Employment & Service
opportunities
Community Outreach Ministries is a faith-based non-profit organization focused on alleviating poverty in Polk County, Missouri. We have a friendly, encouraging atmosphere and work together to accomplish our mission. Whether it's work in the food pantry, admin offices, or thrift store and warehouse, every employee and volunteer is an important member of the COM family and has a role to play in bringing hope to our community.
If you are interested in one of our open positions, download the COM employment application and submit the application and a copy of your resume to the supervisor listed on the position. Check out our available employment & service opportunities here:
Director of Neighbor Engagement (posted 5-23-23)
Position Overview:
The Director of Neighbor Engagement will help COM achieve our mission of “eliminating food insecurity in Polk County by empowering our neighbors” through overseeing the development and engagement strategies with individuals using COM’s food pantry and through leading community development efforts around food security in high-needs geographic areas. The Director will oversee asset-based mentoring programs, life skills education programs, and other initiatives focused on working alongside neighbors to address the underlying causes of material, relational, and spiritual poverty in their lives. A key focus will be on establishing relationships with local residents to determine their needs and gifts and empower them to lead solutions in their own communities. This job will require an outgoing individual with the skills to spend time in neighborhoods and communities conducting outreach and engagement.
Wage: Dependent on experience
Hours: Full-time (35-40 hours per week)
Reports to: Executive Director
General Duties:
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Identify and track key outcomes related to food security and neighbor relational development to determine COM’s measures of success in accomplishing its mission; Review and assess for modifications regularly.
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Work with staff and volunteers to communicate with and build relationships with food pantry shoppers and supervise efforts to educate shoppers on opportunities to engage with COM in ways that foster individual and community development;
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Supervise Class Coordinator and life skills classes to ensure education efforts address needs and result in verifiable outcomes and positive improvements in neighbors’ lives;
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Coordinate with Class Coordinator and Volunteer Coordinator to identify Neighbors with potential, stability, and desire for additional engagement with COM and develop processes for working with these neighbors on individual gift/talent/interest identification and skill development focused on community engagement and growth.
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Work with Executive Director on a community outreach plan to local apartment complexes or specific neighborhoods with high food insecurity with a focus on strengthening relationships with residents and engaging them in creating food security solutions using the principles of equal exchange and asset-based community development;
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Work with existing churches and neighborhood leaders to create partnerships with adopted geographic areas and apartment complexes that lead to Christian discipleship and relational healing;
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Coordinate for and accurately track the disbursement of applicable grant funds and supplies for received grant programs executed through the Pathways office;
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Coordinate with The Salvation Army to respond to and assist with requests for financial assistance in the areas of utilities, rent, fuel, laundry, and hotels in accordance with COM benevolence policies and while emphasizing long-term stability, resilience, and personal responsibility in the individual’s life;
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Provide as needed and accurately track the COM Laundry, Fuel, Propane, and Haircut voucher programs; Reconcile accounts monthly;
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Ensure Christian discipleship is woven into all programs supervised;
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Work with Assistant Executive Director to identify and engage volunteers as needed to accomplish Pathways program goals;
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Communicate potential community needs or gaps in services to COM Executive Director;
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Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications:
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High moral character, strong Christian faith, and able to promote the values of Community Outreach Ministries with Christ-like attitude and actions;
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Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Community Development, or related field required;
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Minimum of two years of social work, community outreach, or related experience required;
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Missouri driver's license and reliable transportation required;
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Self-motivated, able to work independently, and entrepreneurial attitude;
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Excellent interpersonal skills, including ability to be genuine and empathetic. Willing to be a team player;
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Excellent communication (verbal and written) skills with attention to detail;
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Exceptional organizational skills to execute the vision of the organization;
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Familiarity with Microsoft Office and computer databases
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Able to prioritize self-care with job responsibilities
Preferred Qualifications:
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Master’s degree in Social Work, Social Services, or related field;
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Three or more years of social work or community development experience;
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Prior experience or knowledge using the principles of Asset-Based Community Development or Christian Community Development;
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Bilingual in English and Spanish.
Application Requirements:
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Professional resume, including at least 3 references
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Cover letter that addresses the following questions:
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Why are you interested in the position?
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What is your approach and experience in working with high-needs or marginalized communities?
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What aspects of your career do you believe make you a good candidate for this position?
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Email a resume and application to Micah Titterington, Executive Director at MicahT@bolivarcom.org or drop off at 320 S Market Ave, Bolivar, MO 65613.
Class Coordinator, part-time (posted 5-9-23)
Position Overview:
The Class Coordinator will oversee the implementation of Project Thrive, COM’s life skills education program for Polk County residents. The Coordinator will train and supervise volunteers, including neighbors, to lead classes, and instruct Project Thrive classes when necessary. This position will also be responsible for measuring and tracking outcomes to demonstrate the effectiveness of classes to build stability in individual’s lives. Finally, the Coordinator will report to and work with the Pathways Coordinator to ensure that students in Project Thrive receive full wrap-around support services from COM and are connected to opportunities to use their gifts within the community.
Wage: $14.00-$15.00/hr depending on experience
Hours: 20 hours per week
Reports to: Pathways Director
General Duties:
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Plan and schedule weekly life skills classes that foster greater stability in neighbor’s lives in the areas of financial literacy, physical and nutritional health, and social & spiritual maturity in support of COM’s Mission and Strategic Plan;
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Train and supervise volunteer instructors for Project Thrive classes and instruct classes personally when needed;
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Manage class sign-ups and ensure class schedules and sign-ups are posted on COM’s website and communicated to COM’s neighbors;
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Foster relationships with food pantry shoppers and other neighbors that lead to involvement in long-term educational courses that go deeper into areas of personal stability and spiritual growth;
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Communicate funding and capacity needs to the Development Coordinator and volunteer needs to Volunteer Coordinator;
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Conduct registration and Charity Tracker entries for neighbors attending classes;
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Conduct outreach in the community to raise awareness of Project Thrive and to recruit students and volunteers;
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Identify gifts, experience, and knowledge of participants and work with Pathways Director on how to use those strengths to involve students in COM’s ministries;
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Develop, measure, and track outcomes and improvements in participants’ lives as a result of classes. Report outcomes to Pathways Director;
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Work with Pathways Director and Executive Director to explore social enterprise opportunities that could be connected to COM's education & discipleship programs;
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Review and revise curriculum based on participant feedback and outcomes indicators to ensure effective classes;
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Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications:
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High School diploma/GED required;
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Minimum of two years of community development or educational experience required;
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Ability to disciple others in Christian faith;
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Strong history of teaching or training others with experience tracking outcomes;
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Excellent interpersonal skills, including ability to be genuine and empathetic. Able to work independently, yet be willing to be a team player;
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Excellent communication (verbal and written) skills with attention to detail;
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Be punctual and reliable, pay attention to detail, enjoy a fast-paced work environment, dependable, and organized. A creative problem-solver and be able to meet deadlines;
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Familiarity with Microsoft Office and computer databases;
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Able to promote the values of Community Outreach Ministries with Christ-like attitude and actions;
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Active in a local church and possesses good spiritual and emotional health.
Preferred Qualifications:
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Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Education, or related field;
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Missouri driver's license;
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Five or more years of community development or education experience;
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Bilingual in English and Spanish.
Email a resume and application to Micah Titterington, Executive Director at MicahT@bolivarcom.org or drop off at 320 S Market Ave, Bolivar, MO 65613.
Recycling Temp Worker (ongoing)
Position Overview:
This is a temporary, contract position. Individuals needing short-term financial assistance can work with COM to load and run our vertical baler for recycling cardboard and textiles. Tasks include emptying bins, totes, and trailers of recyclable materials and operating a vertical baler to compact materials. Contract workers can bale up to a maximum of 10 bales per year.
Wage: $60/completed bale (commission)
Hours: As needed
Reports to: Warehouse Coordinator
Required Qualifications:
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Be in good physical condition and be able to lift and carry a minimum of 30 pounds
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Able to perform repeated physical motions, including bending, twisting, and lifting
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Be reliable, pay attention to detail, enjoy a fast-paced work environment, dependable.
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Genuine enthusiasm for the success of Community Outreach Ministries and an ability to communicate that enthusiasm to the community.
Contact COM at 417-326-2769 or at info@bolivarcom.org if interested.
Feel free to also check out volunteer opportunities HERE. We are always looking for volunteers in the following areas:
Thrift Store
Food Pantry
Recycling
Those interested in volunteering may apply online.