Join Our Team - Volunteer Opportunities
You can make a difference to a child with autism...Volunteer!
Autism is a pervasive developmental disorder defined by qualitative
impairments in social interactions, qualitative impairments in communication
and restricted repetitive and stereotyped behaviour, interests and
activities. It is of unknown etiology and occurs in approximately 1 in 150
to 200 individuals with a 4:1 male to female ratio. Autism has an onset of
prior to 3 years of age.
Volunteers at the Centre for Autism Services are a valued supportive
resource. Volunteers work in conjunction with the Centre’s professional
staff to provide comprehensive, innovative services to children, youth and
their families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Group Activities
Group activities run continuously throughout the year. Most group
volunteer roles are based on 1-2 hours once a week for 6-8 weeks. The Group
Volunteer will choose one specific group to volunteer with over the course
of the 6-8 week program. Specific group activities for registered children
are designed to work on social skills, play skills, and life skills
appropriate for different circumstances, (cooking, dressing, recreational
play) Under staff supervision the volunteer will participate in the
preparation, set up and clean up for the specific program. The volunteer
will actively contribute to the positive outcomes of a program in a team
collaboration model supporting a child reach his or her highest potential.
To find out more about GROUP programs follow the link Children and Family
Services Opportunities on the Centre for Autism Services web-site.
www.centreforautismservices.ca
Homework Helper
The Homework Helper volunteer assists a child with homework for one to
two hours per week on a one-to-one basis in a family’s home. This position
is very flexible based on availability of the volunteer matched to a family.
Supervision of the volunteer is provided in the home setting.
Administration Opportunities
Office Administration
The Administrative Volunteer will assist in the daily functioning of the
Centre’s office located at 4752-99 St. for 2-3 hours per week during regular
business hours. Hours are flexible. Duties would include but not restricted
to, computer work (word processing/spreadsheet) and typing, photocopy
materials, complete mail outs, phone calls, reception duties (Friday’s
10am-12 noon) and filing.
Newsletter Administrator
The Newsletter Administrator will develop and administer a quarterly
newsletter designed as a parent communication resource. Duties would include
developing a user friendly bulletin template, generating new ideas and
creative pieces, collecting staff input and editing and review submissions
and content every 3 months.
Communication Resource Volunteer
The Resource Volunteer will assist the Occupational Therapist and
Behavioural Specialist staff at the Centre’s office located at 4752-99 St.
for 2-3 hours per week during regular business hours. Hours are flexible.
Following staff direction the volunteer will facilitate, and laminate
resources using the Board Maker computer program for pictorial stories.
Computer experience desirable. Board Maker training and support will be
given by Centre staff.
Volunteer Department Assistant
The Volunteer Department Assistant will work under the supervision and
direction of the Centre’s Coordinator of Volunteer Services and Programs at
the Centre’s office located at 4752-99 St. for 2-3 hours per week during
regular business hours. Hours are flexible. Duties would include assisting
volunteer development at the Centre; recruitment strategies, and other
related volunteer administrative duties as required.
Volunteer Department Data Base Administrator
The Data Base Administrator will work under the supervision and direction
of the Centre’s Coordinator of Volunteer Services and Programs. Hours and
location are flexible. Duties would include developing a data base to track
the Centre’s volunteer hours. To update the data base statistics on a
monthly basis or as required and to generate a quarterly report of volunteer
outcomes.
Fund Development Opportunities
Funding Leadership Volunteer
Leadership volunteers are required to assist with researching and
completing required paperwork for funding grants. Previous experience and
knowledge with working in a non-profit environment is an asset.
Special Event Leaders
Working to enhance the mission, and vision of the Centre for Autism
Services Alberta, leadership volunteers are needed to develop and coordinate
special event fundraisers. Creativity, exceptional organizational skills,
business experience and working with volunteers would be an asset.
Volunteer Requirements:
- Have a love for children
- Willing to learn and be a part of a child’s development
- Possess good interpersonal and communication skills
- Must be at least 16 years of age and independently mobile
- Willing to commit 3-4 Hours/Week during the group run session
- Willing to complete the Centre’s Group Volunteer Training, a Criminal
Record Check and a Child Intervention (welfare) Check
Benefits:
- Gain real life experience with children with ASD
- Volunteer Training, Orientation and Volunteer Manual provided
- An opportunity to volunteer for a non-profit organization with
industry professionals that specialize in delivering programs and
services for Autism Spectrum Disorder
Opportunities for Professional Development and further related training,
in the areas of:
- Behaviour Management, Non Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI), Ethics
of Touch, Natural Teaching Strategies and Communication
- Staff always on site for volunteer support
- Gain interpersonal and communication skills
- Opportunities for volunteer advancement
- Opportunities for paid employment
- Reference letter available upon request
A volunteer application is available to download. For more information on volunteer opportunities in Edmonton, contact
Catherine Buhr, Coordinator of Volunteer Services and Programs, 780-488-6600
ext 284 or
cbuhr@centreforautism.ab.ca.
