Support Us: Volunteer Position

Child and Family Volunteer Assistant I

Position Summary:

Volunteers serve Child and Family Programs by providing a variety of services. Since the staff of most Child and Family Programs includes one social worker or professional licensed counselor with no administrative help, volunteers can perform valuable services to support the service to children and families provided by the Child and Family Specialist. Some of the services the C&F Volunteer Assistant I can provide are:

Staffing the Office when the C&F Specialist is in the field;
Providing meals for families;
Coordinating celebrations;
Assisting with parenting classes;
Traveling with the C&F Specialist on home visits;
Doing research for families in need of social services

Because these volunteers may provide services in unsupervised settings, specialized volunteer training is offered. In addition to the general orientation, volunteers are asked to participate in training opportunities in which volunteers are provided with instruction in how to be in relationship with the children and families served by Child and Family Programs.

Specific Responsibilities:

1. The Volunteer will communicate regularly with his or her supervisor to determine commitment times, plan of activities and other responsibilities for the program.
2. The Volunteer will follow through on all commitments, contacting his or her supervisor any time he or she cannot do so.
3. The Volunteer will keep a log of activities performed on behalf of PCHAS, with time, date and description. Copies of the log will be provided to the volunteer’s supervisor, to the program director and to the Volunteer Ministries Coordinator. PCHAS will provide the volunteer with log sheets for his/her use.
4. The volunteer will meet with the program supervisor regularly to review responsibilities and activities.
5. May be authorized to drive on behalf of the agency and are therefore subject to all provisions of the PCHAS Driving Policy.
6. Know and abide by the PCHAS Volunteer Policies outlined during Volunteer Orientation.
7. Be a good role model, using discretion in behavior and conversation.
8. Be a good listener.
9. Perform duties as requested by the supervisor.
10. Participate in an evaluation of his/her relationship with PCHAS in conversations with his/her supervisor after the first three months; and then each year afterwards.
11. PCHAS may change this job description at any time.

Working Conditions:

As directed by the supervisor and/or program director, volunteers may perform their responsibilities at the various PCHAS locations and homes throughout the agency at varying times including days, evenings and weekends. Some activities will occur outside as well as inside the homes or offices. Use of equipment will vary depending on the activity. Volunteers may be asked to drive on behalf of the agency.

At all times, the safety and well-being of the children in care at PCHAS will be paramount, in addition to the safety and well-being of agency volunteers and staff.

Job Requirements:

A desire to help PCHAS fulfill its mission of providing Christ-centered services to children in need and their families.
PCHAS is a religious organization affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and expects its volunteers to respect the Christian faith, preferring its volunteers to possess their own personal Christian commitment.

Terms of Service:

I acknowledge that I will be a PCHAS volunteer, not an employee. I acknowledge that I am not entitled to any compensation or benefits normally available to PCHAS staff. I agree to keep my volunteer scheduled commitments. If I am unable to keep a scheduled commitment I will communicate with the designated PCHAS staff immediately.

I understand that through my involvement with PCHAS, children of the agency will tell me about their lives, and I will learn very private information about them and their families. I acknowledge that the information I learn during my work with PCHAS concerning residents, children, their families, and their lives is private and confidential. I will respect the rights of the children and will not discuss this information except in the performance of my duties with PCHAS. Further, I will not use any of the material, filmed or otherwise, form this work, for any other purpose unless specifically directed to do so by authorized PCHAS staff.

I understand, acknowledge, and agree to the following:

* PCHAS is not obligated to call upon me for volunteer services.
* I have received, read, and understand PCHAS’ volunteer policies and procedures.
* I have received, read, and agree to perform only the duties detailed in the volunteer job description provided to be by PCHAS.
* I understand that PCHAS will report any illegally behavior to appropriate authorities.
* I acknowledge that failure to comply with PCHAS volunteer policies and procedures will result in immediate dismissal from a volunteer assignment and that I will not be eligible to serve as a PCHAS volunteer at any time in the future.
* By accepting a volunteer assignment with PCHAS, I acknowledge that I understand the requirements, skills and risks associated with performing the assigned task.
* I understand that I am legally obligated to report any suspected child abuse. I have read the following statement and understand it:

Child abuse, neglect, and exploitation are against the law, and so is failure to report it. You must immediately report any suspected incident of abuse, neglect, or exploitation to the Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-252-5400 and to the Agency’s President at 1-800-888-1904. PCHAS takes all allegations of abuse, neglect, or exploitation seriously and cooperates with licensing and law enforcement authorities in these matters. PCHAS is prohibited from retaliating against employees or volunteers who make reports in good faith.
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* I will hold in confidence any information pertaining to the children I work with and I will not share confidential information with anyone not authorized by the agency to receive the information.

Signature:____________________________________________

Printed Name:_______________________________________________

Date:________________________________________________

Location:_____________________________________________

Assigned Supervisor:___________________________________________