Needs From: The Volunteer Center of Whatcom County

Volunteer: Group Program Support Volunteer


About the Position:

Group program support volunteers will assist program managers and recreation leaders in supporting teens and adults with developmental disabilities in community-based recreation programs. This will provide members with the opportunity to achieve greater independence, experience personal growth, have fun, improve their health, and build friendships in a safe and inclusive environment. This is a direct-service position that supports Max Higbee Center members in engaging in a wide range of recreational activities.


Reports To: 

Community Outreach Coordinator for onboarding, scheduling, ongoing encouragement and support  

Recreation Leaders and Program Managers for ongoing training, guidance, direction, and support during volunteer shifts


Schedule Expectations: 

Group program support volunteers will commit on a quarterly basis to one of the following weekly shifts:


From 9:00am to 12:30pm on MON, TUE, WED, THU, or FRI 

From 1:30pm to 5:00pm on MON, TUE, THU, or FRI

From 12:00pm to 2:00pm on MON, TUE, THU, or FRI 

From 6:00pm to 8:30pm on FRI or SAT


Role Expectations 

Help create and maintain a welcoming, inclusive, safe, and respectful environment

Assist with in-house activities and community outings while maintaining group safety and accommodating varying abilities and needs

Support and encourage members in participating in planned activities while also respecting their freedom of choice

Facilitate activities and interactions with members during unstructured time in programs

Communicate effectively and respectfully with all members, caregivers, family members and staff

Demonstrate and maintain appropriate boundaries with members and support members in creating appropriate personal boundaries and relationships both at programs and in the community

Be available to provide more focused support for particular members as identified by staff 

Be available to assist with organizing and cleaning as needed

Be familiar with and follow the guidelines described in the Volunteer & Intern Guide 


Required Qualifications:

Must be 16 years of age or older

Must be able to work in-person at our Bellingham, WA location

Must be able to pass a background check 

Ability to maintain confidentiality of staff, volunteers, and participants

Willingness to reflect honestly and respectfully on volunteer experiences

Willingness to receive and integrate feedback from participants and staff


Desired Qualifications

Experience working with people with developmental disabilities

Experience working with groups in recreation programs


Accommodation

If you are applying for a volunteer position or internship at Max Higbee Center and have a disability and 

need accommodation for the application process or the role responsibilities described above, please contact the Community Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator at (360) 398-6650.


Nondiscrimination/Equal Opportunity

Max Higbee Center does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, genetic information, or age in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs, services and activities, or in employment. All inquiries regarding compliance with access, equal opportunity and/or grievance procedures should be directed to the Program Director at (360) 398-6669.


Application Process

Submit Volunteer Application

Conduct in-person interview

Sign agreements and waivers

Pass background checks

Schedule volunteer shifts

Agency: Max Higbee Center


About the Position:

Group program support volunteers will assist program managers and recreation leaders in supporting teens and adults with developmental disabilities in community-based recreation programs. This will provide members with the opportunity to achieve greater independence, experience personal growth, have fun, improve their health, and build friendships in a safe and inclusive environment. This is a direct-service position that supports Max Higbee Center members in engaging in a wide range of recreational activities.


Reports To: 

Community Outreach Coordinator for onboarding, scheduling, ongoing encouragement and support  

Recreation Leaders and Program Managers for ongoing training, guidance, direction, and support during volunteer shifts


Schedule Expectations: 

Group program support volunteers will commit on a quarterly basis to one of the following weekly shifts:


From 9:00am to 12:30pm on MON, TUE, WED, THU, or FRI 

From 1:30pm to 5:00pm on MON, TUE, THU, or FRI

From 12:00pm to 2:00pm on MON, TUE, THU, or FRI 

From 6:00pm to 8:30pm on FRI or SAT


Role Expectations 

Help create and maintain a welcoming, inclusive, safe, and respectful environment

Assist with in-house activities and community outings while maintaining group safety and accommodating varying abilities and needs

Support and encourage members in participating in planned activities while also respecting their freedom of choice

Facilitate activities and interactions with members during unstructured time in programs

Communicate effectively and respectfully with all members, caregivers, family members and staff

Demonstrate and maintain appropriate boundaries with members and support members in creating appropriate personal boundaries and relationships both at programs and in the community

Be available to provide more focused support for particular members as identified by staff 

Be available to assist with organizing and cleaning as needed

Be familiar with and follow the guidelines described in the Volunteer & Intern Guide 


Required Qualifications:

Must be 16 years of age or older

Must be able to work in-person at our Bellingham, WA location

Must be able to pass a background check 

Ability to maintain confidentiality of staff, volunteers, and participants

Willingness to reflect honestly and respectfully on volunteer experiences

Willingness to receive and integrate feedback from participants and staff


Desired Qualifications

Experience working with people with developmental disabilities

Experience working with groups in recreation programs


Accommodation

If you are applying for a volunteer position or internship at Max Higbee Center and have a disability and 

need accommodation for the application process or the role responsibilities described above, please contact the Community Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator at (360) 398-6650.


Nondiscrimination/Equal Opportunity

Max Higbee Center does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, genetic information, or age in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs, services and activities, or in employment. All inquiries regarding compliance with access, equal opportunity and/or grievance procedures should be directed to the Program Director at (360) 398-6669.


Application Process

Submit Volunteer Application

Conduct in-person interview

Sign agreements and waivers

Pass background checks

Schedule volunteer shifts

Agency: Max Higbee Center

Need Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 98225

Allow Groups: No