Volunteer, Early Childhood Resource, Connected Families Parenting Support, Toronto & Peel Region

VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) is one of the largest not-for-profit home care providers in Ontario. Our team is made up of close to 3,000 caring and committed professionals who love what they do. Our providers tell us: “Home care is where I can truly make a difference. There is such a sense of accomplishment from helping people live independently at home.” Our teams work together to provide high quality, client-centred care to those who need it most in their homes, schools, retirement homes and other community settings. Many of our team members manage their own schedules in the community and they say, “The freedom and flexibility can’t be beat.” Providers form meaningful bonds with the clients and families they serve over time and are supported by a diverse regional team and beneficial home office programs. Team members tell us “I love the inclusive culture. I feel welcome and at home.” 

View more comments from our clients and their family members

The Connected Families, Parenting Support Program provides temporary relief and support services to at risk families caring for children from birth to four years of age. This program is committed to ensuring the health and wellness of mothers/families experiencing stress, isolation, and mental health concerns, such as post-partum depression. The relief service will enable parents to take a break from the demands of parenting and attend to their own needs. Volunteers interact and provide simple comforts to children in such a way as to enhance children’s capacity for successful development i.e. stimulating gross/fine motor and enriching language skills.

AREAS SERVED Toronto & Peel Region

RESPONSIBILTIES

• Visit weekly on the same day / same time for three hours per week

• Engage in meaningful conversation with mom

• Engage, supervise infants and toddlers (age 0-4 years)

• Introduce new learning activities to children

• Partner with parent to plan and prepare healthy and nutritious meals for children

• Provide information about community resources

• Accompany mom and child(ren) to local community resources i.e. Early ON Center, Library

• Educate and inform parents about upcoming community events and activities

• Complete and submit weekly log for feedback

• Attend meetings and training sessions  

COMMITTMENT

• 3 hours plus travel time, and logs, Mondays-Fridays between 9am-4pm. No evening or weekend availability

• 1 visit per week

• Each assignment is 12 weeks in duration  

• Commitment – 3-6 months.

• Opportunities may be available to help more than one family during this timeframe, or beyond

WORKING CONDITIONS

Conduct in-home family visits across the city of Toronto in priority neighbourhoods. Volunteers are matched with clients as close to their own neighbourhoods as possible with some flexibility required. Visits take place is small spaces. Must be comfortable moving around in small spaces, on the floor with children, holding babies.

REQUIREMENTS

• Person- centered and caring attitude

• Must have related child development experience

• Must have experience caring for both newborns and toddlers

• Experience and sensitive to working with culturally diverse families

• Creativity in planning and implementing activities

• Strong active listening skills and strong oral communication skills to support client in home and in community along with children

• Knowledge of and experience working with the mental health of individuals and families

• Knowledge of community resources an asset

• Previous volunteer experience an asset

• Second Language an asset

ORIENTATION AND TRAINING

• Orientation to the agency and volunteer program

• Training: Role and other, In Person and online

• Ongoing education/development opportunities  

SCREENING AND SUPERVISION

• Resume

• Prescreening

• Interview

• 2 References

• Vulnerable Sector Screening

• Signed Release, Agreement & Waiver

• Reports to program staff on a regular basis with weekly log and as needed

BENEFITS

• Volunteers are supported through orientation, training, (online and in person) meetings, workshops, seminars, and one-to-one support.

• Career-related experience.

• We provide an environment where volunteers are engaged, challenged & rewarded.

• Opportunities to meet new people.

• Develop social and professional networks.

• Build on your communication, interpersonal and leadership skills.

• Gain valuable work experience to build your resume.

• Support your community.

• Enhance clients’ lives and deliver life-changing supports and services.

• Verification letter upon request following 100 hours of volunteer service.

• Program Assistant or/Coordinator or/Supervisor will be available for feedback and support.

Accommodation and VHA’s commitment to DEI

At VHA Home HealthCare (VHA), we passionately strive to uphold our commitments to being an Equal Opportunity Employer. We champion inclusion and diversity in all parts of our organization and are strong believers that a diverse workforce is key to the ongoing and future success of VHA. We aim to review all applicants with fair and unbiased recruitment practices where opportunities are presented based on merits, skills, and experience. VHA is committed to providing reasonable accommodation and our services are accessible and sensitive to the needs of diverse groups. If you require any accommodation, please let us know in advance as we are happy to comply.