Safe House Kids Group Assistant - Chicago Metro

Title: Kid’s Group Assistant

Location: WINGS Domestic Violence Safe House, which is in an undisclosed location in the South Chicago Midway airport area

Time: Tuesday and Thursday evenings from approximately 6:00pm to 8:00pm

Commitment: Requires a 12-month commitment to volunteer weekly (with a "substitute" list available for occasional schedule changes). Occasionally there are opportunities for a commitment of every other week.

Requirements:

• Completion of the 40 Hour Domestic Violence Training (WINGS will provide this training, which is usually offered two (2) times a year.) and background check.
• Any personal experience with domestic violence should be more than two (2) years prior to applying for this volunteer opportunity.
• A willingness to keep the location confidential.
• Bilingual abilities are especially valued, but are not necessary for all applicants.
• Description: - A staff member will plan the activities. Volunteers participate in the activities to provide the children with more individual attention. Because the age ranges of the kids vary widely, often a smaller group is formed to adapt to the activity to the age group. However, ratios sometimes vary due to the unpredictable nature of families in this situation.
• THIS MIGHT BE A GOOD FIT FOR YOU IF:
• This is a great opportunity for people who enjoy very young children. Often there are enough babies and toddlers to designate a "nursery" where the volunteer assistant will comfort and cuddle the littlest ones, or read books and play with toddlers.
• At the Safe House, there are weekly groups for the kids in the evenings. The evenings have different themes. For example; one night could be game night, one night could be focused around the theme of cooperation.
• You enjoy being with children of all ages.
• You are fun-loving and enjoy participating in games and crafts.
• You are flexible and able to respond to changing situations.
• You have strong personal boundaries and are able to demonstrate those to children.
• You are interested in being a role model and teacher to the children in the areas of social skills, conflict resolution and respecting boundaries.
• You feel good when you are helping others.
• You feel comfortable working with people in a diverse environment in regards to social-economic status, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and religion.
• You are non-judgmental about why families are in a situation where they are in need of help.