Program Volunteer

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ABOUT SUMMERHOUSE

Summerhouse offers community-based day services and supported employment services to adults with IDD. Members of our day services spend time in the community volunteering and participating in social activities, classes, exercise, and more in a low member-to-staff ratio.

Working together to make a significant and purposeful difference in the lives of all our young adults is at the core of everything we do at Summerhouse. Volunteers make up significant part of our mission. Your contributions of time, talent and treasure make a life transforming difference in the lives of our young adults at Summerhouse Houston. In the process, our Volunteers also experience love and fulfillment as they serve side-by-side with our young adults and all who engage with our mission.

DESCRIPTION OF ROLE

The program volunteer’s primary role is to support program design and implementation for Summerhouse Houston (SHH) members. The volunteer works closely with program staff to oversee creative, customized programming daily to provide high quality and impactful program services. If you or your team would like to work directly with our young adults, this is for you! Participate in our social and vocational activities and support members in achieving their goals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Support members in developing social, emotional, daily living and professional skills through modeling, encouragement, and positive behavior supports.
2. Supervise and support SHH members in carrying out and engaging in activities.
3. Foster a professional and respectful environment, honoring our members as capable adults with the capacity to engage, to grow, and to develop new skills.
4. Comply with all SHH policies and procedures.

SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:

1. 18+
2. Pass a background check
3. Reliable transportation preferred, volunteers need to be able to get to Summerhouse Houston or the location of the activity independently. If the volunteer does not have own transportation and meets at Summerhouse Houston, then he/she would need to participate in activities in which there is available space in Summerhouse Houston vans/cars
4. Maintain regular communication via text or email with Summerhouse Houston staff
5. Highly flexible and demonstrate patience as plans and ideas evolve to meet the needs of members
6. Outgoing, a creative thinker, and willing to actively engage with young adults of varying abilities

DESIRED EXPERIENCE:

1. Previous experience and/or passion for working with person with IDD/autism
2. Able to pass background check
3. Able to lift up to 50lbs

TRAINING:

Initial training and orientation will be provided, as well as additional support and training to be developed as the program grows.

TIME COMMITMENT:

A commitment to at least 1 daytime/weekday activity per semester (fall, spring, or summer); 2-3 hours/week is preferred.

VOLUNTEER APPLICATION:

To become a volunteer, please fill out the application here: https://form.jotform.com/212556416797163

Please note that this opportunity is for the Summerhouse Houston day program and the available hours to volunteer are between 8 am - 5 pm. If you would like to volunteer at our upcoming events, please contact kimberly@summerhousehouston.org.