Opportunities From: University of Iowa

POSITION TITLE: Summer Lunch Bunch Mentor

TIME COMMITMENT: Volunteers are asked to commit to at least one regular shift per week, Monday through Friday, from 11:30 AM-1:30 PM.

Lunch is served from approximately 12:00-1:00 PM. Volunteers will help with setup before lunch, support children during lunch, and assist with cleanup and light activities afterward.

LOCATION: Pheasant Ridge Center, 2651 Roberts Road, Iowa City, Iowa 52246

PURPOSE:

Summer Lunch Bunch Mentors help create a safe, welcoming, and positive lunchtime experience for children in the Pheasant Ridge neighborhood. Mentors provide a steady adult presence by helping set up before lunch, welcoming children who arrive or line up early, helping children move through the lunch line, eating and playing with children, supporting problem-solving, and assisting with light activities after lunch.

This role helps make Lunch Bunch more than a meal by creating a space where children feel welcomed, supported, and cared for during the summer.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

·       Must be 18 years old or older

·       Must be able to commit to at least one regular shift per week

·       Must be able to pass necessary background checks

·       Must enjoy working with children

·       Must be dependable, patient, and comfortable in a busy environment

RESPONSIBILITIES:

·       Help set up before lunch begins

·       Help welcome and manage children who arrive or line up early

·       Welcome children and help create a calm, positive lunch environment

·       Help keep lunch lines calm, safe, and organized

·       Eat, talk, and play with children during Lunch Bunch

·       Work with children one-on-one as needed while staff are present

·       Help support children in the neighborhood before, during, and after lunch

·       Use PBIS model language to encourage positive behavior and problem-solving

·       Help children work through conflicts or challenges that may arise

·       Support light activities with children after lunch

·       Help clean up after lunch and activities

·       Communicate concerns or needs to Neighborhood Centers staff

·       Follow all applicable NCJC policies related to child safety, confidentiality, behavior support, and boundaries

SUPERVISION AND SAFETY:

Volunteers are not permitted or expected to be alone with children at any time. Neighborhood Centers staff will be present during Lunch Bunch, and volunteers will support children under staff guidance and supervision.

REQUIRED TRAINING(S):

·       Orientation/Onboarding

·       Site-specific guidance from Neighborhood Centers staff

·       PBIS model language and behavior support expectations

BENEFITS TO VOLUNTEERS:

·       Build meaningful connections with children in the neighborhood

·       Support access to healthy meals during the summer

·       Gain experience in youth development, mentoring, and community-based programming

·       Develop skills in communication, patience, teamwork, and problem-solving

·       Volunteers completing at least 25 hours of service are eligible for a performance appraisal and a letter of recommendation

By volunteering as a Summer Lunch Bunch Mentor, you help children experience lunchtime as a safe, caring, and positive part of their summer day. Your presence supports children, staff, and the broader neighborhood community.

*** If unable to be present for a scheduled shift, contact the designated lead at your volunteer site prior to the start of the session.

POSITION TITLE: Front Desk Support Volunteer

TIME COMMITMENT: Volunteers are asked to commit to at least one regular shift per week, Monday through Friday. Available shifts may include:

Morning: 7:30–9:00 AM Midday: 12:00–1:00 PM Afternoon: 4:00–5:30 PM

Shift availability may vary by location.

LOCATION(S): Front Desk Volunteer Assistants may serve at either:

Pheasant Ridge Center, 2651 Roberts Road Broadway Center, 2105 Broadway Street

 

Each location is easily accessible by the Iowa City bus system.

PURPOSE: The Front Desk Volunteer Assistant helps create a welcoming, organized, and supportive environment for children, families, staff, and neighbors as they enter Neighborhood Centers. During busy parts of the day, this volunteer serves as an important point of connection by greeting visitors, answering questions, helping with basic office needs, and supporting communication between families and staff. Their presence helps our centers feel accessible, responsive, and cared for.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

·     Must be 18 years old or older

·     Must be able to commit to at least one day a week

·     Must be able to pass necessary background checks

·     Must possess good interpersonal, phone, printer and computer skills

·     Past experience strongly preferred

RESPONSIBILITIES:

·     Turn on lights, community computers, and digital displays

·     Be present and alert at the front desk while greeting families, students and staff

·     Give and receive information and documents from parents and staff.

·     Help with printing, faxing and scanning documents.

·     Support simple office or program projects as needed, such as preparing materials, organizing supplies, or providing clerical support.

·     Follow applicable NCJC and ICCSD policy in regard to client interactions, behavioral
supports, confidentiality, and limiting exposures to blood-borne pathogens.

REQUIRED TRAINING(S):

·     Orientation/Onboarding

BENEFITS TO VOLUNTEERS:

·       Contribute to a meaningful cause and make a real difference in the community

·       Build connections with staff, volunteers, families, and neighbors

·       Gain valuable experience in nonprofit operations and community-based services

·       Develop skills in teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and attention to detail

·       Access training in areas such as First Aid, CPR, Universal Precautions, and Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse

·       Volunteers completing at least 25 hours of service are eligible for a performance appraisal and a letter of recommendation

 

By volunteering at the front desk, you help set the tone for each person who walks through our doors. Your time and attention support the daily rhythm of the center and help create the safe, welcoming environment our children, families, and neighbors count on.

 

*** If unable to be present for a scheduled shift, contact the designated lead at your volunteer site prior to the start of the session.

POSITION TITLE: Front Desk Support Volunteer

TIME COMMITMENT: Volunteers are asked to commit to at least one regular shift per week, Monday through Friday. Available shifts may include:

Morning: 7:30–9:00 AM Midday: 12:00–1:00 PM Afternoon: 4:00–5:30 PM

Shift availability may vary by location.

LOCATION(S): Front Desk Volunteer Assistants may serve at either:

Pheasant Ridge Center, 2651 Roberts Road Broadway Center, 2105 Broadway Street

 

Each location is easily accessible by the Iowa City bus system.

PURPOSE: The Front Desk Volunteer Assistant helps create a welcoming, organized, and supportive environment for children, families, staff, and neighbors as they enter Neighborhood Centers. During busy parts of the day, this volunteer serves as an important point of connection by greeting visitors, answering questions, helping with basic office needs, and supporting communication between families and staff. Their presence helps our centers feel accessible, responsive, and cared for.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

·     Must be 18 years old or older

·     Must be able to commit to at least one day a week

·     Must be able to pass necessary background checks

·     Must possess good interpersonal, phone, printer and computer skills

·     Past experience strongly preferred

RESPONSIBILITIES:

·     Turn on lights, community computers, and digital displays

·     Be present and alert at the front desk while greeting families, students and staff

·     Give and receive information and documents from parents and staff.

·     Help with printing, faxing and scanning documents.

·     Support simple office or program projects as needed, such as preparing materials, organizing supplies, or providing clerical support.

·     Follow applicable NCJC and ICCSD policy in regard to client interactions, behavioral
supports, confidentiality, and limiting exposures to blood-borne pathogens.

REQUIRED TRAINING(S):

·     Orientation/Onboarding

BENEFITS TO VOLUNTEERS:

·       Contribute to a meaningful cause and make a real difference in the community

·       Build connections with staff, volunteers, families, and neighbors

·       Gain valuable experience in nonprofit operations and community-based services

·       Develop skills in teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and attention to detail

·       Access training in areas such as First Aid, CPR, Universal Precautions, and Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse

·       Volunteers completing at least 25 hours of service are eligible for a performance appraisal and a letter of recommendation

 

By volunteering at the front desk, you help set the tone for each person who walks through our doors. Your time and attention support the daily rhythm of the center and help create the safe, welcoming environment our children, families, and neighbors count on.

 

*** If unable to be present for a scheduled shift, contact the designated lead at your volunteer site prior to the start of the session.

TIME COMMITMENT: Minimum one event, with the opportunity to participate in as many events/projects as you desire. The duration of each event may vary, and volunteers should be prepared to dedicate at least 2 hours to support the event's success.

LOCATION(S): Location depends on event.

 

PURPOSE: The Event Volunteer is part of a team-based environment composed of fellow volunteers and staff who work together to create a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere during our diverse community events. This role contributes to the creation of a fun, welcoming space in which attendees can come together to celebrate, connect, and engage. By offering your time and support during our events, you provide valuable assistance that enhances the overall experience for attendees while also promoting a friendly, supportive, and inclusive community.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

Must be 16 years old or older Volunteers 16-17 must have a parent/guardian sign waiver before volunteering. (Discussion must be had with the Volunteer Coordinator at the time of sign-up to ensure appropriate supervision, and accommodation, if necessary.) Physical ability to lift 10-15 lbs. and stand for an extended period is generally required. (Accommodations can be made as needed if possible.) Strong interpersonal skills are preferred.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Volunteers may be assigned to various roles based on their skills and/or interests, including but not limited to:

Event Set-up: Assist in preparing the event location, including arranging tables, chairs, decorations, signage, and supplies. Volunteer Coordination Support: Assist the Volunteer Coordinator in managing volunteers and their schedules, ensuring proper coverage and that volunteers are where they need to be and have everything they need for event-related duties. (for seasoned NCJC volunteer) Games/Activities attendant: Engage, teach, and/or assist event attendees in fun and interactive games or activities. Food Attendant: Support the distribution or serving of food items during events. Welcome Table Attendant: Greet and provide information to event attendees, assisting with registration, inquiries, raffles, etc. Line Wrangler: Manage queues or lines to ensure a smooth flow of participants. Hype Man/Woman: Energize the crowd, create excitement, dance, and encourage participation. Event Breakdown/Clean Up: Assist in dismantling event setups and ensuring the venue is left tidy.

 

BENEFITS TO VOLUNTEERS: 

Community Engagement: Connect with individuals within the community and be an integral part of creating positive experiences. Networking Opportunities: Build connections with fellow volunteers, event organizers, and community members. Skill Development: Gain valuable experience in event assistance, teamwork, leadership, and interpersonal communication. Personal Satisfaction: Contributing to the success of meaningful events, creating bonds with community members, and witnessing them interact amongst each other, having fun, and being offered opportunities they may have not had otherwise, due, in part, to your involvement with the event, can bring a deep sense of joy and fulfillment. Performance Appraisal and Letter of Recommendation: Volunteers completing at least 25 hours of service are eligible for a performance appraisal and a letter of recommendation. Silver Cord / Required hours for school: Your active participation not only fulfills academic requirements but also provides a platform for meaningful experiences, personal growth, and community impact.

By volunteering for The Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County you become an integral part of creating a supportive and inclusive environment for those we serve. Your commitment contributes directly to the success of our mission, and we are grateful for your dedication to building a better future for all.