Community Healthcaring Kitchener-Waterloo

PROGRAM OVERVIEW 

Family Connect is a culturally responsive, family-centred program that brings together parents, caregivers, children, and families to learn, connect, and build meaningful relationships within their community. Through wellness education, storytelling, parenting support, cultural activities, family engagement, and social connection, Family Connect creates a welcoming space where families feel valued, supported, and empowered. 

The program promotes healthy family relationships, community belonging, and overall well-being while providing opportunities for families to learn from one another and access helpful resources. 

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

The Family Connect Volunteer supports staff in creating a warm, welcoming, and inclusive environment for families participating in the program. Volunteers help facilitate family engagement activities, support parents and children during sessions, assist with child-minding spaces, and contribute to the overall success of program activities. 

Volunteers play an important role in helping families feel connected, supported, and engaged while fostering a positive and culturally affirming community environment. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Welcome participants and families as they arrive and help create a friendly, inclusive atmosphere. 

• Assist with room setup and preparation before sessions (e.g., arranging tables, chairs, materials, activities, and refreshments). 

• Support registration and attendance tracking as needed. 

• Assist with family activities, interactive discussions, and group engagement opportunities. 

• Help supervise and engage children in the designated child-minding space through age-appropriate activities, games, crafts, and play. 

• Support positive interactions between parents, caregivers, and children during family bonding activities. 

• Assist with distributing program materials, snacks, and refreshments. 

• Help maintain a clean, organized, safe, and welcoming environment before, during, and after program sessions. 

• Encourage participant engagement and foster a sense of belonging among families. 

• Respect participant privacy and always maintain confidentiality. 

• Demonstrate healthy and professional boundaries with participants. 

• Participate in creating a culturally safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all families. 

• Share ideas, activities, and suggestions that may help strengthen the program and enhance participant experience. 

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Friendly, welcoming, and comfortable interacting with families from diverse backgrounds. 

• Enjoys working with children, parents, and caregivers. 

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills. 

• Reliable, responsible, and punctual. 

• Committed to maintaining confidentiality and professional boundaries. 

• Values diversity, equity, inclusion, and community wellness. 

• Ability to work respectfully with individuals from various cultural backgrounds. 

• Experience working with children, families, or community programs is an asset. 

• Speaking a second language is an asset. 

• Must complete a Vulnerable Sector Police Check. 

SUPERVISION

1. Each Volunteer will be assigned a staff supervisor. The staff supervisor is someone who is the lead and connected to the program.
2. The staff supervisor or a designated staff will be available (either in person or by phone) if a question or issue arises.
3. The Volunteer is also encouraged to connect with the staff supervisor at any time to discuss an idea or issue as they arise.

ORIENTATION/TRAINING

1. Complete the CHCKW Volunteer Application Form.
2. Volunteers are required to submit the following before beginning their position: Vulnerable Sector Police Check , Proof of Covid-19 Vaccination, 2 References.
3. Complete Volunteer orientation training modules and read required policies.
4. Receive program-specific training related to Family Connect activities, child-minding support, confidentiality, and participant engagement. 

EVALUATION:

1. Volunteers receive ongoing performance feedback from their staff supervisor and/or the Volunteer Coordinator. Volunteers can provide and request feedback as required.
2. Volunteers are encouraged to participate in the annual Volunteer Experience Survey.

TIME COMMITMENT, REQUIRED HOURS & LOCATION

Time Commitment: Minimum 4-month commitment required

Hours: Thursdays from 1:30 pm-4:30 pm

Location: 44 Francis Street South, Kitchener