Volunteers provide support, friendship, emotional, support and encouragement to an isolated parent or caregiver. They role model to enhance parenting and coping skills, assist in connection to community resources, and in building social networks.

Please note: This is an IN-person role specific to Guelph and Wellington County.  ONLY APPLY if you live in this area and are able to volunteer IN-PERSON.  Apply from our website.  www.fcsgw.org

Training and Onboarding: The application process can take 6-8 weeks.  Pre-Service Training is offered 2 times a year. (March and Sept)

Commitment: In order to provide regular and consistent visits, we ask for an 8-month minimum commitment. Approximately 2-3 hours, weekly.  Days of the week and times are flexible based on the volunteer’s availability and needs of the parent.

Responsibilities: 

• Provide support, advocacy and guidance and a listening ear. 
• Be a positive, reliable, respectful role model. 
• Assist with developing practical skills for daily activities i.e., budgeting, meal planning, household management.
• Connect the parent/caregiver to community resources and networks.
• Complete and submit monthly logs and expenses.
• Maintain confidentiality and boundaries.
  
• Attend orientation or training sessions 

Requirements:  Volunteers are carefully screened for involvement in our Parent Aide Program. The following is a list of the type of skill which are considered in the selection process. Volunteers are asked to be open to personal development in these areas through training, experience, and feedback. 

• Demonstration of interpersonal skills and effective listening skills, consistency, patience, empathy, understanding, encouragement. 
• Experience working with children and ability to build knowledge of child development. 
• Knowledge of community resources

Volunteer Perks: 

• Support from both service worker and Coordinator of Volunteer Services
• Knowledge that you are working to help keep or reconnect children with parents
• Orientation, Training and support from staff 
• Opportunities to connect with other volunteers 
• Access to a variety of training 

You would be a good fit for this role if you: 

• Like and enjoy being around children 
• Enjoy a variety of people and have a positive outlook 
• Patient and have empathy for others 
• Demonstrate good listening skills, patience, and empathy.
• Understand that last minute changes or cancelations can occur for a variety of reasons.
  
• Welcoming and passionate about supporting family wellbeing in our community 
• Have problem solving skills 

 Family & Children’s Services of Guelph and Wellington County is committed to the decolonization of the child welfare system while remaining focused on the safety and wellbeing of children with their families and kin. This includes challenging and responding to the structural inequalities experienced by families. Fundamental to the work of Family Services are the foundations of Equity, Anti-Oppression, Indigenous Safety, and Trauma in child welfare using the practice models of Signs of Safety and Family Finding. 

Family & Children’s Services of Guelph and Wellington County is committed to working from an Anti-Oppressive and Equity practice and dedicated to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live and serve. The agency encourages applications from members of an Equity deserving group and/or with lived experience. We are committed to creating an accessible environment for all. 

Reach out to volunteer@fcsgw.org or 519-824-2410x2410 if you have any accommodation needs.