Program:
As part of the San Diego Rapid Response Network (SDRRN), Jewish Family Service (JFS) provides on-going services to help welcome individuals and families who are seeking Asylum in the United States. These services are in response to the immediate needs of newly arrived migrants and aim to provide emergency respite and help them reach their sponsors in other parts of the country. As many as 250 asylum seekers a day are arriving in need. With our partners in SDRRN, JFS is able to meet the needs of these individuals and families by providing them multiple services to assist in their journey ahead. Asylum seekers released by the government will arrive to a hotel, then transfer to the Travel Center for a day stay or overnight congregate shelter. In partnership with SDRRN, JFS continues to provide case management, travel assistance, nutrition services, medical screenings, and financial support for migrant families.
Goal of Position:
Volunteers work to enhance the experiences of families receiving JFS services by providing a fun and engaging environment for their children. Through providing a safe and warm environment, volunteers build relationships with these children and families and are a positive presence during their stay at the shelter. Volunteers are also able to provide a safe haven for these children while they navigate life in a new country.
Responsibilities:
- Foster positive relationships with children.
- Prepare and lead age-appropriate and trauma-informed activities, games, and/or projects.
- Foster healthy interactions and play with children.
- Make sure play space is ready when shift begins and restored at the end of each shift, including sanitizing the space with provided materials.
- Maintain appropriate boundaries with children and families.
Qualifications:
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Must attend a Children's Hub training.
- Must be able to pass a background check.
- Must be able to commit to a volunteer term of 3 hours a week for 3 months.
- Must be able to transport self to shelter location.
- Must attend a general volunteer orientation and a program interview.
- Interest/experience working with children.
- Responsible & reliable.
- Able to work independently within guidelines.
- Able to collaborate with others and share responsibilities.
- For your benefit and the well-being of our clients, we require being up to date on your flu shot, TB test, TDAP/tetanus, and Hepatitis A and B.
Time Commitment:
- Volunteer shifts will be three hours long.
- Volunteers must provide 24 hours’ notice of cancellation if they are unable to make a scheduled shift. Missing three shifts without appropriate notice could result in an indefinite hold on your volunteer service with the JFS Migrant Shelter. This is because we rely on volunteers to welcome guests and provide quality services to guests while in our care.
