Job
Descriptions V-2
The
fires I have started cannot be put out by anyone else.
For effective recruitment,
orientation and supervision of volunteers you need a job description.
This is one of those details that people like to skip. It takes
a little time and thought about details -- not very exciting --
but can make the exciting part go much better. Without a job description
for the volunteers with which you work, you may feel overwhelmed
and frustrated by the job of keeping volunteers going. The volunteer
may have the same feelings and decide to drop out.
LEARNING OBJECTIVE
When you complete this
module you should be able to write a job description for a volunteer
in your educational program.
EXERCISE:
Study the following
format for a job description. Then fill in the information for
each number in the format using a position which you need to fill
(if you are familiar with the job to be filled, this should present
no problems - - otherwise this can be done as a hypothetical job
description which is less effective than the real thing). Then
use the completed job description along with the module on recruitment
(V-3) to recruit a volunteer to fill the job.
A FORMAT
FOR JOB DESCRIPTIONS
1. Job Title.
2. Brief and general
statement of what the job entails.
3. Specific expectations
of the person who fills this job.
4. To whom is this
person responsible?
Supervisor:
Organization or agency:
Which is a part
of:
5. State how the volunteer
fits within the overall work of the organization.
6. Competencies needed
by the volunteer for this job.
Skills:
Knowledge:
Attitudes:
Experience:
Resources (car, telephone,
tools,):
7. Time required per
week:
8. Benefits (training
provided, expenses paid, materials provided, opportunity to work
with people who have ___ experience):
9. Job site (address
& telephone number):
An example of a completed
job description may be helpful in completing this exercise.
AN EXAMPLE
OF A COMPLETED JOB DESCRIPTION
1. Title: 4-H
Project Leader - Gardening
2. Job: Teach interested
youth in your community 4-H club about home gardening.
3. Expectations: Attend
leader training on Feb. 1 at the county 4-H office. Announce the
formation of your project group to start no later than March 15.
Meet with youth and parents who respond to the announcement. Meet
between March and September according to the schedule that is
agreeable to most of the group. Encourage your members to be actively
involved in the community club as well as your project club.
4. Responsible to:
Yavapai County 4-H agent and Cottonwood Community Club Leader.
4-H is a part of the Cooperative Extension Service in Yavapai
County which is directed by the County Extension Director who
is responsible to the University of Arizona, College of Agriculture.
5. The project leader
works with other leaders at the local and county level and with
the 4-H agent to plan and deliver the 4-H program to youth who
choose to participate. County activities are planned and implemented
by the County Leaders Council. Every project and community club
leader is automatically a member of the Council and may participate
as actively as s/he desires. The 4-H Leaders Handbook provides
more information on your role, responsibilities, and the policies
which govern 4-H.
6. Competence needed:
Experience in growing
home gardens in the Cottonwood area.
Enjoy working with youth in an informal setting.
Enthusiastic, well organized, patient.
Willing to answer many questions from youth and their parents.
Enjoy working as a team with other volunteer project leaders of
the Cottonwood Community 4-H Club.
7. Time required: Varies
according to the interest of your project group and how much you
choose to participate at the county level. You should be prepared
to offer (1) two one-hour project meetings each month between
March and September, (2) to attend a community club meeting once
each month and (3) to attend a meeting for project leaders in
Cottonwood once each month.
8. Benefits: The county
4-H agent will provide you with a four hour workshop on how to
organize a project club. You will receive a 4-H Leaders Handbook
and a Project Leaders Guide for Home Gardening. The County Agricultural
Agent provides technical training for "master gardeners"
which you are welcome to attend. The county office has many technical
bulletins on different garden plants. The Cottonwood Community
4-H Club offers a chance to share your expertise and enjoy other
educational and social activities with families.
9. Job Site: Your home
is your office. You will need access to a garden plot where you
can demonstrate the techniques of home gardening. You need a place
for your club to meet. This may be at your own home or at the
home of one of the members. |
