Youth Program Mentor/Volunteer

TIME COMMITMENT: Minimum one day per week (M, T, W, TH, F) for a minimum of 2 hours (between 3:00pm and 6pm) for a minimum of 1-year. (One semester acceptable for students.)

LOCATION(S):The Youth Programs Mentor/Volunteer could be placed with school aged children at our 6 site locations.

The sites include five Iowa City programs:
Pheasant Ridge Center (2651 Roberts Rd.),
Broadway Center (2105 Broadway St),
Grant Wood Elementary (1930 Lakeside Dr.),
Alexander Elementary (3571 Sycamore St.),
Mark Twain Elementary (1355 Deforest Ave),
and our North Liberty program:
Garner Elementary (80 Birch St.).

Each Iowa City location is easily accessible by the Iowa City, City Bus system, while the North Liberty location will require a vehicle.

PURPOSE: The Youth Program Mentor/Volunteer is part of a team-based environment composed of staff and volunteers who work together to create a loving, safe and welcoming space for our growing school aged kids as well as providing them with extra academic help. This volunteer helps give each child more individual time, interaction and care, while giving the Program Directors more opportunities to prepare and plan for daily activities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be 16 years old or older
  • Volunteers 16-17 must have a parent/guardian signature.
  Must enjoy being around school aged children
• Must be able to commit to at least 6 months (longer commitment is strongly preferred) (One semester acceptable for students).
• Must be able to commit to at least one day a week
• Must possess good interpersonal skills
• Must be able to pass child abuse and criminal background checks
• Past experience working with youth, strongly preferred

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Attending and assisting field trips and larger events
• Help prepare materials for lesson plans (cutting, laminating and labeling materials)
• Create and engage in structured indoor and outdoor activities with children
• Engaging kids with special talents that volunteer may possess (musical instrument, dance, yoga, art, singing, stem activities, experiments, etc.)
• Lead small group sessions as dictated by Program Director/Coordinator
• Tutoring if qualified
• Gardening assistance
• Coordinate boys and girls groups for 4th to 6th graders
• Assistance with supervision during recess
• Follow applicable NCJC and ICCSD policy in regard to client interactions, behavioral supports, reporting suspected child abuse, etc.

REQUIRED TRAINING(S):

• Licensed File
• Volunteer Orientation/ On Boarding

BENEFITS TO VOLUNTEERS:

• Opportunity to work with children: Create a happy environment for children, interact with them, and offer them individual attention.
• Community Engagement: Connect and build connections with other volunteers, directors/coordinators, and be an integral part of creating positive experiences.
• Skill Development: Gain valuable experience in patience and flexibility, problem solving, empathy and understanding, teamwork, leadership, and interpersonal communication.
• Personal Satisfaction: Creating bonds with children and witnessing their learning, growth, interaction amongst each other, and overcoming challenges due, in part, to your involvement can bring a deep sense of joy and fulfillment.
• Ongoing Training Opportunities: Access training in areas such as First Aid, CPR, Universal Precautions, and Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse.
• Performance Appraisal and Letter of Recommendation: Volunteers completing at least 25 hours of service are eligible for a performance appraisal and a letter of recommendation.

By volunteering for The Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County you become an integral part of creating a supportive and inclusive environment for those we serve. Your commitment contributes directly to the success of our mission, and we are grateful for your dedication to building a better future for all.