Child and Family Engagement Volunteer (Chicago)

Reset-Chicago provides drop-in services offered by Naomi’s House to community members who have been impacted by commercial sexual exploitation or are at risk of becoming exploited. Reset offers community groups and intensive case management that includes emotional, education, and employment support to excel in personal goals that have been interrupted due to various life obstacles. While at the drop-in center, women are encouraged to bring their children, as we offer childcare with the aid of child and family engagement volunteers.  

The Child and Family Engagement Volunteer plays a vital role in supporting the emotional and developmental needs of children and families who are visiting our drop-in location. This position involves creating a safe, nurturing environment where children can express themselves, engage in positive activities, and receive support during a challenging time in their lives. The times that are open for this position are Wednesday evenings from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm (times are due to change, as needs of the space change). This is a crucial role at Reset-Chicago, as it allows the women a much-needed break from childcare responsibilities, enabling them to focus on self-care and find healing through our groups and community activities. 

 

Volunteer Responsibilities

All volunteers are under the supervision of the site Program Manager and work closely with the Case Manager of Chicago to achieve volunteer responsibilities. Volunteer tasks for a babysitter are assigned as follows:   

  • Supervise and engage children in age-appropriate activities that promote a positive and constructive environment conducive to their healthy emotional regulation. 

  • Implement basic behavioral strategies and techniques to manage challenging behaviors effectively. 

  • Provide a safe and supportive environment, ensuring the physical and emotional well-being of each child. 

  • Communicate regularly with parents or on-site staff to discuss progress and share insights. 

  • Collaborate with Program Manager of Case Manager, if applicable, to support the children’s needs 

  • Organize and lead age-appropriate activities that promote emotional well-being and development. 

  • Provide a calming and supportive presence for children who may be experiencing trauma. 

  • Foster positive relationships with children to help them feel secure and valued. 

  • Maintain a clean and organized play area, ensuring safety at all times.  

Safety and Considerations:

As a volunteer, you will be trained to recognize behavioral issues and discern what best next steps to take, but will not be asked to manage severe crises or navigate clinically unsafe situations. You have the opportunity to provide 2 hours each week where the children are in safe, caring, and nurturing environments, which may be different than their time outside of Reset.  

While children are being supervised by volunteers, the participants are likely in therapeutic group programming--processing trauma, finding community with other survivors, and learning the skills needed to take steps along their healing journey. Unless necessary, children should stay with volunteers and out of the adult group space during programming, so children have time focused on themselves as well as out of protection of the mother. Reasons for needing to get a mother’s attention during group would include (but are not limited to): diaper changes, urgent bathing needs, behaviors that cause harm to self or others, etc.

Given the complex nature of trauma that participants and their families have experienced, some children may display unexpected or different behaviors than other their age. It is fair to assume that every child in programming has experienced a certain degree of trauma throughout their childhood, which can impact physical and emotional development, speech skills, and comfort levels with unknown adults.  

To ensure the informed consent of participants and liability limitations and protection of volunteers, all participants with children being supervised by volunteers will sign a Liability Waiver. Copies of this are available at community groups and can be provided to volunteers ahead of time if needed.  

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience working with children, particularly in challenging or crisis situations.

  • Understanding of child development and the impacts of trauma on children. 

  • Previous experience working with children, particularly those with behavioral challenges. 

  • Strong understanding of child development and behavioral management techniques.

  • Basic understanding of the cycle of poverty and violence within a family 

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. 

  • Patience, empathy, and a positive attitude. 

  • Ability to remain calm and composed in challenging situations. 

  • CPR and First Aid certification 

  • Relevant educational background in child psychology, special education, or a related field is a plus. 

If you are interested in this volunteer position, please fill out our direct care volunteer application!