Do you like babies? Become a Parent and Child Support Volunteer

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Parent and Child Support Volunteers at VHA Home HealthCare support families experiencing multiple stressors and isolation affecting their parenting skills which places them at risk to neglect or abuse their children. Volunteers act as a resource to families providing them the means to discover and connect with social supports in their community and to make positive changes in their lives. Volunteers work with the families in their homes and interact with children (newborn-6years of age) in such a way as to enhance children’s capacity for successful development i.e. stimulating gross/fine motor and enrich language skills.

AREA SERVED:Scarborough

RESPONSIBILTIES

• Visit weekly on the same day for three hours
• Engage in meaningful conversation with parents
• Provide information and referrals to community resources
• Accompany mom and child(ren) to local community resources i.e. Early Learning Years Centre
• Educate and inform parents on upcoming community events and activities
• Teach and mentor mom on infant/child stimulation
• Introduce new learning activities to the children
• Provide information about parenting, child development and safety
• Provide supervision of children in mom’s absence i.e. medical appointment, parenting class
• Complete and submit a monthly progress report

TIME COMMITMENT

Minimum 100 hours commitment required. Volunteers will visit families’ once a week for a three hour visit. Opportunities will be available to help more than one family during this time frame. Days and times are negotiable between volunteer and families.

AGE REQUIREMENT: Must be 18 years-old or older.

WORKING CONDITION

Visits occur in the homes of families with at least one child under the age of 6

SKILL REQUIREMENT

• Friendly and caring attitude
• Related childcare experience an asset
• Experience and sensitive to working with culturally diverse families
• Creativity in planning and implementing activities
• Knowledge of community resources an asset
• Good listening skills
• Previous volunteer experience an asset
• Second Language an asset

BENEFITS

• Volunteers are supported through an extensive orientation, monthly meetings, workshops, seminars, and one-on-one supervision. We provide an environment where volunteers are engaged, challenged, and rewarded
• Opportunities to meet new people
• Learn new skills
• Develop social and professional networks
• Build on your communication, interpersonal and leadership skills
• Gain valuable work experience to build your resume
• Make a difference in a person's life
• Support your community
• Enhance client’s lives and deliver life-changing supports and services
• Reference letter given after fulfillment of commitment
• Discounted rate for TTC Metropasses

ORIENTATION AND TRAINING

• Orientation to the agency and volunteer program
• Training on various aspects of childcare and development
• Monthly Volunteer Support Meetings where we invite speakers from various community agencies to present on topics that are relevant to your role as a Parent Child Support Volunteer
• Ongoing education/development opportunities provide

SCREENING AND SUPERVISION

• Application form
• 2 reference checks
• Interview
• Signed Agreement
• Criminal Reference check including Vulnerable Sector Screening
• Reports to Volunteer Coordinator on a regular basis
• Formal 3 month and annual evaluation will be held
• Volunteer Coordinator will be available for feedback and support

If you are interested in joining our volunteer team please visit our website: www.vha.ca and click on Volunteer to apply online. The Coordinator of Volunteers will be in touch with you to give you information on how to proceed with the screening process. Thank you for your interest and good luck!