Homework Helper

Goal of the Position: Homework support for children and youth facing learning challenges or dealing with educational gaps.

Responsibilities:

• Meet with the caseworker and child/youth to set learning goals by completing an agreement/contract form
• Obtain information and materials from the child/youth’s caregiver to determine their learning needs
• Meet with the child once per week in a community location/or client’s home to tutor them on the identified learning goals.
• Work collaboratively and respectfully with staff and family members who are supporting child/youth.
• Volunteers may help with homework, one-to-one reading, school projects, school quizzes and general learning to support achieving the learning goals.
• Responsible for preparing learning exercises that are engaging and appropriate for the child/youth’s learning level.
• Provide regular updates to the parent/caregiver on the child/youth’s learning progress
• Maintain consistent communication with caseworker and Volunteer Services by submitting monthly reports, mileage and expense forms and other communications as required.
• Share with parent/caregiver any situations that may have occurred during your homework support session.
• Maintain and role model boundaries in the volunteer and client relationship – if in doubt please connect with caseworker or volunteer services.
• Respect the privacy of the caregiver, child/youth and family
• Model problem solving, time management and organizational skills
• Use an equity lens with a respectful and inclusive approach band be sensitive to all caregivers, child/youth and a family’s unique needs.
• Reflect the agencies core values in volunteer role

Preferred Qualifications:

• Able to find creative ways to help the child/youth stay engaged and interested in the learning process.
• Patient and professional with some tutoring/homework support experience
• Previous experience in mentoring or working one-on-one with children/youth is very helpful in this role.
• Lesson planning knowledge
• Strong interpersonal skills; able to build relationships with a diverse group of people.
• Good problem solving skills
• Good active listening skills and the ability to show empathy.
• Access to reliable transportation (while having access to an automobile is not a must it will make it easier to find an assignment and will make it easier to access recreational venues with the mentee)
• If a volunteer is able to provide transportation for the child/youth being tutored, the following are required: a G license, access to a safe and reliable vehicle, 1 million dollars liability automobile insurance, and provide a driver’s abstract.
• General awareness to Child Welfare
• Maturity, sensitivity and ability to relate to children/families/caseworkers.
• Understanding of equity, diversity and inclusion and its impact on working with children, youth and families.

Time Frame: once or twice per week with sessions ranging in times based on the child/youth’s capacity

Length of Commitment: 6 months to a year

Benefits:

• Satisfaction in supporting a child/youth to work on their education learning goals with a focus on their educational development
• Gain further experience providing support with learning in a one-to-one setting with a child/youth
• Learning new tools and strategies to help children learn
• Gain experience in behavior management skills and strategies
• Positively impact a child’s/youth’s self-esteem, social skills/ life skills
• Understanding of Child Welfare and its practices
• Expenses reimbursed
• Making a positive and lasting impact in the life of a child/youth

To start the process, please complete the Volunteer Application form. We will then contact you to schedule your interview. After completing onboarding, mandatory background checks and volunteer training, you’re ready to roll.