Position: Volunteers & Interns
Responsible to: RHYMES Executive Director
Volunteer/Intern advocates provide support to the crisis line, drop in center programming, youth, families, and RHYMES team. Depending on the needs and choices of the youth, volunteer/intern advocates are available to meet with a youth on-site in the drop in center for whatever needs present as appropriate to volunteer/intern role.
Volunteer/intern advocates are available to meet in person or on the phone for support, information and referral.
Prerequisites:
- Be a good listener and able to provide patient, supportive, non-judgmental presence.
- Possess excellent communication skills and able to interact with runaway/homeless youth, their families and other care providers in a professional manner.
Requirements:
- Must be at least 18 years old and submit to a background check.
- Must have access to telephone and car, complete required training.
- Must be able to make a 6 month commitment minimum and attend meetings as scheduled for support and training.
- Must be able to maintain high level of confidentiality with regard to program participants, their families and other program contacts including other staff and volunteers.
- Must be able to maintain consistent scheduling with RHYMES Director and adhere to RHYMES policies.
Work Experience:
- Demonstration of interest in program by completion of training and screening process.
- Work is generally standardized but involving choice of action within limits of standard practice defined by a wide range of established rules and instructions.
- Requires problem-solving using analysis or judgment in the application of established rules and procedures.
Reports to:
RHYMES Director
Responsibilities and expectations:
- As scheduled during drop in center hours and to meet program needs.
- Complete mandatory training for best practices in volunteer service
- Provide staffing as scheduled at the RHYMES Drop In Center and/or on crisis line
- Provide support, information and accompaniment to RHY youth
- Maintain high level of confidentiality regarding information about youth served
- Connect with RHYMES Director for case review in a timely manner after any contact with youth
- Complete documentation and paperwork services/support provided to youth
- Increase knowledge and understanding of problems and issues faced by RHY through attendance at required meetings and/or ongoing training opportunities
- Communicate relevant program information to RHYMES staff and/or attend RHYMES team meetings as requested
- Maintain high level of confidentiality regarding information about youth served
- Help create a positive, welcoming drop in space with RHYMES Team
- Meet with RHYMES Director for volunteer review and ongoing support as scheduled
- Follow RHYMES policies and best practices
To apply, please email mcunningham@rhymeslax.org a cover letter stating your interest and what skills you bring to the volunteer role, a resume (if available), and 3 references.
Fill out the form below to volunteer!