Volunteer Roles - Organizer Guide

Why Define Roles?

Clear roles help volunteers understand their responsibilities, prevent confusion, and ensure all tasks are covered. Well-defined roles make your relief operation more efficient and organized.

Common Volunteer Roles

Donation Receiver

Welcomes donors, verifies donations, records items in the system

Skills needed: Friendly, organized, basic computer skills

Sorter/Organizer

Sorts donated items by category, organizes storage area, checks item quality

Skills needed: Detail-oriented, physical work, organization

Packer

Prepares relief packs, assembles care packages, ensures proper quantities

Skills needed: Attention to detail, physical work, efficiency

Distribution Team

Delivers relief goods to affected areas, coordinates with beneficiaries

Skills needed: Driver's license (for some), physically fit, people skills

Flexible Roles

Don't be too rigid. Many volunteers can help with multiple roles depending on needs. Cross-training builds a more flexible team.

Creating Custom Roles

You can create roles specific to your campaign needs:

• Medical assistance (if you have medical supplies)
• Social media coordinator (for updates and outreach)
• Photographer/documenter (for transparency and updates)
• Community liaison (coordinates with local barangay)
• Warehouse manager (oversees storage and inventory)
• Team leader (supervises groups of volunteers)

Flexible Role Management

Volunteers select their preferred role when applying. You can coordinate role changes through the messaging system as needs evolve.

Assigning Roles to Volunteers

1. Review volunteer skills and preferences
Check their application and any special skills they listed
2. Match roles to capabilities
Assign based on experience, physical ability, and availability
3. Communicate the assignment
Clearly explain responsibilities and expectations
4. Provide training if needed
Brief volunteers on how to perform their role
5. Be open to changes
Volunteers can switch roles if it's not a good fit

Role Descriptions Template

For each role, include:

• Title: Clear, descriptive name
• Responsibilities: 3-5 key tasks
• Requirements: Skills, physical needs, time commitment
• Location: Where the role is performed
• Supervision: Who they report to
• Schedule: Expected hours or shifts

Best Practices

✓ Keep role descriptions simple and clear
✓ Allow volunteers to try different roles
✓ Rotate physically demanding roles to prevent fatigue
✓ Have backup volunteers for critical roles
✓ Regularly check in with volunteers about their assigned role
✓ Recognize volunteers for excellent performance in their roles

Next Steps

Learn how to approve applications and verify volunteer hours.

Approving Applications →