Early Years Drop-In Volunteer

The Downtown East Side Neighbourhood House is looking for volunteers to help with our Early Years Drop-In program. The volunteer shift is every Friday morning from 9am-12:30pm. This is an unpaid position. 

The Early Years Drop-In Program aims to create a welcoming, safe, and fun environment for parents and children from 0-6 years of age. As part of the program, families enjoy a healthy breakfast and participate in workshops facilitated by partner organizations and in various other activities. Ultimately, the Early Years program provides opportunities for families to build connections and learn from one another through conversations as they spend time together.   

VOLUNTEER RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Volunteers for the Early Years program will be responsible for assisting with setting up and cleaning up the program space, which includes setting up and taking down tables and chairs, toys and other activities. Volunteers will also assist with breakfast meal preparation, washing dishes, and ensuring the kitchen space is well maintained. Throughout the duration of the program, volunteers are encouraged to engage with the families and to play with, read, and participate in activities with the kids to foster their imagination, build their vocabulary and language skills and their socialization skills.   

ELIGIBILITY: 

Please note that this position requires a minimum 3-month commitment from volunteers and that those interested in the position must undergo a criminal record check review for the role, as well as a 45min phone interview/screening call.  

REQUIREMENTS: 
- understanding and support of the DTES Neighbourhood House's mission and philosophies 
- ability to work respectfully with people of diverse backgrounds and experiences 
- openness to learning from and honouring community members 
- ability to work with a team and help each other 
- review volunteer training materials before starting first shift 
- ability & willingness to volunteer in the kitchen, doing cooking and cleaning tasks 

ASSETS: 
- Individuals with an Early Childhood Education background are highly encouraged to apply.  
- relevant experience, education, skills 
- lived or living experience, or work or volunteer experience in the DTES 
- ability to speak/understand multiple languages (especially Arabic) 

APPLYING: 

We require a minimum commitment of 3 months for this volunteer role. Our application, screening and onboarding process includes: 

1. APPLY ONLINE HERE: https://bttr.im/1lrg5 
2. Once we have received your completed forms, we will schedule a 45min phone interview/screening call, which we require for all potential family programs volunteers. This call also includes a very condensed volunteer orientation. 
3. After the phone call if both parties agree to move forward with the volunteer placement, we will ask the volunteer to review some Kitchen Safety Training Materials and 6 pages of our Volunteer Handbook. 

The DTES Neighbourhood House provides programming, and educational, leadership, social and recreational opportunities to residents of Vancouver Downtown Eastside. The neighbourhood house helps foster a respectful, equitable atmosphere of sharing and learning by providing opportunities for residents to meaningfully engage with, and contribute to, their community. For more information about the DTES Neighbourhood House, our programs and how you can be involved with us, please visit: www.dtesnhouse.ca