SCOPE OF ROLE: The Bus Orientation Volunteer will work with the Resource Development Department to assist clients in navigating the Richmond public transportation system. This role is extremely important in expediting a client’s path to self-sufficiency and integration goals. While our clients are generally interested in acquiring vehicles as quickly as possible, this is often financially unattainable in the early stages of resettlement. By teaching clients to utilize public transportation, volunteers enable them greater access to community resources and employment opportunities while they save up for a car!
COMMITMENT:
- Days and times: flexible depending on client and volunteer schedules
- Frequency: biweekly
- Hours: 3 hours per shift
LOCATION: Client home (typically Richmond city or Henrico), surrounding community
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Develop route plan for client bus orientations
- Help clients learn the ins and outs of the RVA public transportation system by meeting a client at their home, walking to the bus stop, and taking a practice ride to a strategic destination before returning home on the bus
- Help clients plan and navigate common routes to grocery stores, places of work, food pantries, places of worship, etc.
- Provide tips and instructions for using the bus line
- Explain how to read maps and transit schedules and how to use GRTC app
REQUIREMENTS:
- General knowledge of navigating Richmond area
- Experience with or comfort learning to navigate the RVA bus system
- Patience and flexibility
- Must adhere to IRC professional standards and volunteer policies including those around boundaries, confidentiality, COVID-19, etc.