Program Support Volunteer

Program Support Volunteer

The Program Support Volunteer supports Goodwill-Easter Seals MN by developing participants' professional skills, offering encouragement and building confidence, and supporting the achievement of educational goals. Program Support Volunteer opportunities occur on a rolling basis and may include the responsibilities outlined below.

Schedule & Time Commitment

• Once approved to volunteer, Program Support Volunteers self-schedule their shifts based on organizational needs and volunteer preference.
• Shifts may occur in-person or virtually, based on program needs.
• Shifts typically span 2-4 hours depending on scheduling preferences.

Volunteer Responsibilities

• Mentorship

  • Provide support to participants in group or individual settings through one-on-one meetings, group presentations and/or guest lectures.
  • Identify and support participants' professional and academic goals through sharing knowledge, expertise, and personal experiences.
  • Schedule and participate in regular meetings to demonstrate commitment, accountability, and reliability.
  • Foster personal and professional growth through coaching, networking, and career-readiness support.
  • Maintain healthy boundaries and serve as a role model for integrity and work ethic.
  • Conduct professional quality mock interviews with program participants using interview guides provided by GESMN staff.
  • Model professionalism and help participants build confidence while strengthening interview skills.
  • Model professional behavior with effective communication, leadership, and problem-solving.
  • Conduct consistent interviews for participants with a wide variety of interviewing abilities, disabilities, and backgrounds.
  • Review job seeker resumes, highlight skills, and provide feedback regarding how to present experience to employers.
  • Provide constructive and specific feedback to participants and staff (verbal and written).
  • Use GESMN technology and computer lab to print resumes and request technical assistance as needed.

• Academic Support

  • Provide one-on-one or small-group academic tutoring in areas such as reading, writing, math, test preparation, digital literacy, or study skills.
  • Reinforce positive learning behaviors, time management, and organizational skills.
  • Track learner progress and communicate concerns or successes with program staff as appropriate.
  • Provide constructive feedback to students by helping identify areas of improvement.

• Other Duties

  • Responsible for being familiar with and adhering to GESMN's code of ethics, volunteer policies, and role-specific safety procedures set forth by Human Resources and GESMN executive team.

About You – Knowledge & Skills:

• Strong communication skills.
• Experience or comfort supporting learners with varied academic backgrounds.
• Understand how to create welcoming experiences for people of varying backgrounds and experience levels.
• Welcome orientation required either in-person or virtual before first shift.
• Training required in-person and virtual before first shift.
• Must pass a criminal background check.

About Us:

Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that has been creating career possibilities together with partners since 1919. Many people know Goodwill stores, but don't know store proceeds support people with industry- specific training, digital literacy, resume help, family stability services, navigating work with a disability and more. By connecting the talents of people we serve with opportunity, we help strengthen our local economy and create pathways to success.

Star Tribune Top Workplace 6 years running.

Volunteer Acknowledgement:

By applying for this volunteer role you acknowledge your understanding that this is an unpaid volunteer position.

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.