Early Childhood Resource & Support Volunteer - Connected Families, Parenting Support Program

Role Description: The Connected Families, Parenting Support Program provides temporary relief and support services to at risk families caring for children from birth to four years of age. This program is committed to ensuring the health and wellness of mothers/families experiencing stress, isolation, and mental health concerns, such as post-partum depression. The relief service will enable moms to take a break from the demands of parenting and attend to their own needs. Volunteers interact and provide care and support to children in such a way as to enhance children’s capacity for successful development i.e. stimulating gross/fine motor and enriching language skills.

AREA SERVED Toronto: Downtown, Scarborough, North York, East York, York, Etobicoke

RESPONSIBILTIES

• Visit weekly on the same day / same time for three hours per week
• Engage in meaningful conversation with mom
• Engage, supervise infants and toddlers (age 0-4 years)
• Introduce new learning activities to children
• Partner with parent to plan and prepare healthy and nutritious meals for children
• Provide information about community resources
• Accompany parent and child(ren) to local community resources i.e. Early ON Center, Library
• Inform parents about upcoming community events and activities
• Complete and submit weekly log for feedback
• Attend meetings and training sessions

COMMITTMENT

• 3 hours plus travel time, and logs, Mondays-Fridays between 9am-4pm.-- No evenings/weekends
• 1 visit per week
• Each assignment is 12 weeks in duration
• Commitment – 3-6 months.

• Opportunities may be available to help more than one family during this timeframe, or beyond

WORKING CONDITIONS
Conduct in-home family visits across the city of Toronto in priority neighbourhoods. Volunteers are matched with clients as close to their own neighbourhoods as possible with some flexibility required. Visits take place is small spaces. Must be comfortable moving around in small spaces, on the floor with children, holding babies.

REQUIREMENTS

• Person- centered and caring attitude
• Must have related child development experience
• Must have experience caring for both newborns and toddlers
• Experience and sensitive to working with culturally diverse families
• Creativity in planning and implementing activities
• Strong active listening skills and strong oral communication skills to support client in home and in community along with children
• Knowledge of and experience working with the mental health of individuals and families
• Knowledge of community resources an asset
• Previous volunteer experience an asset
• Second Language an asset

BENEFITS

• Volunteers are supported through orientation, training, workshops, and one-to-one support
• Gain career-related experience
• We provide an environment where volunteers are engaged, challenged, and rewarded.
• Opportunities to meet new people
• Develop social and professional networks
• Build on your communication, interpersonal and leadership skills
• Gain valuable experience to build your resume
• Support your community.
• Enhance client’s lives and deliver life-changing supports and services.
• Reference letter upon request, following 100 hours of volunteer service
• Volunteer Services staff will be available for feedback and support

ORIENTATION AND TRAINING

• Orientation to the agency and volunteer program
• Training: Role and other, In Person and online
• Ongoing training/development opportunities

SCREENING AND SUPERVISION

• Resume
• Prescreening
• Interview
• 2 References
• Criminal Record check including Vulnerable Sector Check
• Signed Release, Agreement & Waiver
• Reports to program staff on a regular basis with weekly log and as needed

If you require accommodation to participate in the application and screening process, please let us know.