Volunteers needed for baby cuddling program

St.Amant Volunteer Services is seeking volunteers for their Baby Cuddling program. The Baby Cuddler volunteer promotes the mission and values of St.Amant, and the goals and objectives of the service area in which they are involved by assisting people supported to participate more fully in program activities to maximize each person’s well-being and quality of life.
The role of the Baby Cuddler is to assist with the comfort and needs of the infants and children on the unit. The Baby Cuddler is to provide contact and interaction with the infants and/or children, through hugging, holding, rocking, singing, talking, going for a walk etc.
Qualifications:

• Minimum 18 years of age
• Strong interpersonal skills; patient
• Physically able to push children in wheelchairs and/or strollers
• Ability to remain seated, still, alert and calm for 1-2 hours at a time
• Must show responsibility in meeting commitment and being reliable
• Must be able to follow instructions, be flexible when activities change and take initiative where appropriate
• Ability to work in a critical care environment- maintain compassionate and caring attitude in a stressful environment
• Must be interested and willing to develop relationships with clients
• Acceptable Criminal Record and Child/Adult Abuse Registry Checks
• Acceptable reference checks

Duties and Responsibilities:

• On arrival to the unit, connect with the nurse at the nurses office to see if there are children who might benefit from some company

Engage in age appropriate play, recreational and supportive activities
 
General Guidelines:

• Any information a volunteer may receive about any individual supported and their families must be treated as confidential
• Volunteers should feel welcome to ask questions. If they are not sure about anything – ask! It’s better to ask questions
• Volunteers should not answer medical questions families may have. Families should be directed to the nurses on the unit for answers to medical questions

• Food and beverages are not allowed when volunteering
• No cell phone use
• Volunteers should practicing good hand hygiene before, between and after all visits. Volunteers should be aware of hand hygiene resources, and the locations of hand sanitizer dispensers and hand washing facilities within the unit.

Training:

• General Orientation to St. Amant
• Training & Orientation to program – Unit Supervisor

Support:

•  Supervisor: Unit Supervisor, Volunteer Services Staff

Benefits:

• Gain experience working with individuals who have developmental disabilities
• Opportunity to develop rewarding relationships
• A reference for employment or school upon request
• Experience new challenges and activities
• Certificates and appreciation events

Time required & Length of Commitment:

• 1 shift per week, 2-4 hours per shift
• Minimum commitment of 40 hours over a 6 month period
• Variety of shifts: Monday – Sunday

Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a volunteer to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the volunteer may be required to walk, sit, stand for long periods of time, stoop, kneel, lift, and carry. The ability to write clearly and legibly may be required.

• St.Amant welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities.
• Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.
• Please apply online at www.stamant.ca/volunteering.
• After we receive a completed application form, we may ask you to come for an interview. Qualified applicants may be required to attend a second interview depending on placement. During the interview, you will be asked to provide two (2) references who are not Family Members.

If a successful match is made between your skills and abilities, Volunteer Services will offer you a volunteer position. If you decide to accept the offer, we will discuss a start date with you after completing the orientation; completion of references checks and screening.
All volunteer placements are done through the volunteer office including reassignments.
Volunteering is an exciting and challenging experience. Volunteers are highly valued members of the St.Amant team and contribute to each program area. If you’re a first- time volunteer or just new to St.Amant’s volunteer system, you may have some questions. And we have answers!
http://stamant.ca/volunteering/volunteer-faq/
Thank you for your interest in offering your time, energy, and expertise to St.Amant!