| Opportunity Type: |
Ongoing Volunteer Opportunity |
| Department: |
Public Health |
| Category: |
Human Services and Public Health |
| Time Commitment or Project Date: |
A minimum of three hours per week for one year. Must be at least 25 years old to apply. |
| Location: |
Homes of families of children with special needs throughout Boulder County.
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| Program Summary: |
The Children with Special Needs (CSN) Program assists families of children with special health care needs from birth to age 21 by:
- Providing care coordination services for the families of infants and children who were born prematurely or have special health care needs.
- Supporting families with a child who has suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
- Linking families to appropriate community resources.
- Providing families with information relating to child health and developmental needs.
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| Duties and Responsibilities: |
CSN’s Give-A-Break Program volunteers provide in-home care for infants and/or young children with special developmental and/or health care needs. The goal of the program is to enhance the well-being of the parents / caregivers and their ability to cope by providing time for rest and relaxation (e.g. time to take a nap, read, take a bubble bath, enjoy some sun or gardening in the yard, or a similar activity in the client’s home).
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Basic infant care, including feeding, diaper changing, and soothing the child.
- Companionship and support for the client.
- Supervising and playing with infants and young children ranging in age from six months to three years.
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| Qualifications and Requirements: |
Education: High school diploma, some college preferred.
Experience: Experience working with families, especially caring for infants and young children.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Must be family and people oriented and enjoy helping others.
- Must be patient, caring, nurturing, and enjoy working with babies and young children.
- Strong verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Ability to lift a minimum of 25 lbs.
- Ability to stand for longer periods of time to calm fussy babies.
Special Requirements:
- Must be able to speak, read, and write Spanish and English fluently.
- Must be at least 25 years of age.
- Must have current basic first aid and infant CPR training/certification.
- Must have own vehicle for transportation, current automobile insurance, a valid driver’s license, and a driving record in good standing.
- Must submit immunization history form and immunization documentation. Some immunizations and/or TB tests may be required (at the expense of BCPH), and volunteer must comply with these requirements prior to start date.
- Universal precautions and TB training will be provided by the BCPH employee infection control nurse before the volunteer may begin.
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| Training Dates and Information: |
Orientation and training will be provided by the Give-A-Break volunteer coordinator and the CSN Program nursing staff prior to the volunteer’s start as an in-home Give-A-Break volunteer.
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| Additional Information: |
Benefits Gained:
- Flexible work schedule.
- Work with a great staff committed to the work of the CSN Program and the well-being of their clients.
- Gain an understanding of the role of public health in the community.
- Make a difference in the lives of Boulder County’s families and their special needs children.
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| Contact: |
BCPH Volunteer/Intern Services Program
3450 Broadway
Boulder CO 80304
Phone: 303-441-1163
Email: healthvs@bouldercounty.org
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| Application Process: |
Submit an application online.
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