Seasons Centre for Grieving Children (Grief Facilitator)

• Background/police check required
• Appropriate for volunteers aged between 18 and 55
• Appropriate for volunteers aged 55 and over
• Training or orientation required

Position Overview A group volunteer participates as a sharer and as one who cares in children’s or parent’s peer support groups. There is no formal counseling or therapy provided by volunteers as a part of these peer support groups. Staff and volunteers support each other, and volunteers and participants share, teach and learn about grief and the grief process. Essential Skills Confidentiality – must respect what is said in group remains confidential Reporting – must report to Group Coordinator any suspicion of suicidal ideation; child abuse; chemical dependency or threats to harm immediately Reliability – if volunteer is to miss a meeting, s/he is to contact the Volunteer Coordinator as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange for a replacement and prepare the group for the change (see contact chart) Therapeutic Boundaries – respect for the helping relationship between volunteer and participant; establishment of person relationships is not permitted during group sessions or up to one-year post program with participants as it may interfere with the healing process Competency – services should be provided only within the boundaries of training received through The Centre   Specific Duties Participate in group sessions in a helping and supportive manner, including self-disclosure when and where appropriate Note and discuss any individual children’s needs Identify and restrict any unsafe behaviors   Reporting/Supervision All volunteers report to the Program Services Manager Issues or concerns pertaining to specific participants and/or group should be reported directly to the Group Coordinator         Requirements/Training Demonstrate working knowledge of Seasons Centre Volunteer Training Manual Attendance at Seasons Centre Volunteer Orientation Completion of specific Grief Facilitator Training Completion of ongoing training as required Clear Criminal Record Search & Vulnerable Sector Search   Time Commitment Biweekly from September to June There will be a 30 minute pre-meeting immediately prior to each group session; there will also be a 15 minute de-briefing meeting following group (may be longer depending on group process that evening) Volunteers for children’s group are normally expected to be in attendance from 5:00pm – 7:15pm; however this is subject to the needs of the group and can be adjusted by the Group Coordinator in collaboration with the group participants and volunteers.