Volunteer Job Description

A Crisis Nursery Volunteer works under the direct supervision of Crisis Nursery staff to assist in recreational and house activities to enhance the quality of life and safety of the child while in the nursery.

Responsibilities:

The program's childcare philosophy encourages volunteers to model respectful communication and behavior so that children are comfortable using their imaginations, as well as being cooperative, responsible and confident. Together with other volunteers and the Crisis Nursery staff, volunteers are responsible for providing a nurturing, safe environment for children in crisis. Volunteers and staff must communicate and work together consistently for the best interests of the children.

Volunteers can best help a child by:

Providing emotional support for children: rocking, holding, facilitating play, etc.
Caring for the physical needs of the children: feeding, bathing, toileting, dressing, etc.
Providing developmentally appropriate activities for children: art projects, stories, songs, creative play.
Performing daily activities: serving meals, assisting in the playroom and with general care as directed by staff
Assisting staff with house maintenance such as housekeeping or folding laundry
Being warm and supportive to parents
Arriving on time and focusing on the children throughout your volunteer shift
Learning the normal routine during your usual time with the children
Asking the Child Care Worker how you can best assist each day
Maintaining confidentiality

Ask yourself at the end of each shift:

How well did I enjoy my time with the children?
What aspects of my time are most satisfying?
What could be different to make next time more enjoyable or constructive?

Qualifications:

Must be willing to make a clear commitment to work a scheduled amount of time.
Must be 18 years of age.
Must have proper state forms & fingerprinting completed and on file.
Must participate in an initial orientation meeting and quarterly on going training.
Have a genuine concern and respect for children.
Support the philosophy and goals of the Crisis Nursery.
Have the ability to be non-judgmental towards children and their parents.
A desire to learn about causes, prevention and treatment of child abuse and neglect.
Be dependable; assume responsibility of own behavior.
The ability to be open to suggestions regarding techniques and interaction with children.
Be sensitive to the needs of the children in care; providing guidance and gentle, positive interaction and feedback that will build self-esteem.
Have good mental and physical health.

Lines of Communication

Whenever there are questions or a need for feedback related to volunteers, we ask that communication occur first between a volunteer and the Lead Childcare Worker, who will maintain communication with the Volunteer Coordinator.

Time Commitment:

To maximize your involvement and the benefit to the children, we ask that you make a commitment of your time for at least 2 hours per week, ideally for a period of at least 6 months. Call Meghan Rewers, Volunteer Coordinator, at 337.2731 to sign up.