Project Specialist

Business Unit Description

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million that helps people turn their goals and dreams into 'Real Possibilities' by changing the way America defines aging. With staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, AARP works to strengthen communities and promote the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare security, financial security and personal fulfillment. AARP also advocates for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name.  As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the world’s largest circulation magazine, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin.

AARP Foundation is AARP’s 501 c3 charitable affiliate.  We are a public charity with revenue from federal agencies, corporations, foundations and individuals.  AARP Foundation’s vision is a country free of poverty where no older person feels vulnerable.  Staff are located in Washington DC and throughout the US. 

Every year, AARP Foundation helps millions of struggling older adults 50 and over win back opportunity by being a force for change on the most serious issues they face each day.  Through the Foundation’s many groundbreaking and innovative programs and services, we create and advance effective solutions to meet their basic needs for nutritious food, safe and affordable housing, adequate income and much-needed personal connections.

Summary Statement

RSVP promotes the engagement of older persons as community resources in planning for community improvement and in delivery of volunteer services. Achievement of RSVP's purpose is facilitated by the coordination of the resources of CNCS, the RSVP sponsor, and the community to fulfill the following goals of RSVP:

1) Develop a variety of opportunities for community service for older people willing to share their experience, abilities, and skills for the betterment of their community and themselves.

2) Ensure that volunteer assignments are consistent with the interests and abilities of the volunteers and the needs of the community served.

3) Ensure that volunteers are provided needed orientation, in-service instruction, individual support and supervision, and recognition for their volunteer service.

4) Provide reasonable opportunity for community and volunteer involvement and support in development, operation, and appraisal of the RSVP project.

5) Develop local support to supplement available federal sources and ensure that program expenditures are incurred at the lowest possible cost consistent with the effective operation of the project, as required by CNCS's legislation.

6) Cooperate with agencies and organizations involved in the fields of aging and volunteerism.

7) Develop a sound, locally controlled senior volunteer program with continuing community support.

This position is located in Whittier CA. 

Responsibilities

Reporting to the RSVP National Manager, the RSVP Project Specialist works directly with the RSVP site Project Director to ensure the RSVP project meets its goals and objectives. The Project Specialist works collaboratively with the Project Director and other AARP Foundation colleagues, Community Advisory Group members, community organizations, volunteer station staff, and officials of the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) to implement the RSVP project. The Project Specialist plays a key role in recruiting volunteers, assisting with public relations, and helping maintain program records.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

1. Assists with administrative oversight of RSVP project site by ensuring compliance with terms and conditions of the federal grant and applicable federal regulations.
2. In coordination with the Project Director, engages in extensive recruitment and volunteer management activities that identify, select, on-board, appoint, and retain volunteers in support of program objectives.
3. Maintains program quality and assists with goals and objectives by ensuring that volunteers are recruited, selected, and placed in outcome-based assignments with measurable results designed to meet program and community needs.
4. Assists with program activities and provides service to volunteers and volunteer stations, providing leadership, information, and consultation in regards to RSVP objectives.
5. Develops positive public relations and communications in the community by providing informational programs to interested groups and organizations. Prepares newsletters or other media materials, serves on community boards, councils and committees.
6. Maintains professional knowledge and skills by attending relevant workshops, training, and conferences. Reviews professional materials and literature. Participates in professional organizations.
7. In coordination with the Project Specialist, works closely with RSVP Community Advisory Group, soliciting their advice and assistance on matters affecting project operation.
8. Performs other project related duties as assigned and as allowable within the RSVP statute, program regulations, and other applicable policies. 

Complexity

1. Complies with federal regulations governing financial & administrative conduct of RSVP project site operations.
2. Implements various recruitment strategies to ensure sufficient volunteer enrollment to fulfill project volunteer station objectives and site goals.
3. Coordinated with the Project Specialists to recruit non-profit and public community service volunteer stations in which to place volunteers.  Monitors volunteer stations to ensure that volunteers are given adequate training and supervision and that they are working in a safe environment. 
4. Takes independent action in solving problems while exhibiting judgment and a realistic understanding of issues.  Practices interpersonal relationship and conflict resolution skills in dealing with diverse and difficult participants and host agency personnel.
5. Promotes different aspects of RSVP in the local community as necessary to achieve project site goals by making presentations, using written communication material, and obtaining media coverage.

Interaction

1. Works with an average of 100 active volunteers and up to 400 volunteers annually. 
2. Ensures that all interactions with program volunteers are non-discriminatory and in accordance with AARP Foundation and RSVP program policies and procedures.
3. Works with a community advisory group to address community needs and volunteer opportunities.
4. Collaborates with other AARP Foundation RSVP projects and CNCS staff to further the objectives of RSVP and enhance the volunteer experience and program outcomes.

Impact:  This position directly supports the mission of AARP Foundation.  The Project Specialist’s work also complements the mission and goals of the Volunteer Stations supported by the site.  Provide significant impact to individuals, both volunteers and those serviced, that improves quality of life and brings meaning and vibrancy to their communities and organizations.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree with one or more years of progressive work experience. Volunteer management experience is highly desired.

Training and/or experience in work with the over 55 population and/or volunteers is essential.

Computer literacy and car required.

Competencies

• Ability to take independent action in solving problems, sensitive to and aware of personality differences and conflicts.
• Ability to independently and appropriately interpret and implement regulations, policies and procedures; compile and prepare accurate reports within time constraints.
• Ability to clearly present information, including technical data, through verbal and written communication to varied audiences, influence or persuade others through verbal presentation.
• Ability to establish and nurture working relationships with individuals, agencies, organizations and businesses.

Benefits Offered

 AARP offers competitive benefits with a 401K, 100% company funded pension plan, health, dental, vision and life insurance, STD/LTD, paid vacation and sick, and other benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

AARP is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture.  AARP does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, color, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.