Help Women Achieve Economic Security -- Be a Childcare Volunteer

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Found in Translation was founded in 2011 and has gained recognition as one of the most innovative and effective emerging social enterprises in the world. Our Medical Interpreter Certificate job training program generates opportunity at the intersection of some of the nation's biggest challenges: jobs, economic mobility, institutional racism, and health care costs, access, and disparities. Our mission is twofold:

• To give low-income bilingual women an opportunity to achieve economic security through the use of their language skills
• To unleash bilingual talent into the workforce to fight racial, ethnic, and linguistic disparities in health care

Position Overview:

We are seeking energetic and enthusiastic childcare volunteers to supervise young children for our evening educational programming. This role is an essential component of the Found in Translation supportive services for our program participants, since the costs of childcare are often a prohibitive or insurmountable financial barrier for parents seeking professional enrichment opportunities. Without childcare, many of the mothers in our program would not be able to attend classes and events.Childcare volunteers ensure a fun, safe environment while their mothers are in training.

This is a volunteer position that would require 3 hours per week of in-person supervision. The children range in age from 9 months old-12 years old, so volunteers must be adaptable, creative, and comfortable with a wide range of the children’s needs and personalities. In 2020, our class is running from early September through mid-December and will meet from 5:30pm-9 pm on Tuesdays, Wednesday, and Thursdays in the metro Boston area (location to be determined). In addition, starting in September 2020, we will have scheduled alumnae meeting events on Thursdays from 6-8 pm once per month in Dorchester; this opportunity is independent of where classes take place in metro Boston. It is possible that with COVID-19 still underway, a need for in-person support may change. As of now, we expect to need childcare volunteers' for in-person support.

The ideal candidate will be extremely responsible, independent, warm, friendly, culturally sensitive, and have experience working with children. S/he will work in pairs with at least one other volunteer for a group of 4-6 children per shift, playing games, helping with homework assignments, and enforcing all safety rules. S/he should relish the unique opportunity to play a crucial role in the success of each Found in Translation student as they work toward continuing their interpreting education.

Key responsibilities:

• Together with other childcare volunteers (in pairs or groups of three), foster a nurturing, safe, fun environment in the play room for a minimum of one shift (2 hours) per week
• Be conscientious of any safety concerns that arise over the course of the training.
• In case children are bored or a pre-assigned plan is not available, be prepared
• Build trust with children by having an open, welcoming demeanor; having good judgment when addressing delicate topics; being generous with undivided attention, stories, and activities; being willing to give constructive positive or negative feedback; and maintaining strict confidentiality of any personal information disclosed by the children.
• Report to the Supportive Services Coordinator any serious concerns about the children (behavioral, emotional, health-related, etc.)
• Be responsive and available by phone or email during the week in case of emergency cancellations or schedule changes or cover for other volunteers.
• Build community presence and visibility by serving as an enthusiastic ambassador and spokesperson for the organization

Qualifications and Attributes:

• A genuine resonance with and commitment to our mission, and a good fit with our organizational culture
• Willingness to submit a CORI report (Criminal Offender Record Information.)
• Capacity for the patience, sensitivity, and creativity necessary to maintain a safe and fun childcare environment.
• Reliability and punctuality for all assigned shifts. Volunteers must give at least 48 hours advance notice for anticipated absences. Volunteers must work with the Career Advancement Coordinator and other team volunteers to find their own substitute in case of any anticipated absences.
• Prior experience working with children
• Preferred but not required: prior experience working with diverse, multicultural, or low-income youth; formal early childcare education or professional childcare experience; emergency or first-aid training (Found in Translation accepts no liability for accidents that occur on-site)

Not Necessary:

• Equipment, toys, or games (these will be provided)
• Bilingual fluency or familiarity with interpreting