Needs From: Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership

4-Hour Volunteer Shift

Position Summary

The Volunteer Counterperson is often the first point of contact for members, newcomers, and visitors to the Sonoma County Alano Club. This role combines customer service, hospitality, and light retail responsibilities with compassionate support for individuals seeking recovery from alcohol and substance use disorders. Volunteers help maintain a safe, welcoming, and respectful environment where everyone is treated with dignity and encouraged in their recovery journey.

Primary ResponsibilitiesWelcome & Hospitality

Greet members, guests, and newcomers with warmth, respect, and compassion.

Help create an atmosphere that is welcoming, safe, and recovery-oriented.

Answer general questions about the club, meeting locations, and schedules.

Offer basic encouragement and support to individuals seeking recovery while maintaining appropriate boundaries.

Be attentive to members or guests who may need assistance and notify staff or leadership when additional support is needed.

Meeting Support

Prepare meeting rooms before scheduled meetings by arranging chairs and ensuring rooms are clean and ready.

Brew fresh coffee and maintain coffee stations throughout the shift.

Help clean and reset meeting rooms after meetings when needed.

Retail & Front Counter

Operate the cash register/POS system to sell snacks, beverages, literature, and merchandise.

Accurately handle cash, credit card, and electronic transactions.

Restock merchandise, beverages, and snacks as needed.

Maintain an organized and welcoming front counter area.

Facility Care

Perform light cleaning, including wiping tables and counters, emptying trash, sweeping, and keeping common areas neat.

Help maintain a clean, safe, and comfortable environment for all who use the facility.

Report maintenance, safety, or supply concerns to the Club Manager or Shift Supervisor.

Qualifications

Friendly, dependable, and punctual.

Comfortable interacting with people from diverse backgrounds and life experiences.

Able to communicate with empathy, patience, and respect.

Basic cash handling or retail experience is helpful but not required.

Ability to stand for extended periods and perform light lifting (up to approximately 20 pounds).

Willingness to follow club policies, maintain confidentiality, and uphold the welcoming mission of the Sonoma County Alano Club.

Expectations

Arrive on time and complete the scheduled 4-hour volunteer shift.

Treat every member and guest with dignity, respect, and without judgment.

Recognize that many visitors may be experiencing homelessness, early recovery, mental health challenges, or other difficult life circumstances, and respond with kindness while maintaining appropriate personal boundaries.

Support the Club's mission of providing a safe, clean, welcoming place where recovery can flourish.

Work cooperatively with staff and fellow volunteers and communicate any concerns promptly.

Our Mission

The Sonoma County Alano Club exists to provide a safe, welcoming gathering place where individuals and families affected by alcoholism and addiction can find fellowship, hope, and support through recovery. Every volunteer plays an important role in creating an environment where healing, respect, and community are possible.