Community Healthcaring Kitchener-Waterloo

THE VIBE CHECK

This program is a creative, activity-based wellness program for youth ages (15-24), focused on connection and self-expression through cooking, crats, games and music. 

PURPOSE

To encourage youth to build social connections, develop healthy coping strategies, and increase their self-awareness to become engaged members of our community. This group aims to support marginalized and under-served members of the community: newcomers, refugees, gender diverse individuals, those experiencing substance use and/or housing insecurity.

BENEFITS TO VOLUNTEER

• Gain experience in community engagement, and health promotion.
• Contribute to improving youth wellbeing and health equity.
• Share and celebrate language and culture through conversations.
• Develop communication and outreach skills in a welcoming, team-based environment.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Complete an initial orientation and shadowing of The Vibe Check drop-in groups.
2. Greet program participants warmly as they arrive and provide clear directions to the program area. Ensure they feel comfortable and welcome.
3. Foster a friendly, inclusive, and safe environment during program sessions. Offer support, encouragement, and positive feedback to participants. Promote a sense of belonging and social inclusion among all participants.
4. Collaborate, communicate, and attend meetings (in person, e-mail, telephone, virtual) with colleagues and with the specific team.
5. Provide and maintain accurate participant contact information; MS Excel spreadsheet skills are desirable
6. Promote information regarding CHCKW’s health and wellness programs.
7. Record basic engagement notes (e.g., number of interactions, common questions).
8. Maintain a tidy and inviting display area, restock materials as needed.
9. Actively provide feedback and suggestions to the Health and Wellness team for program enhancement.
10. Uphold CHCKW’s values of respect, inclusion, and confidentiality.

QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIRED SKILLS

• Friendly and approachable with strong interpersonal skills.
• Comfort engaging with youth.
• Ability to communicate across cultures and languages (multilingualism an asset).
• Ability to work effectively with economically diverse individuals, while accommodating a wide range of abilities. Demonstrate commitment to fostering equity, inclusion, and diversity.
• Dependability and professionalism in a healthcare setting.
• Comfort working independently or collaboratively
• Must complete a Vulnerable Sector Police Record Check.

SUPERVISION

1. Each volunteer will be assigned a staff supervisor.
2. The staff supervisor or another designated staff will be available (either in person or by phone) if a question or issue arises.

ORIENTATION / TRAINING

1. Complete the Volunteer Application Form.
2. Submit the following before beginning your position: Vulnerable Sector Police Check, Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination, 2 References.
3. Complete orientation training modules and read required policies. Approximately 5 hours will be required to complete this training.

EVALUATION

1. Volunteers receive ongoing performance feedback from their staff supervisor and/or volunteer coordinator.
2. Volunteers are encouraged to participate in an annual volunteer experience survey.

TIME COMMITMENT, REQUIRED HOURS & LOCATION

Time Commitment: 3 months

Required Hours: Every Wednesdays evening (3:30-6:30)

Location: 44 Francis Street South, Kitchener