Position Title: Hand in Hand Mentor

Immediate Supervisor: Berna Gudzinski, Jill Hrenyk

Volunteer Role Description:

Hand in Hand mentors are needed as an additional positive support for our housing clients in order to assist them in their reintegration and rehabilitative plans. Hand in Hand mentors can help women to move forward on their goals by conducting productive discussions and activities around progress on current as well as future goals. Our women may need assistance and guidance on learning simple life tasks such as grocery shopping, learning transit, etc. Hand in Hand mentors can be integral in helping our women reestablish connections with their communities and their independence.
Qualifications/Skills Required:
? Understanding of systemic issues facing women in conflict with the law
? Ability to set firm professional boundaries
? Ability/experience in conducting goal-oriented discussions/activities and to promote positive coping
? Non-judgmental and encouraging attitude
? Active listening skills

Benefits to Volunteer:
? Skill development and enhancement in front line work with vulnerable women
? The opportunity to enhance the lives of vulnerable women and promote their well-being
? Training opportunities with CSC and institutional clearance (valid for 10 years through the Edmonton Institution for Women)
? Ongoing training and skill development opportunities

Responsibilities/Tasks:
? Weekly home visits with the Housing Coordinator and the program participant where they will learn about the participant and their goals.
? Weekly connection with mentee in person to work on goal oriented activities.
? Connecting via email to mentee to arrange meeting spots/times
? Communicating issues/outcomes to volunteer supervisors

Time Required:
? 1 hour per week for weekly in home meetings with mentee and Housing Coordinator
? 1-2 hour per week independent activity with mentee

Training Requirements:
? EIFW non-security escort training
? Elizabeth Fry volunteer orientation