Volunteer

Receptionist Volunteer

Duties: Answering the phone and greeting/assisting visitors, clients and donors. Volunteers work one 4-hour-shift/week and work the same shift (day and time) every week. Opportunities for on-call receptionists are also available.

Basic requirements for Receptionist Volunteers are as follows:

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Receptionist Volunteers must be willing to work either one four-hour shift per week for a minimum of four (4) months, or serve in an on-call capacity for at least one year.
• Must maintain strict confidentiality.
• Must have excellent front desk interpersonal skills.
• Must pass interview screening and participate in volunteer training sessions.
• Must be willing to fulfill Washington State licensing requirements:
  • DCYF background check & fingerprinting
  • Tuberculosis (TB) Test
  • Yearly Flu Shot
  • Adult TDaP Booster

To apply to be a Receptionist Volunteer, please fill out our online volunteer application.

Board Member on Vanessa Behan Board of Trustees

Details:  Vanessa Behan’s board is an exciting and engaged board. Members are expected to participate in monthly board meetings currently on the 4^th Monday of each month from 4-6p (exceptions July and December) and join two (2) committees that meet either monthly, quarterly or ad hoc. Between meetings and events, a board member can anticipate between 4-6 hours per month. Board members are encouraged to participate in fundraising and development activities, which include an annual gift to Vanessa Behan that is personally significant and meaningful. Board members can serve 2 terms, each lasting 3 consecutive years.

To apply to be a board member, please fill out our online application.

Childcare Volunteers

Duties: Childcare volunteers assist House Parents by participating in childcare and routine activities under the direction of the staff. Volunteers interact with children during playtime, assist staff in daily activities such as serving meals, cleaning up and soothing/nurturing children at nap and bedtimes.

Basic requirements for Childcare Volunteers are as follows:

• Must be at least 18 years old.

There are three unique commitments to choose from:

• Childcare Volunteers must be willing to volunteer a minimum of six hours (2 shifts) or a maximum of fifteen hours (5 shifts) per month for six (6) months.

OR

• Childcare Volunteers must be willing to volunteer a minimum of 1 academic year (2 semesters/3 quarters), for a minimum of six hours (2 shifts) or maximum of fifteen hours (5 shifts) per month.

OR

• Childcare volunteers must be willing to volunteer a minimum of five hours (2 shifts) or a maximum of 12 ½  hours (5 shifts) per month for (6) months.

Childcare Minimum Requirements:

• Maintain strict confidentiality.
• Be willing to follow guidance of staff.
• Pass interview screening and participate in volunteer training sessions.
• Be willing to fulfill Washington State licensing requirements:
  • DCYF background check & fingerprinting
  • Food Worker’s Card
  • Tuberculosis (TB) Test
  • Yearly Flu Shot
  • Adult TDaP Booster

To apply to be a Childcare Volunteer, please fill out our online volunteer application.

Children’s Waiting Room Childcare Volunteers:

Duties:

Vanessa Behan has a new volunteer opportunity for Childcare Volunteers!  We are looking for volunteers help at the Children’s Waiting Room across the street from the Spokane County Courthouse.   We would love to have a volunteer who can take a regular weekly shift on a Thursday from 1pm-5pm or Friday either from 8am-1pm (may be finished by 12pm) or 1pm-5pm.

 The Children’s Waiting room, operated by Vanessa Behan, is a free drop-in childcare program available for anyone attending to business on the Spokane County Courthouse campus.  Children between the ages of birth to age twelve are welcome on a first-come, first-served basis.

The goal of the Children’s Waiting Room program is to shelter children from witnessing sometimes upsetting courtroom events and reducing trauma exposure.  The Children’s Waiting Room gives children a safe, nurturing place to play while families and care givers take care of business at the courthouse.  In order to meet this mission, we need the help of volunteers like you!  Volunteers will work alongside Vanessa Behan staff to provide fun and educational activities that encourage children to forget about their anxiety and fear. 

Childcare Volunteers for the Children’s Waiting Room will receive more in-depth training than that of our regular building Childcare Volunteers.  This allows Children’s Waiting Room Volunteers to be able to help with tasks such as changing diapers or clothing when needed.

Basic requirements for Childcare Volunteers are as follows:

• Must be at least 18 years old.

There are three unique commitments to choose from:

• Childcare Volunteers must be willing to volunteer a minimum of (1) 4-hour shift per week with a commitment of (6) months.  Volunteer shifts are available mornings and afternoons.

OR

• Childcare Volunteers must be willing to volunteer a minimum of 1 academic year (2 semesters/3 quarters), for a minimum of six hours (2 shifts) or maximum of fifteen hours (5 shifts) per month.

OR

• Childcare Volunteers must be willing to volunteer 12 hours (4 shifts) per month during the summer (June/July/August).

Childcare Minimum Requirements:

• Maintain strict confidentiality.
• Be willing to follow guidance of staff.
• Pass interview screening and participate in volunteer training sessions.
• Be willing to fulfill Washington State licensing requirements:
  • DCYF background check & fingerprinting
  • Food Worker’s Card
  • Tuberculosis (TB) Test
  • Yearly Flu Shot
  • Adult TDaP Booster

To apply to be a Childcare Volunteer, please fill out our online volunteer application.

Certified House Parent Internship/Practicum
Internship and practicum volunteers receive additional training and have a broader scope of childcare responsibilities than the traditional childcare volunteer.

Basic requirements for Certified House Parent Internship/Practicum are as follows:

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must be enrolled at a University or Community College.
• Must have a minimum requirement of completing 100 hours for each semester.
• Must maintain strict confidentiality.
• Must pass interview screening and participate in all required training sessions.
• Must be willing to fulfill Washington State licensing requirements:
  • DCYF background check & fingerprinting
  • Food Worker’s Card
  • Tuberculosis (TB) Test
  • Yearly Flu Shot
  • Adult TDaP Booster

To apply to be a Certified House Parent Intern, please fill out our online internship/practicum application.

Kitchen Volunteer

Duties: Kitchen Volunteers prepare one snack and one meal and an optional dessert for up to 24 children and adults.  Kitchen Volunteers follow the menu and will be able to provide input for their future shifts once they feel comfortable doing so. Each Kitchen Volunteer will just have one shift a week. You may apply with a friend to share your shift.

A Kitchen Volunteer does not need prior experience cooking for large groups; just a love for cooking and a desire to fill those hungry little tummies!  Our recipes are easy to follow, the ingredients will be on hand, and after a bit you may customize your menu under the guidance of our Program Staff.

Basic requirements for Kitchen Volunteers are as follows:

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Kitchen Volunteers must be willing to work (1) four-hour shift per week for a minimum of (6) months or for the duration of one academic year; or for the duration of the summer months.
• Must maintain strict confidentiality.
• Must be willing to follow guidance of staff.
• Must pass interview screening and participate in volunteer training sessions.
• Must be willing to fulfill Washington State licensing requirements:
  • DCYF background check & fingerprinting
  • Food Worker’s Card
  • Tuberculosis (TB) Test
  • Yearly Flu Shot
  • Adult TDaP Booster

To apply to be a Kitchen Volunteer, please fill out our online volunteer application.

As a member of the community it is important to share Vanessa Behan with you. Please come see, first-hand, the difference we are making in your community, hear the bold vision we have to deepen the impact for the children and families in our area, and learn how you can be part of it all.

Click here and check the Come for a visit section to schedule a tour.

Group or Special Projects

Have a group or individual project? Please contact the Volunteer Department at 509.598.7490 or by clicking here. We’d love to discuss options with you!