Alternative Suspension Program Volunteer

YMCA Calgary Volunteer Position

Volunteer Title: Alternative Suspension Program Volunteer

Location: Melcor YMCA at Crowfoot, Saddletowne YMCA, and Shawnessy YMCA

Reports To: Youth Engagement Manager

Date of Revision: September 2023

Note: This role has an age requirement of 18+ years.

Summary

YMCA Calgary’s Alternative Suspension Program (ASP) is an out-of-school intervention program providing support to students who are disengaging from academics, being suspended, or going through the temporary expulsion process. The goal is to successfully reintegrate students back into their academic surroundings with a new action plan. The ASP Volunteer will supervise students, assist with homework, and offer one-on-one support.

 

Time Commitment

This position requires a 12-month commitment. Volunteers are expected to commit to one (1) volunteer shift per week. Shifts are 3 hours in length and scheduled during school hours Monday – Friday, typically between 8:30am – 12:00pm.

Duties and Responsibilities

Health and Safety

  1. Maintain a safe environment by following YMCA Calgary policies and procedures.
  2. Build relationships with members, participants, and YMCA staff and volunteers.
  3. Communicate with YMCA Staff regarding any situations during your volunteer shift.

Program Support

  1. Ensure safety, communication, and a sense of belonging are high priorities.
  2. Manage risks associated with participation in programs.
  3. Directly support students when the primary Youth Worker is away from the site.
  4. Intervene with secondary school students on an individual basis and in a group setting.
  5. Supervise and support students with assigned schoolwork.
  6. Facilitate group workshops on topics related to the issues faced by program participants (anger management, responsibility, bullying, etc.)
  7. Communicate regularly with primary Youth Worker and program Supervisor on activities completed as well as participation and engagement of students present.
  8. Adhere to the YMCA Child and Vulnerable Adults Protection and Procedures and Code of Conduct

 

Skills

  1. Experience working with vulnerable youth.
  2. Experience managing behavior.
  3. Comfortable enough to be alone in a room with 3-6 students of different behaviors.
  4. Comfortable with Junior High/High School aged students.
  5. Able to facilitate and deliver workshops.

Benefits

  1. Develop practical leadership skills
  2. Complementary YMCA Calgary membership (after 3-month probation)
  3. Education and professional development opportunities

Qualifications

  1. Valid Standard First Aid and CPR-C (CPR-C must be issued within the last 12 months)
  2. Clear Police Information Check with a Vulnerable Sector Search (volunteer letter will be provided after interview)
  3. Three references (two professional)
  4. Able to attend and complete required trainings.
  5. A University degree (completed or in progress) in youth or social work or related fields (psychology, specialized education, sociology, criminology, etc.)
  6. 1 to 2 years’ experience in youth intervention is an asset.

 

Orientation and Training

  1. YBeginnings Orientation
  2. Health, Safety, and Risk Training
  3. Child Safety and Protection Training
  4. Position-specific training
    1. Processes and tools
    2. Expectations
  5. Ongoing training and support