Volunteer at Total Achievement Program (TAP)
TAP is a therapeutic after-school program for children ages 6-12 who have emotional, behavioral, and social challenges. The program is designed to assist youth in learning age-appropriate coping strategies to handle and express their feelings safely. Youth learn these skills through participating in daily group therapy sessions and structured activities.
If you wish to work in a caring environment with young children, TAP provides a wonderful service and learning opportunity. Volunteers with TAP fulfill a valuable service to our programs.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTIBILITIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
General Duties and Responsibilities:
- Be sensitive to the children’s different boundary needs. (For instance, some children have trauma histories and may react negatively to getting a pat on the back or when people stand too close.)
- Reinforce the program rules and expectations by modeling positive social interactions and reactions.
- Dress appropriately and be punctual.
- Notify your supervisor if you are unable to keep your schedule.
- Keep a record of your service hours on the posted form at TAP.
Specific Responsibilities:
You can choose to participate in a variety of activities, including:
- Provide assistance to the youth during the milieu by helping them with writing or reading (if applicable).
- Assist a staff person with individual or group activities (if applicable).
- Play board games or cards (if applicable).
- Share stories and listen (if applicable).
- Preparing and passing out snacks (if applicable).
- Assist in field trips (if applicable).
- Provide clerical/administrative assistance.
- Share your knowledge and expertise. Your ideas are always welcome!
Other Related Responsibilities:
All long-term volunteers (performing a total of more than 20 hours of service) at TAP complete an intake and orientation that includes Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) clearance, reference check, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) training, Mantoux (tuberculosis) screening, information on Community Care Services’ mission, as well as TAP’s place in that mission, including its philosophy, goals and general policies. The OSHA training and Mantoux screening is repeated annually. Volunteers are encouraged to attend additional training, including First Aid and CPR, This training is our gift to you.
Qualifications (Education and Experience):
- There are no education requirements for volunteers. Experience with children is very helpful. Sensitivity to the challenges of the population we serve,, and ability to relate to these service recipients. Ability to promote a caring and respectful attitude toward clients, staff and other volunteers, respecting privacy and confidentiality.
Because you have chosen to volunteer at one of Community Care Services’ programs, we recognize that you are a generous and caring person. We appreciate your contributions; and our staff is committed to providing excellent supervision and support for you. We sincerely feel that volunteers are members of our team; and we hope that you feel as we do.
CONTACT:
TAP is held daily from 2:30 – 5:30PM during the school year. During school vacation weeks and part of the summer, the program is run from 9AM – 12PM. The three program sites (Attleboro, Plymouth, and Hyannis) each participate in a summer camp component. Please contact the program directors for more details.
| Jen Schwarz, Director | Kate Sweeney, Director | Claudia Alifano, Director |
| 50 Walton Street | 118 Long Pond Road | 270 Communications Way |
| Attleboro, MA 02703 | Plymouth, MA 02360 | Hyannis, MA 02601 |
| 508.223.4109 | 508.747.0402 | 508.862.2577 |
Other:
TAP is a program of Community Care Services.
Community Care Services is a non-profit 501(c)(3) human services agency. Our mission is to provide the highest quality counseling, prevention, behavioral health, education, mediation, advocacy, community living and elderly services to all of our clients in a safe and caring environment in order to maximize the potential in all of us. The agency offers over 30 diverse programs throughout Southeastern Massachusetts and parts of Rhode Island, serving over 7,500 individuals each year.
Please visit our web site at www.communitycareservices.org.
Joan Keiper, Director of Volunteer & Intern Services
70 Main Street, Taunton, MA 02780
508.821.7777x451
