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Volunteer Coordinator

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Explore Being a Volunteer Coordinator with Barbara Purr

cz: Briefly describe your job.

I recruit and place volunteers for individual positions or events for the Palm Beach County Health Center. Each of our volunteers brings unique abilities to each task. My job requires matching people skills and individual values with tasks that need to be accomplished.

This position involves listening to individuals - whether it is interfacing with potential volunteers, staff or clients. I also find ways to meet unbudgeted needs of the Health Center clients. I create and plan events from beginning to end including themes, colors, awards and recognition.

My job requires a great deal of multitasking in order to meet the emergent needs of the organization, community or individual clients. It is truly rewarding, very versatile, and full of change. It shifts focus rapidly requiring the ability to be flexible. If a crisis in the community occurs; I could spend the next day or weeks assisting to meet that effort.

cz: How long have you been working in this field?

I have held the position of Volunteer Coordinator for the past five years; but I have been a State of Florida employee for 30 years.

cz: When and how did you decide to choose this career?

After high school, I completed two years of secretarial school. I took the State of Florida, City of West Palm Beach and Palm Beach County placement tests. The first employer to offer a position to me was the Palm Beach County Health Department.

cz: What education and training did you receive before entering your field?

In addition to the schooling stated above, I have completed my Associates of Arts degree and other college-level classes. I held health insurance licenses for six years which was required to be a health service representative with the health department. In 2005, I completed the Florida’s Volunteer Administration Certification Program.

My career with the State of Florida has been varied and has offered me the opportunity for continuous learning.

cz: How did you begin OR what was your first job in the field?

My first position was a clerk for the warehouse division of the Health Department.

cz: Describe a typical day on the job?

The days begin with reading emails, answering telephones, addressing center and client needs, responding to possible donors, and/or attending center staff meetings. I also walk through the health center to visit and acknowledge the various volunteers who are in the center and addressing staff/center with various unbudgeted needs.

cz: What do you like most about what you do?

I adore my volunteers and meeting and assisting others with needs. It is very fulfilling and gives me a sense of accomplishment.

cz: What has been the most rewarding experience so far in your career?

I feel continuous growth within the agency. As the state of Florida grows and changes so does its agencies. This creates various possibilities along with new positions and continuing education is always encouraged.

cz: What do you like least about your job?

It can be disturbing to listen to hardship issues with families and not have the resources to address their concerns.

cz: What is the biggest challenge for you in this job?

I find it difficult to ask for monetary donations.

cz: What would you like to say to someone considering this career?

Acknowledge all the good you can do for others, the community as a whole and accept the glory of being a cheerleader!

cz: What are the most important personal and professional skills necessary to succeed in your field?

Being open to others and listening.

cz: What would a person interested in entering this field have to do to get a good job in it?

Education is always at the top. Pay attention to the activities of non- profits - their accomplishments and ongoing tasks. Identify areas of your own concern and where you feel you have ideas and get involved!

cz: What could someone who is interested in this field do to learn more about it right now?

Everyone needs to stay current on community issues by visiting computer sites, watching daily news broadcasts and volunteering!

cz: Is there any general advice you would like to offer to students on making a career choice or on work life itself?

“We find in life exactly what we put into it.” Emerson

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