Volunteer Staff Role: Veteran Outreach Team Member

About Operation Meraki

Transitioning out of the military is not a straight line. It’s messy, personal, and often painful. Many veterans return home to a world that has moved on without them, struggling to find an identity, a sense of community, a purpose, or someone who truly understands what they carry.

Operation Meraki is here for that part of the story — the part after the uniform comes off.

We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit walking with veterans and their families through healing, reconnection, and rediscovery. We uphold a strict 90% Pledge: 90% of all donations go directly to veteran services and programs. We believe donors should see their impact, veterans should receive the resources they deserve, and transparency should be the standard — not the exception.

We don’t just serve veterans — we walk with them until they can walk again on their own.

Role Overview

As a Veteran Outreach Team Member, you will be on the front line of reconnecting veterans to community, resources, and hope. You will show up where veterans live, gather, heal, and struggle — including at partner sites like The Commons at Livingston, in collaboration with National Church Residencies (NCR).

This role isn’t about charity. It’s about showing up, listening without judgment, and reminding people who served that they still matter.

Whether you’re a veteran, military-connected, or simply someone who cares deeply about this community, if you can hold space for others, you can make a life-changing impact here.

Key Responsibilities

Engage with veterans in person at partner locations, events, and outreach activities

Build trust, rapport, and a genuine human connection with veterans and their families

Offer peer–style emotional support (non-clinical) with empathy and respect

Help veterans navigate available programs, resources, and supportive services

Conduct follow-up communication via phone, text, or email to maintain a connection

Represent Operation Meraki at outreach events, resource fairs, and community spaces

Support the development of a safe, trauma-informed, welcoming environment for all veterans

Maintain confidentiality and uphold Meraki’s values, agreements, and safety standards

Ideal Candidate

You do not need to be a veteran to serve here — but you do need heart, humility, and the ability to sit with someone’s truth without flinching.

A good listener who approaches others with empathy, respect, and patience

Able to hold space for others without trying to “fix” or force solutions

Comfortable meeting people where they are — emotionally and physically

Reliable, accountable, and committed to relationship-based service

Calm under pressure, grounded, and able to handle sensitive topics with care

Trauma-informed mindset or willingness to learn

Lived experience (military, mental health, homelessness, recovery, etc.) is valued but not required

Bilingual or culturally competent individuals are strongly encouraged to apply

Training & Support Provided

Mandatory Trauma-Informed Service Training within the first 30 days

Onboarding and orientation to Operation Meraki’s outreach culture and approach

Ongoing support, coaching, and debriefing with the Executive Director

Access to mental health first aid training (if interested)

Peer support and team connection — you will not carry this work alone

What You Gain

Real-world experience in outreach, peer support, and community engagement

Deep, meaningful impact — you will change lives simply by showing up

Leadership development and future opportunities within the organization

A community of purpose-driven teammates who understand service and heart-work

Personal growth — this work shapes you in the best ways

Commitment & Reporting Structure

Reports directly to the Executive Director

5–7 hours/week; includes some evenings or weekend outreach events

Attend monthly outreach team meetings

12-month minimum commitment to build trust and consistency with the veterans we serve

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Operation Meraki values the diversity of backgrounds, identities, stories, and lived experiences. We welcome applicants of all races, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and belief systems. Veterans, military spouses, military-connected individuals, and those with lived experience in adversity are strongly encouraged to apply.