Volunteer

The Utica Comets hockey team serves food for the Rescue Mission of Utica in New York

Become a Volunteer!

Come Feel “Good & Useful” By Volunteering With Us!

Volunteers bring essential services to every outreach program of the Rescue Mission. Each year, hundreds of people offer their time, talent and goodness of heart to Mission projects that help make a difference in the lives of needy individuals. 837 individuals volunteered 8,620 hours of service to the Mission. 

Testimonials

Here’s what some Volunteers had to say

Ways to Volunteer

Serving With Us

Thank You For Your Interest In Serving With Us! You can Serve as an individual, or as part of a group.

Typical Ways to Volunteer

Unless otherwise noted, these opportunities are available Monday-Friday daily. 

Administration
  • Answer phone, greet guests and light clerical work.
Clothing Room / Food Pantry
  • Sorting/hanging clothes, Monday 6p-8p
  • Food box distribution, Monday, Thursday, Friday 12:30p-3:30p
Coin Canister
  • Monthly replacement of Rescue Mission canisters at various Utica locations
Facilities
  • Mowing/raking and ground maintenance; other jobs available.
Human Resources
  • Clerical
Representative-Payee Program
  • Clerical – sorting, filing
  • 3 – 4 hours on Wednesday’s
Thread of Life Thrift Store

Thursday-Saturday when store is open

  • Cashier
  • Clerk
  • Greeter/Donations/Clerk Assistant
  • Light cleaning

How to Apply

Please print and fill out our Volunteer Application or Group Volunteer Application and mail, email (as PDF) or fax completed application to Cheryl Williams at cheryl.williams@uticamission.org.

Internship Program

Interns are a vital part of the Rescue Mission. We know the value of investing in passionate, talented people who will continue to serve others.  As an intern, you will play a vital role in this ministry and have a life-changing experience. We offer you an opportunity to become involved in mission work, while impacting hundreds of lives.

Internships are available through non-academic and academic credit, or to those who want the experience of serving in a faith based environment while gaining practical work experience.

An internship experience may be:

  • Short-term, during the summer months.
  • On a semester basis and/or as long as a one year term.

Rescue Mission of Utica is committed to making Utica and the Mohawk Valley a better place to live by while partnering with the community to serve the homeless, addicted, mentally ill and poor.

Internship Opportunities

Administrative Assistant Intern

Job TitleAdministrative Assistant Intern

Department: Parker House Aftercare Program

Reports To: Program Director

Job Summary: Assist the Parker House Aftercare staff with various administrative tasks.  Interact with residents and community members in a professional manner; serve as a role model and spiritual mentor.  Assist with Mission food box program.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

  • Assist staff with maintaining safety of the Parker House
  • Maintain effective communication with Parker House staff; work collaboratively together.
  • Assist staff in the front office by answering phones, making copies, filling out paperwork — such as intake forms, greet the public.
  • Gain knowledge about client interviewing process and assist when needed.
  • Assist staff with the community food box program.
  • Mentor residents in Parker House Phase 4 program – encouraging them in their recovery.
  • When applicable attend morning devotions and assist with bi-weekly Chapel Services.

MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • Working towards a degree in Human Services or related field preferred.
  • Have a heart for serving the homeless, addicted and poor.
  • Confidentiality is of the utmost importance.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Display professional behavior, attitude and appearance.
  • Ability to set appropriate boundaries.
  • Promote, model and teach acceptable behaviors.
  • Enthusiastic support of our Mission statement and Core Values.
Chemical Dependency Counselor Intern

Job TitleChemical Dependency Counselor Intern

Department: Addiction Stabilization Center (ASC)

Reports To: Program Director

Job Summary: The CDC works under the supervision of a Credentialed Alcoholism & Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) or other Qualified Health Professional (QHP) as designated by the Program Director. The primary role of the CDC is to provide coordination and implementation of direct substance abuse clinical services for clients experiencing withdrawal. The CDC participates in case review with the multidisciplinary treatment team, completes client assessments, provides referrals for substance abuse treatment, participates in the client discharge planning process, completes all necessary forms and documentation, supervises interns and provides assistance with the orientation and training process for new staff.

A condition of employment as a CDC is to maintain credentialing and remain current on required trainings.  Must be willing to obtain credentialing through the NYS Department of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse (OASAS) and adhere to the Canon of Ethical Principles as outlined by the NY State Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services and the RMU Employee Handbook.

PRIMARY DUTIES:

  • Complete client admissions with LPN.
  • Complete Psycho Social Assessment (PSA) assessment of clients.
  • Assist in prescreening and routing incoming phone calls to appropriate staff.
  • Perform and document vital signs and inform the LPN of abnormalities.
  • Report all observations, interactions and behaviors of a medical nature to the LPN.
  • Correctly document shift notes, opening notes, behavior incidents, client activity logs, discharges and complete all NYS OASAS forms as required.
  • Utilize sound clinical judgment with regard to assessment and referral for client services.
  • Participate in daily case review meetings.
  • Direct observation of client urine screening.
  • Responsible for the discharge planning including but not limited to making appropriate recommendations for continued Substance Abuse, Mental Health and community support meetings under the supervision of QHP.
  • Provide individual motivational counseling for our clients.
  • Prepare records and reports within the time frame as required by NYS OASAS Regulations Part 816.
  • Attend all pertinent in-service training sessions.
  • Participate in regularly scheduled clinical supervision meetings with the Program Director
  • Provide didactic groups related to the disease of addiction using lectures and various audio/visual materials.
  • Provide problem centered, solution focused group therapy under the supervision of a QHP.
  • Maintain positive liaison relationships with other community agencies, i.e. Department of Social Services, Probation, VESID, and other Addiction Services, Alcoholic Anonymous, Al-Anon, and ACOA.
  • Assist in general daily duties such as: complete client laundry, stock shelves, request and stock kitchen and refrigerator items, clean kitchen and dishes, supervise clients in kitchen at all times, supervise client in lounge area, supervise clients during meals, clean client areas and clean and remake beds after discharge, and receive and document deliveries.
  • Strictly follow all established infection control policies.
  • Follow established emergency procedures including fire drills, evacuation procedure, and disaster plans.
  • Help maintain safety and security by monitoring cameras, checking client belongings and monitoring client activities, performing building checks and practicing defensive driving.
  • Update the Clinical Coordinator and/or Director in a timely manner about all matters, seek advice and counsel and develop a spirit of cooperation in carrying out the job responsibilities.
  • Transport clients to appointments, as needed.
  • Maintain vehicle records and fuel, as needed.
  • Participate as a member of the Treatment Team and attend staff meetings as requested by supervisor.
  • All other duties assigned by supervisor.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: 

  • Minimum of (1) year of internship and/or work experience in an OASAS certified substance abuse program or comparable setting.
  • Must currently be a CASACT and/or eligible to apply for CASACT.
  • AAS degree in substance abuse and/or human services or related field.
  • Prior experience with treatment centered activities preferred.
  • Intermediate skills with Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
  • Current and valid New York State driver’s license preferred.
  • Ability and commitment to the Ethical Principles of Substance Abuse Counselors.
  • Enthusiastic support of our Mission Statement.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

  • Demonstrates wisdom, good decision making, analytical and problem solving skills.
  • Meets deadlines.
  • Promotes harmonious working relationships.
  • Demonstrates effective verbal, written and listening communication skills and is not easily misunderstood.
  • Maintain confidentiality.
  • Work independently as well as a team player.
  • Ability to remain calm, patient and professional in a fast paced environment.
  • Ability to resolve conflict.
  • Ability to work with little or no supervision.
  • Must be a motivated self-starter.
  • Ability to multi-task, plan & prioritize tasks and respond to situations in a timely manner.
  • Ability to de-escalate crisis situations.
  • Ability to manage client behaviors and contingency management.
  • Will preserve the integrity of the ACC program through enforcing rules, adhering to program scheduling and fostering a motivational environment for clients experiencing withdrawal.

PHYSICAL JOB REQUIREMENTS:

The tasks described signify many of the physical requirements of this position, based on a Time Weighted Average of an 8-hour work day.

  • Ability to reach, sit, use fingers, grasp, talk, hear and perform repetitive motions.
  • Ability to exert up to 10 lbs of force occasionally and negligible amount of force required infrequently to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
  • Ability to operate a facsimile, telephone, photocopier, calculator, printer and computer.
  • Ability to read and interpret documents & write routine reports and correspondence.
Community Services Intern

Job TitleCommunity Services Intern

Department: Community Services

Reports To: Community Services Coordinator

Job Summary: Will serve with the Community Services Coordinator to oversee the community food, clothing and Christmas programs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Accept and track donations from community members.
  • Sort and bag clothing donations.
  • Move food and clothing between and within buildings.
  • Assist families as needed during distribution (Paperwork, finding items…etc.)
  • Organize special events as needed.

SEASONAL FUNCTIONS: (October – December)

  • Call families to arrange interview dates for the Christmas Program.
  • Interview families to determine eligibility and create wish lists.
  • Coordinate the distribution of donated toys and food.

MINIMUN QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Is thoughtful and compassionate as will be working with high-needs individuals and families.
  • Must have an eye for detail and a willingness to ask for help.
  • Self-motivated with the ability to work both independently and within a team environment.
  • Ability to lift or move 25 pounds.

ADDITONAL QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Experience working with high-needs individuals a plus.
  • Language skills (especially Spanish or Arabic) a plus.

Download & Print This Job Posting

Cook Intern

Job TitleCook Intern

Department: Food Service

Reports To: Manager, Food Service

Job Summary: The primary responsibility of this position is to cook for a facility that prepares 150,000 meals annually.  Responsible for preparing and overseeing the service of the daily breakfast, lunch and dinner meals.   May coordinate the responsibilities of the prep cook and steward.  Great care and attention must be given to operating a kitchen that meets the NYS Department of Health regulations.

This position requires the employee to often stand for eight hours at a time and to lift and transport items weighing 50+ pounds from one part of the kitchen to another.

PRIMARY DUTIES:   

  • Collaborate with supervisor on a daily basis to assess quantities of food available, plan meals for the week/month and ensure that the appropriate type and amount of food is ordered and prepared.
  • Report any problems with meal production to supervisor.
  • Coordinate and teach “Food for Life” nutritional and economical cooking classes several times each year (only applies when funding is available).
  • Open kitchen each day.
  • Serve meals in a timely manner.
  • Operate the dishwasher, as needed.
  • Communicate with department representatives for daily meal totals.
  • Ensure that each meal is adequately staffed by supervisors from other departments.
  • Plan ahead each day for the next day’s meals, which includes planning the menu and beginning preparing the meals.
  • Check in regularly with the pre-cook to make sure all preparation is going smoothly.
  • Ensure that all equipment used is clean and sanitized.
  • Label and date all food that is placed in the coolers or freezers.
  • Keep work areas neat and clean at all times.
  • Attend and participate in regular meetings and staff meetings as requested by your supervisor.
  • Maintain a professional and approachable attitude on the Mission campus.
  • All other duties as requested by your supervisor.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent.
  • Associates Degree in Culinary Arts or related field preferred.
  • Certificate in food service sanitation desired.
  • Two years experience in food service environment.
  • Experience preparing sauces, gravies and meat dishes for 100 + people.
  • A degree of creativity is helpful.
  • Ability to organize/prioritize and multi task simultaneously in a fast paced environment.
  • Clean/valid NYS Driver’s License preferred.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule to include days, weekends and holidays.
  • Enthusiastic support of our mission statement.

PHYSICAL JOB REQUIREMENTS:

The tasks described signify many of the physical requirements of this position, based on a Time Weighted Average of an 8-hour work day.

  • Lifting up to 50 lbs.
  • Pushing/pulling up to 100 lbs.
  • Twisting at the torso in stationary position.
  • Use of hand tools, repetitive motion.
  • Use of hazardous chemicals.
  • Use of stationary or portable machinery: Convection oven, steamer, dishwasher, cooking range, floor mixer, chopper, slicer, garbage disposal.
  • Confined space entry with possible atmosphere or hazardous conditions: Detail: Walk-in Cooler and Freezer.
  • Bending at waist using legs to lift heavy objects up to 50 lbs.
  • Bending at the waist to perform work at that leve.l
  • Standing for extended period.
  • Exposure to heat & cold.
Corporate Compliance Intern

Job TitleCorporate Compliance Intern

Department: Administration – Corporate Compliance Department

Reports To: Corporate Compliance Officer

Job Summary:  Will serve with the Corporate Compliance Program supporting a wide range of compliance functions and projects related to policy tracking and revision, audits, investigations, regulatory management, training and development, record keeping, and safety and risk initiatives.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Assist with program compliance audits to ensure the Mission is in compliance.
  • Update and coordinate compliance processes.
  • Conduct research for compliance projects and trainings.
  • Assist with policy development and revision.
  • Assist with maintaining a policy catalog.
  • Monitor regulatory changes from state oversight agencies and assist the Corporate Compliance Officer with implementing changes into Mission policies and procedures.
  • Review and develop Corporate Compliance trainings for Mission employees and individuals served.
  • Participate in investigation interviews and documentation reviews.
  • Learning opportunities as available throughout the internship.

MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Studying Corporate Compliance, Human Services, Human Resources, Business Degree or related field preferred.
  • Relevant experience helpful.
  • Intermediate skills with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
  • Self motivated with the ability to work independently and within a team environment.
  • Will multi-task in a fast paced environment.
  • Confidentiality is of the utmost importance.
  • Enthusiastic support of our Mission Statement.

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Counselor Intern

Job TitleCounselor Intern

Department: Enriched Living Center (ELC)

Reports To: Senior Staff member of the Enriched Living Center

Internship Site: The Enriched Living Center is a 52-bed, long-term residence for people with a diagnosis of mental illness. 

PRIMARY DUTIES:

  • Promote, model and teach acceptable behaviors to the residents.
  • Teach the residents health and life related skills such as personal hygiene, laundering, and social skills and community integration.
  • Assist with electronic documentation, e.g. progress notes, community assessments.
  • Use a computer, e.g. Microsoft Word/Excel, Electronic Medical Record.
  •  Complete data collection of resident/program related information.
  • Communicate effectively with service providers and community resources.
  • Assist with facilitation of resident groups/activities for skill development. 

COMPETENCIES:

  • Demonstrate a compassionate, caring demeanor.
  • Display a professional appearance.
  • Display professional behavior and attitude.
  • Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
  • Demonstrate basic computer competency.
  • Display the ability to set appropriate boundaries with residents.
  • Demonstrate ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Comply with all confidentiality requirements of the internship site.

INTERNSHIP GOALS:

  • Verbalize a working knowledge base of Residential options available both past and present to individuals living with a mental disability.
  • Verbalize an understanding of an interdisciplinary team approach and how each part of this team functions to serve residents.
  • Verbalize and demonstrate a working knowledge base of effective counseling techniques and managing problem behaviors using a psychiatric rehabilitation model.
  • Verbalize and demonstrate a working knowledge base of behavioral writing for goal planning, progress note writing, and monthly summary writing, using a psychiatric rehabilitation model.
  • Identify 2 symptoms of schizophrenia and other mental disorders that affect the daily lives of the residents.
  • Differentiate between a thinking disorder and a mood disorder.
  • Identify warning signs individuals have that signal the need for the attention of the staff or clinic.
  • Identify three coping skills that are generic to the residential population.
  • Identify/teach three elements of symptom management.
Development Intern

Job TitleDevelopment Intern

Department: Development/Communications

Reports To: Director of Development/Communications

PURPOSE STATEMENT: Execute a financial strategy which utilizes diverse funding sources and ensures the financial health of the organization by building relationships and involving God’s people in the work of the ministry through prayer, giving and volunteering.  

JOB SUMMARY: To assist the Development team in administrative and development tasks including: donor thank you calls, data and research, gift processings/mailings, assistance with special events.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Positive and professional attitude.
  • Creative.
  • Dependable.
  • Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Strong communication skills.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality.
  • Knowledge of Excel and Microsoft Word.
  • Team Player.
  • Ability to multi-task in a fast paced environment.
  • Interest in the field of Development and willingness to learn. 

ADDITONAL QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • Have a heart for serving the homeless, addicted and poor.
  • Ability to set appropriate boundaries.
  • Enthusiastic support of our Mission Statement and Core Values.

Download & Print This Job Posting

How to Apply

It is essential we receive all the following documentation to successfully consider you for our Internship Program:

  • Rescue Mission of Utica’s Internship Application.  (required)
  • Resume (desired)
Please submit your information to:

Cheryl Williams

Volunteer & Events Coordinator

Email

cheryl.williams@uticamission.org

Phone

315-735.1645 x 2103

Fax

315-793.8211

Location

293 Genesee St.
Utica, NY 13501

Questions?

Call us at 315.735.1645 or fill out the form below.

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