Non-Verbal Communication Training Instructor

Our Mission

Make-A-Wish's mission is to create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Our chapter directly serves the children and families residing in San Diego and Imperial counties. Each year, we grant over 200 wishes for children experiencing critical illnesses in our community. To learn more about Make-A-Wish San Diego, check out our website: https://wish.org/sandiego/.

Role Overview & Description

We're seeking a knowledgeable and compassionate Non-Verbal Communication Training Instructor to lead engaging training sessions for our volunteer wish granters. In this role, you’ll teach volunteers how to effectively communicate and build connections with wish kids who are non-verbal or have limited verbal communication abilities.

Your expertise will help ensure every child’s voice is heard, no matter how they express it.

• Develop and deliver training content focused on non-verbal communication techniques (e.g., gestures, body language, assistive communication devices, visual supports). We have an existing slide deck you are welcome to build off of, but are hoping an expert can help bring our training to the next level!
• Equip volunteers with practical tools and strategies for interacting with non-verbal wish kids and their families.
• Facilitate inclusive discussions and answer volunteer questions during training sessions.
• Collaborate with staff to adapt content to meet the needs of our chapter’s volunteer community.
• Provide occasional consultation or updates as volunteer training needs evolve.

Qualifications

• Professional experience in speech-language pathology, special education, occupational therapy, child development, or a related field.
• Experience working with non-verbal or minimally verbal children, particularly in a pediatric hospital or medical settings
• Strong presentation and communication skills; ability to make learning interactive and accessible.
• Passion for the Make-A-Wish mission and commitment to child-centered, inclusive communication.

Time Commitment

3–5 hours per quarter (flexible schedule). Training sessions are typically conducted in a virtual format in the late afternoon/evening once per quarter.