Become a Volunteer

Find out how you can help, please contact:

Janet Vintinner
Hastings Children's Aid Society
363 Dundas St W
Belleville ON
Phone: (613) 962-9291
E-Mail: janet.vintinner@hastingsCAS.org

Volunteer Assignment Description
Transportation Policy
Volunteer Assigment Description - Residential Treatment Program

VOLUNTEER ASSIGNMENT DESCRIPTION

TITLE: DRIVER

REPORTS TO: SUPERVISOR, CHILD & FAMILY SERVICES

I. PURPOSE:

To assist staff and foster parents with the safe transportation of the children and adults we serve to locations where essential services are provided and no other means of access to the service is available.

II. RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Transport children and/or parents to Society approved destinations only.
2. Provide both local and out of town transportation from each of our service locations (North Hastings, Quinte West, Centre Hastings, South Hastings).
3. Provide supervision and appropriate behaviour management.
4. Remain with child until designated adult is available.
5. Report any unusual circumstances, behaviours or client related difficulties to the caseworker immediately.
6. Maintain a congenial and healthy atmosphere in the vehicle to assist in minimizing the stress of transportation for the individual.
7. Maintain a safe, efficient and clean vehicle.
8. Must be punctual and reliable.
9. Must ensure client confidentiality and privacy.
10. It is imperative that a volunteer’s involvement with a C.A.S. client will be limited to the task assigned.

III. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Positive experiences working with and relating to children.

IV. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Valid Ontario driver’s licence.
2. Minimum automobile liability insurance coverage of $1,000,000.
3. Reliable vehicle with functional child restraint mechanism.
4. Proof of a successful police check.
5. Driving abstract from the Ministry of Transportation.
6. Ability to carry children and/or lift children in and out of a vehicle.

V. TRAINING PROVIDED

1. Orientation to the Society and the child welfare system.
2. Instruction on the installation and use of child safety seats.
3. Ongoing training relevant to the assignment.

VI. COMMITMENT REQUIRED

1. Available Monday to Friday with occasional weekend and evening requests.
2. The Volunteer sets his/her own schedule and has full right of refusal.

VII. SUPERVISION

1. By the Supervisor, Child and Family Services, as needed.
2. Guidance and instruction from the caseworker responsible for the child(ren) and/or the team assistant that has scheduled the run.

VIII. REWARDS OF VOLUNTEERING

1. An opportunity to gain experience working in the child welfare system.
2. An opportunity to contribute to improving your surroundings and the lives of others.
3. An opportunity to experience a sense of accomplishment and personal growth.
4. Compensation for mileage.

Transportation Policy

NEED FOR PROCEDURE:

This procedure will attempt to outline the various measures governing the transportation and vehicle safety requirements to guide volunteers who transport adults and children on behalf of the Society.

PROCEDURE:

1. Volunteer Drivers will ensure that all passengers in his/her vehicle abide by the Highway Traffic Act. Enforcement is the driver’s responsibility. The driver may refuse to transport a client who refuses to abide by the seat belt regulations.
2. Volunteer Drivers are required to provide a CPIC (Canadian Police Information Centre) clearance, driver’s abstract and certificate of health prior to approval. Volunteer Drivers must hold a valid drivers license and have adequate automobile insurance.
3. Volunteer Drivers are expected to maintain their vehicles in good working order. The Supervisor of Child & Family Services may request a written statement of roadworthiness of a vehicle from the Volunteer Driver.
4. The Society requires all volunteers to be aware of current provincial legislation covering the use of child safety seats, seat belts and air bags.
5. Volunteer Drivers will not knowingly use unsafe vehicles in the performance of his/her assignment for the Society. Volunteer Drivers will obey the rules of the road at all times.
6. The model, year and plate number of all drivers’ vehicles will be kept on file and maintained by the Team Assistant Child & Family Services.
7. Volunteer Drivers will only transport the individual(s) identified by the Team Assistant at the time of scheduling. Passengers will only be transported to and from the points of destination provided at the time of scheduling.
8. Volunteer Drivers will only release children to a designated adult or guardian unless otherwise instructed.
9. Volunteer Drivers will not leave children unattended in a vehicle or leave the vehicle running with children inside. Discretion is to be used at all times.
10. Pets must be restrained in a tethered pet carrier when accompanying a Volunteer Driver on assignment.
11. Should a Volunteer Driver be involved in a vehicle accident or charged with a traffic act offence or criminal offence the driver will ensure that all proper authorities have been notified i.e. police, ambulance, the Supervisor of Child & Family Services and/or After Hours Worker, insurance company.
12. Volunteer Drivers will submit annually a Certificate of Eligibility, declaring any change in their driving record, health record or insurance coverage. The completed declaration will be kept on file and maintained by the Team Assistant Child & Family Services.

VOLUNTEER ASSIGNMENT DESCRIPTION

TITLE: RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT PROGRAM (RTP)

REPORTS TO: SUPERVISOR, RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT PROGRAM

I. PURPOSE:

To assist staff at the Residential Treatment Program by providing a positive adult/child relationship experience for the children in the program.

II. RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Assist staff with pre-arranged duties e.g. assist youth with homework completion. Assist with recreational/athletic activities.
2. Provide appropriate role modelling.
3. Report any unusual circumstances, behaviours or client related difficulties to staff on duty immediately.
4. Ensure client confidentiality.
5. Must be punctual and reliable.
6. It is imperative that a volunteer’s involvement with Children’s Aid Society clients be limited to the task(s) assigned.

III. QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Able to relate to youth in a positive manner.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of role modelling including verbal communication and manner of dress.
3. Proof of positive Criminal Record Check.

IV TRAINING PROVIDED

1. Orientation to the Society, the Child Welfare System and the Residential Treatment Program.
2. Assigned to a specific Child & Youth Worker as a “mentor”.
3. Ongoing task specific training.

V. COMMITMENT REQUIRED

1. Given the history and rejection experienced by the majority of our clientele a minimum commitment of three months is requested.
2. Weekly commitment is negotiable in keeping with availability.

VI SUPERVISION

1. By the Supervisor, Residential Treatment Program, as needed.
2. Guidance and instruction from the Child Care Workers will be ongoing.

VII. REWARDS OF VOLUNTEERING

1. An opportunity to gain experience working in the Child Welfare System.
2. An opportunity to contribute and improve the lives of others.
3. An opportunity to experience a sense of accomplishment and personal growth.