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211 is free to use, but costs a lot to maintain. It's a community service, so we're depending on the community to help sustain the website and all of the benefits it provides in Cortland County.
volunteer with 2-1-1
Duties
Help to staff Information and Referral (I&R) phone line/online chat, providing assessment, problem-solving, information and referral services to callers.Become familiar with I&R database and other resource materials such as reference guides, internet, etc., used to assist service recipients.
Learn and follow established I&R policies, protocols, and procedures and stay current on service and procedure updates, etc.
Depending on skills, assist with publications, data base management, web site maintenance, outreach/publicity projects, local and statewide networking initiatives, and other special projects as required.
Participate in two 4 hour initial training sessions followed by one on one orientation sessions with current volunteers/staff. Ongoing in-service training sessions required.
Qualifications
Excellent communications skills (written and verbal) Familiarity with Microsoft Office applications helpful, however, comfort with learning and using computers more important
Desire to learn the human service network and help people solve problems.
Familiarity with databases and web based systems a plus
Demonstrate a helpful, positive demeanor, respect, fairness, and nonjudgmental approach with each caller, walk-in, or online chat service recipient.
A minimum of one four hour shift per week, M-F 8:30-5:30 PM, for a minimum of 6 months is required.
Due to COVID-19, volunteer opportunities may be limited
Have you ever wondered what it's like to volunteer with 211 Tompkins/Cortland? Our volunteers share their unique perspectives:
“211 has made me aware of the ‘thinness’ of the ‘slice’ of humanity I’d been in contact with. It has sensitized me and immeasurably broadened my scope.”
“Working with 211 has been a greater experience than I could have imagined at the start. I set out to help others, but the amazing stories and people that I met along the way surprised me - and continue to surprise me-every time I answer the phone.”
“We ‘Upstaters,’ who got a big pass on this storm, feel humbled by the bravery of the victims and the generosity of the larger community as our downstate sisters and brothers struggle to put their lives back together.”
These types of experiences are not uncommon at 2-1-1, as we deal with grateful people on a daily basis. Helping all kinds of people with all kinds of struggles is incredibly rewarding and educational.