Jake’s House (Volunteer – Program Mentor, Lucan Ontario)

Organization Name: Jake’s House
Opportunity Title: Volunteer – Program Mentor, Lucan Ontario
Category: Counselling / Support / Mentoring
Commitment: Less than 6 months
Start Date: February 27, 2023
End Date: June 17, 2023

Email: elizamcclelland@jakeshouse.ca
Website: https://www.jakeshouse.ca
Details:

• Background/police check required
• Appropriate for volunteers aged between 18 and 55
• Training or orientation required

Opportunity Description:

Founded in 2004, Jake’s House is a Provincially and Federally funded Canadian charity with a mission to provide meaningful support to families living with autism across the country. Recognizing that more than any other single issue, families dealing with autism need a community, Jake’s House is committed to growing a strong network of people who understand and care–a family that is determined to provide tangible solutions. Jake’s House supports individuals on the spectrum throughout their lifespans through four core initiatives: 1) Jake’s House Annual Holiday Parties, an 18-year tradition of bringing families together for a welcoming, fun and festive celebration; 2) Legends Mentoring Program, themed group mentoring workshops that provide youth with opportunities to learn skills, socialize and make friends; 3) Jake’s House Employment Mentoring, a program that supports the integration of young adults into the workforce; and 4) inclusive housing solutions, designed to address the growing housing gap in the autism community, giving more aging adults a place to call home. You will be supporting a dynamic, fast-growing organization, collaborating with a passionate, dedicated team. Title: Volunteer – Program Mentor Reports: Senior Program Manager Location Options: Lucan, Ontario Industry: Not-for-profit JOB OVERVIEW   Jake’s House is seeking a Program Mentor to provide support with virtual and in-person workshops within the Legends Mentoring Program. Tasks include participating in workshops (Culinary, Dance, Craft, Hangout, Minecraft, etc.), assisting program instructors with various tasks, and taking attendance, all while being a positive mentor for participants. The Program Mentor will play a key role in engaging with families and volunteers to provide information and guidance regarding the programs and services provided while remaining empathetic to the parents and their children. JOB RESPONSIBILITIES Program Support/Relationship Building: Work closely with instructors and program attendees for the Legends Mentoring Program (LMP) workshops. Attend and assist with workshops and activities to facilitate meaningful cross-cultural exchange through virtual and/or in-person platforms. Navigate and oversee various interpersonal relationships between program participants. Manage and provide support and guidance to families participating in virtual and/or in-person workshops. Develop and execute meaningful family and volunteer recognition that makes the community feel valued and motivated. Ensuring pre and post workshop information is being communicated to families and participants. Maintain positive relationships with families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and the general community. Administrative: Take attendance during workshops. Call families that aren’t in attendance to remind them about the workshops. Record observations and report to Program Manager. JOB REQUIREMENTS High attention to detail and ability to multi-task. Excellent communication skills. Good interpersonal skills. Ability to use discretion in maintaining confidentiality of sensitive contacts, materials, and information. High level of flexibility and responsiveness. Ideal Candidates: Self-starter, proactive, takes initiative, resourceful, bootstrap mentality, go-getter. Innovative, entrepreneurial, dynamic, creative, collaborative. Adaptable, resilient, can switch gears and hats quickly, thrives in fast-growing / fast-moving environments. Positive, energetic, enthusiastic, passionate. Committed, disciplined. Compassionate, caring, understanding, genuine, strong ‘family values’. Time Commitment: Volunteer once a week for 10 hours of volunteer support In-Person workshops are on Saturdays 11:00am-12:15pm (dance) & 12:45 – 2:00 (hangout) Volunteers are welcome to attend one or both workshops From April – June Contact: elizamcclelland@jakeshouse.ca to apply.