a schedule to check in with their mentee’s throughout each month
Qualifications:
- Currently leading a healthy and affiliated MS self-help group for a at least 1 year
- Commitment to help mobilize the talents and resources of the millions of people who want to do something about MS
- Willingness and ability to learn and effectively communicate about MS and the NMSS programs
- Ability to work independently, as well as, part of the Chapter Programs team
- Computer skills: email/internet
- Must have phone and/or email capabilities
Benefits:
- Positively impacting the lives of people affected by MS
- Increasing opportunities for people affected by MS to support each other
- Interact with new people
- Develop leadership skills
- Highlighted in quarterly self-help group leader “Kudos” mailing
- Expand personal knowledge of MS & the NMSS