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 spend time with children during their short stay at the shelter providing a positive presence and assisting them in using the play areas and children’s activities available.
Due to the dynamic nature of the shelter environment, we cannot predict how many children will be on-site at any given time. Therefore there may be days where there are very few or no children on-site. Additionally, there may be times when other urgent needs arise on-site. If you might be willing to assist in other matters if/when needed and as asked by staff, please let the Volunteer Coordinators know ahead of time.
Responsibilities:
- Foster positive experiences for the 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.
- Help children access toys and children's activities and provide support in using the items as needed.
Qualifications:
- Must be at least 18 years old or 13 accompanied by an adult.
- 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 2 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, as well as vaccinated against COVID-19.
Time Commitment:
- Volunteer shifts will be 2 hours long.
- Volunteers will need to give 24 hours’ notice if they will not be able to fulfill a commitment to their shift.
