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.
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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.