Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly (www.lbfechicago.org) is a nonprofit organization committed to alleviating isolation and loneliness among the elderly. We offer to people of goodwill the opportunity to join the elderly in friendship and the celebration of life. Together with our trained and dedicated volunteers, we create a caring community in which our elders know they are deeply valued. LBFE, a distinguished leader in the field of aging, has been serving Chicago’s elderly for over 60 years.
LBFE has expanded services for older persons in DuPage and Kane Counties out of facilities in Batavia. LBFE will engage up to 300 elders in a volunteer-driven, staff-supported program model by 2025, with the Batavia facility, called Audrey’s House, serving as the year-round program and vacation center.
LBFE seeks an individual with experience working with volunteers, the elderly or adults with disabilities. This person will be responsible for overseeing Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly’s presence in DuPage and Kane Counties. Using LBFE’s established procedures and protocols, recruits and supervises volunteers, engages and supports elders, develops and maintains relationships with community organizations. An individual who is creative, flexible and can work independently within the structure of organization procedures and practices would be a good fit for this role. This is an opportunity for someone interested in using their skills and energy to serve elders using the LBFE model and in designing innovative programming to meet the needs of elders within the service area.
Please be advised that training will be conducted at LBFE's Chicago offices for a minimum of the first two months of employment.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
Professionally represent Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly, Chicago Chapter with elders, volunteers, interns and leaders in DuPage and Kane Counties.
Familiarize and establish self within planned service area - specifically as it relates to the needs and challenges of elders and volunteers.
Plan, strategize, and oversee volunteer-led events that bring elders out of isolation and into contact with other elders and volunteers in festive social activities.
Work with the Development Department to market the expansion initiative including online and social media.
In coordination with senior management, use established LBFE operating procedures to plan, develop, and evaluate the expansion initiative, based on core programs for lonely and isolated elders.
Using established LBFE protocols, recruit, place, onboard and supervise volunteers and interns, especially leadership volunteers that will take ownership over specific programs or activities. This would include on-site events, facilitating group visits to senior buildings, in-home elder assessments, or activity implementation.
Develop strategic partnerships with community organizations (such as businesses, schools, and faith-based) and build engagement through outreach and program participation.
Maintain a log of activity within Audrey’s House to monitor programs, visitors, and volunteers.
Complete, maintain, and ensure accurate database records of all volunteers and elders through data entry, audits, and regular reporting.
Become proficient in facilitating Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly’s existing, and new, volunteer management training program.
Participate in the formulation of annual goals and work plans.
Be flexible and nimble in developing and executing existing and future work plans.
Ensure consistent and complete communication with volunteers.
Be accountable for own time, work, and performance.
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications and Key Competencies:
Bachelor’s Degree required plus 3-5 years of relevant work experience.
Has lived or worked in DuPage or Kane County.
Able to work one day per week in the LBFE Chicago Offices.
Experience working with volunteers, the elderly or adults with disabilities.
Understands the needs of elders from diverse social and cultural backgrounds.
Possess at least three years previous experience recruiting, training, and managing volunteers.
Demonstrated experience creating and implementing volunteer opportunities that engage new volunteers and retain existing volunteers.
Demonstrated experience establishing and working with community partners preferably within the designated service area.
Ability to motivate volunteers while maintaining performance and integrity standards.
Creative problem-solving and program management skills, great attention to detail, while maintaining excellent interpersonal relationships.
Demonstrated experience in relationship development and management.
Ability to work independently and without direct supervision.
Commitment to cultural sensitivity and awareness.
Ability to remain even-tempered when faced with challenges or evolving situations.
Excellent computer skills including word processing, data base management, and Microsoft Office Suite.
Strong presentation, oral and written communications skills.
Comfortable interacting with people in group settings.
Flexibility in work schedule to meet the needs of the department during peak times, including some Saturday/Sunday and evening work required.
Work one holiday per year, Thanksgiving or Christmas, rotating coverage annually.
Have a valid driver’s license, possess an automobile, and have appropriate insurance coverage.
Spanish speaking a plus.