Volunteering
Volunteering at The Brewster Center
If
you are the type of person who:
Likes to have
fun, play games, and read to children
Understands children's
need for structure and consistency
Enjoys working
with children of diverse backgrounds, ages, and developmental levels
Feels satisfaction
in participating in a movement of social change…
…then take a closer look at the Child Advocate Volunteer position!
Working with children requires patience and a lot of energy. The satisfaction and joy that children provide is without measure. Because children need and deserve consistency, we ask that those who consider this position do so with a long-term commitment in mind.
POSITION: Child Advocate Volunteer
FUNCTION: Under the supervision of the Volunteer Coordinator and the Site Coordinator. The Child Advocate Volunteer is responsible for assisting the child advocacy staff in facilitating child advocacy groups that runs simultaneously with the adult support groups.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Establish rapport and create comfort level with child
2. Interact with children in group setting for up to 2 hours, including playing, reading, arts and crafts
3. Assist child advocacy staff in facilitating group activities
REQUIREMENTS OF POSITION:
- Must be 18 years of age – minimum
- Must sign a confidentiality statement; must understand confidentiality and the personal commitment to maintain confidentiality at all times
- Must work within guideline, policies, standards, mission statement of Brewster
- Must attend and complete CPR and First Aid
- Must have TB test
- Attend and complete the Brewster 8 hour Domestic Violence 101
- Attend and complete the Brewster 8 hour Crisis Intervention & Safety Planning
- Attend and complete the Brewster 16 hour DV102: Speakers Series
- Compete an interview with the Community Education & Volunteer Coordinator
- Complete and obtain a fingerprint clearance
- Complete 8 hour on-the-job training
- Attend at least one monthly volunteer meeting per quarter during placement.
- Must have application form completed, including references
QUALIFICATIONS OF POSITION:
1. Willingness to work within guidelines, policies, standards, mission statement of Brewster Center.
2. Good human relation skills and the willingness to be non-judgmental
3. Willingness to receive guidance and direction as well as ability to work as part of a team
4. Awareness of and sensitivity to cultural/ethnic differences
5. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
6. Experience with diverse cultures, languages, and situations
7. Ability to organize a variety of activities and deal with a variety of people
8. Bilingual (Spanish/English) abilities highly desirable
9. Experience working with children desired
TIME COMMITMENT:
The Brewster Center requests that volunteers interested in this position commit to two 3 hour shifts per month for a one year period.
Community Trainings and Volunteer Orientations at the Brewster Center
For more information about Volunteer Opportunities, please attend a Volunteer Orientation.