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- Advocate Volunteer - Utica
Advocate Volunteer - Utica .
Utica
Effective ASAP
Overview
The Program Advocate Volunteer helps participants stay connected to On Point for College services by providing encouragement, sharing information and resources, supporting navigation, and helping maintain timely communication with staff.
This role serves as a supportive point of contact for participants, helping them stay engaged with agreed-upon next steps while ensuring questions, barriers, and concerns are appropriately referred to designated staff.
- FLSA Status
- Volunteer
Time Commitment
Approximately 5–15 hours per week, with a flexible schedule based on participant and program needs.
This role is hybrid and may involve service in both the Syracuse and Utica areas. Some evening activities may be required.
Responsibilities
- Welcome participants and help them understand available college, career, and support services.
- Conduct approved participant check-ins and encourage follow-through on agreed-upon next steps.
- Help participants identify questions, barriers, and resource needs and connect them with appropriate On Point for College staff.
- Assist with outreach, appointment reminders, workshops, orientations, and participant-engagement activities.
- Support participants in navigating available programs, services, and internal resources.
- Maintain accurate and timely contact notes and other required documentation.
- Communicate relevant updates and concerns to designated staff in accordance with organizational procedures.
- Maintain professional boundaries, confidentiality, and appropriate communication at all times.
- Escalate urgent, sensitive, or complex concerns to designated staff rather than providing counseling, clinical guidance, or case-management services.
Requirements
Preferred Qualifications
- Strong empathy, active-listening, and interpersonal skills.
- Dependability, sound judgment, and consistent follow-through.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to build positive, respectful relationships with participants from diverse backgrounds.
- Ability to maintain appropriate professional boundaries and protect participant confidentiality.
- Experience in education, human services, mentoring, community outreach, customer service, or a related field is helpful.
- Strong organizational skills and comfort using Microsoft Office, Outlook, and data-management systems.
- Commitment to On Point for College’s mission and to supporting participants as they pursue college and career goals.
Education and Experience
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Prior experience in education, human services, workforce development, mentoring, youth programming, community outreach, administrative support, or customer service preferred.
- Experience working directly with students, young adults, or community members is a plus.
Special Requirements
- Must possess a valid, unrestricted New York State Driver’s License.
- Must maintain a satisfactory driving record.
- Ability and willingness to travel locally as needed to support program activities.
- Ability to maintain participant confidentiality and comply with organizational policies, procedures, and professional standards.