CEF Durham is currently accepting new Advocate applications for our Summer 2023 cohort. Apply here by Sun, April 30th at 11:59 PM.
About the CEF Advocate position:
Advocates are volunteers trained to walk with Members in achieving their goals, often related to housing, employment, or financial independence. Advocates are not experts, but are curious, empathetic, and highly dedicated team players who commit to holding two Advocate hours per week for a minimum of two years. CEF Advocates work 2-on-1 with CEF Members to provide long-term, relationship-based support as Members work toward housing and financial stability. The Advocate role is a volunteer position and is unpaid.
Responsibilities
- Work two-on-one with CEF Members toward their goals
- Actively engage in ongoing learning opportunities to grow as an Advocate
- Support the management of office hour operations, including scheduling Member appointments and directing the flow of Member service activity in the office
- Properly use the CEF Connect database and other systems that help provide efficient and high-quality services to CEF Members, maintaining a high level of confidentiality
- Communicate proactively with staff and volunteer leaders around wellness, attendance, tardiness, or other concerns
Qualifications
- Clear commitment to CEF’s mission and eager to commit to the full two years (and more!)
- Awareness of institutional oppression
- Actively strives for continual learning and reflection
- Resourceful, collaborative, and creative problem-solver
- Experience and comfort working with people across abilities, neurological/cultural differences
- A deep understanding of authentic and empowering relationships
- Possesses many of the skills (active listening, empathy, vulnerability, trust) that are necessary to form relationships with Members
- Flexibility, tendency to take initiative, and a commitment to being a team player
- All majors and career interests are encouraged to join
- Proficiency in Spanish is a plus
Core Advocate Commitment:
- Attend all sessions of mandatory CEF New Advocate Training
- Hold two weekly ‘Advocate’ hours during the academic year, ideally committing to the organization for two years or more
- Attend a 15 minute pod meeting before every ‘Advocate’ hours shift to prepare for meetings with community members
- Attend mandatory monthly ongoing learning twice per semester during the academic year.
Summer 2023 Timeline
- Required Training for New Advocates: May 20th & June 10th (10am - 2pm via Zoom)
- Summer Volunteer Period: May 31st - Aug 4th
Apply to become an Advocate at http://bit.ly/applycefsummer23 Reach out to jadam@communityempowermentfund.org with questions.
CEF is an equal opportunity employer, and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ applicants.
