2026-2027 School Volunteer

Omaha Public Schools•Omaha, NE

20h•Onsite

About The Position

The purpose of this volunteer position is to provide meaningful support to the educational and extracurricular programs of schools. Volunteers will assist staff in delivering high-quality learning experiences, contribute to the smooth operation of school activities, and help foster a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment for all students. Omaha Public Schools defines a volunteer position as an unpaid role with no salary, benefits, or mileage. This job description outlines volunteer support for the following areas: Classroom Support: Classroom volunteers work under the supervision and guidance of classroom teachers to assist with instruction, work with students individually or in small groups, assist students in the library, work on special projects, and prepare lesson materials. Classroom volunteers help build student confidence through encouragement, support, and celebration of progress. Library Assistant: Library volunteers support staff by shelving books, cleaning materials, assisting with programs, and helping staff and students locate books. Key duties include organizing library materials, checking items in and out, creating book displays, and assisting with special events or children’s activities. These roles also support literacy in our schools. Lunchroom/Recess: Lunchroom and recess volunteers ensure student safety, facilitate orderly mealtime, assist students with food packaging, mediate playground activities, enforce safety rules, and help with cleanup. Field Trips: Field trip volunteers ensure student safety, supervise small groups, foster engagement, and assist teachers with logistics. Coaching: A volunteer coach assists school coaching staff in planning and supervising safe, age-appropriate practices and games, teaches sport fundamentals, and promotes good sportsmanship, teamwork, and fun. They must serve as positive role models, ensure player safety by supervising the use of equipment and facilities, and adhere to league rules. Office/Clerical: Office volunteers provide essential administrative support, including filing, scanning, photocopying, and organizing documents. They often handle front-desk duties, such as answering phones, greeting visitors, and sorting mail. Additional responsibilities include preparing mailers, tidying common areas, and assisting with special projects or events.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years old.
Ability to read text and have a proficient command of written language.
Ability to pass a background check if working with students outside the presence of a certified staff member.
Ability to communicate politely and effectively.
Ability to maintain a calm and steady disposition throughout the learning process.
Must maintain a high level of confidentiality.
Must maintain a patient and encouraging demeanor when working with diverse student groups.
Must understand and respond appropriately to student needs and maintain a positive attitude toward all staff and students.
Must adhere to district policies, child protection policies, and safety protocols.
Volunteers are expected to be available for all scheduled hours unless they have notified the school about any changes.
Consistent attendance is essential.
Changes to scheduled hours must be approved in advance by the volunteers’ supervisor or building administrator.
Volunteers should arrive dressed in a way that presents a positive image of Omaha Public Schools and is suitable for the activity.
Complete the volunteer application online.
A new volunteer application is required each school year.
All volunteers must follow Omaha Public Schools Board Policies.

Responsibilities

Assist with instruction, work with students individually or in small groups, assist students in the library, work on special projects, and prepare lesson materials.
Shelve books, clean materials, assist with programs, and help staff and students locate books.
Organize library materials, check items in and out, create book displays, and assist with special events or children’s activities.
Ensure student safety, facilitate orderly mealtime, assist students with food packaging, mediate playground activities, enforce safety rules, and help with cleanup.
Ensure student safety, supervise small groups, foster engagement, and assist teachers with logistics.
Assist school coaching staff in planning and supervising safe, age-appropriate practices and games, teach sport fundamentals, and promote good sportsmanship, teamwork, and fun.
Serve as positive role models, ensure player safety by supervising the use of equipment and facilities, and adhere to league rules.
Provide essential administrative support, including filing, scanning, photocopying, and organizing documents.
Handle front-desk duties, such as answering phones, greeting visitors, and sorting mail.
Prepare mailers, tidy common areas, and assist with special projects or events.