Sit-N-Stay: Support Homeless Youth with Employment Training in Dog Sitting

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Youth experiencing homelessness and housing instability can gain employment experience and skills at HomePlate Youth Services in our Sit-N-Stay program.

Sit n Stay is a dog-sitting service offered at the Beaverton Summer Farmer’s Market. HomePlate runs the service with a mix of staff, volunteer, and youth participation. Youth receive work experience and on-the-job training with the help of Sit n Stay Volunteers. In this position, volunteers will model professional behavior, train youth in customer service and other skills, and interact with dogs. During down time, volunteers will build relationships with the youth and enjoy the Farmer’s Market.

HomePlate is seeking volunteers for our Sit n Stay program to come every other Saturday from 7am-2pm (part or full shifts available) over the summer months, beginning in May 2018 and lasting until October, 2018.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Work with the youth to offer an excellent customer experience. Provide regular feedback to the Employment Coordinator.
• Assist in setting up and breaking down at the beginning and end of the day.
• Interact positively with the public, youth, and other volunteers, acting as a liaison for HomePlate Youth Services.
• Provide employment support and assistance based on the hopes and expectations of the youth. Meet the youth "where they are at" and help them to reach their goals.
• Dress appropriately for working with youth, even on hot summer days.

Skills & Experience Required

• Experience working with at-risk youth.
• Experience in career-coaching or job seeking assistance a plus.
• Abide by the values of HomePlate Youth Services: HomePlate honors each youth that comes into our awareness by offering servant hospitality, open and honest communication, respect for the place they are on life's journey, and compassion for the burdens they carry. We will treat each youth and each other with respect, caring, and honesty.
• Experience working with animals a plus.

Minimum Age : 18

Schedule and Commitment Length

7:00am-2:00pm every other Saturday between May 5 and October 27. Shifts and schedules can be flexible with appropriate communication.

Benefits

• Gain experience working with diverse youth
• Meet new people
• Gain experience in training and supervision
• Play with dogs!

On-Boarding Process

• Complete application process (see below)
• Interview
• Background check
• Reference check
• General volunteer orientation and training
• Sit n Stay Specific orientation and training