Volunteer

Volunteer Description

JOB PURPOSE:

Responsible for assisting with the support of recreation programs for children and adults with disabilities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Communication and Outreach

• Provide timely responses to phone calls, voicemail and written materials, whether received by mail, fax, or email sent by NWSRA.
• Treat public complaints and concerns with the utmost attention. Is courteous in all cases.
   

Position Specific Responsibilities

• Work all scheduled programs, assignments and commitments.
• Communicate with other staff throughout the program including transition between activities, maintaining safety at all times.
• Keep participants safe at all times.
• Provide activity adaptations as necessary.
• Attend orientation, meetings and in-services as scheduled and required.
• Complete required paperwork including, but not limited to, attendance forms, accident/incident reports and applicable safety forms.
• Demonstrate dependability, punctuality and promptness.
• Know whereabouts of assigned participants at all times.
• Other duties needed to help drive our Vision, fulfill our Mission, and abide by NWSRA’s Core Values.
   

Safety

• Understand safety polices, maintain a working knowledge of all general and departmental-specific safety policies and inspect work and program areas for compliance with safe work practices and policies.
• Enforce safety policies by improving employee and public knowledge while correcting unsafe behavior and conditions.
• Cooperate and assist in the investigation of accidents/ incidents and attends all required safety program and education meetings.

Volunteer Qualifications

JOB STRENGTH REQUIREMENTS:

Weight Bearing:

• Ability to gather and transfer program equipment and to move heavy recreational equipment.

Agility/Flexibility/Balance:

• Ability to kneel, crawl, reach, rotate body position, reach into small spaces and run to maintain interaction with participants in programs who may need individualized assistance or close supervision.

Manual Dexterity:

• Ability to manipulate a variety of objects such as writing utensils, communication devices and recreation equipment of all types.

Stamina:

• Ability to work a varied schedule of days and hours.
• Ability to ride long distances required for the program.
• Ability to keep pace with active participants who may be aggressive or a flight risk.

Psychological Considerations:

• Ability to work with individuals from all backgrounds and special interests in a respectable manner and to maintain a positive attitude in public places.
• Ability to troubleshoot, problem-solve, and handle stress in a calm, professional manner.

Environmental Considerations:

• Ability to perform in a variety of weather conditions, ranging from mild to severe, year round, and in facilities that may range in temperature, and/or have various exposures such as pool chemicals.
• Ability to perform in outdoor situations where there is potential exposure to poisonous plants, insects, and wild animals.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least 14 years of age
• Have an interest or experience working with children and adults with disabilities.
• Highly motivated and enthusiastic to provide a quality experience for our participants.
• Demonstrate dependability, promptness, flexibility and punctuality.
• Demonstrate enthusiasm in recreation programming and have the ability to engage in activities requiring physical exertion.
• Willingness to learn and accept new ideas.
• Personal transportation to and from NWSRA programs and our partner agencies.
• Some programs may require Volunteers to be of a certain age, meet additional requirements and obtain additional certifications (i.e. PURSUIT/STAR, Special Olympics tournaments, trips, adult social outings, etc.).