Best Buddy - Unsupervised on Ryther Campus

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Summary: If you are interested in establishing a healthy and positive relationship with a child learning to cope with a history of trauma, consider becoming a Best Buddy. You will have the fun and rewarding task of acting as a role model, teacher, and, most importantly, friend to a child. This opportunity is available in Ryther’s residential Cottage Program.

Best Buddies must commit to one-hour weekly or biweekly scheduled visits with their buddy for a minimum of six months, and complete 16 hours of preservice training before unsupervised visits with a child take place, plus six hours of health related training: CPR, first aid, HIV/AIDS training. The training materials will be provided by the Volunteer Manager. Ryther provides monthly in-person training on blood borne pathogens, CPR, first aid, HIV, and AIDS. In addition to the 16 hours of preservice training, the volunteer will need to complete an additional 24 hours of training within one calendar year, and 24 hours of training each subsequent year.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Forming a positive relationship with assigned Best Buddy by actively listening and engaging with child
• Leading an activity during visit with Best Buddy. Activities can include: board games, outdoor sports, reading, baking, etc.

Requirements

• Patience, flexibility, and understanding that circumstances within cottage or with Best Buddy may change unexpectedly
• Comfortable interacting with children
• Must be 21 years of age or older and pass criminal history background check
• 1 hour CPS Mandatory Reporter training
• TB test
• Fingerprinting if WA State resident for less than 3 years
• Training requirements outlined in position summary

Time Commitment

• One-hour weekly or biweekly visits with Best Buddy for a minimum of six months