Opportunities From: United Way of Dane County

Position Summary

The Communications Intern will assist with increasing visibility of and interaction with Canopy Center and its work. With the Communications & Event Planning Assistant, they will develop content for the agency's social media outlets and assist with fundraising efforts, event publicity, and community outreach. This includes taking and editing photos and video, creating graphics and assisting with tasks related to fundraising and outreach events. They will also assist in generating new ideas for content and will have input on future marketing initiatives for the agency and its programs.

This is a Spring semester internship.

Duties

Design and create digital materials for general and event-specific agency marketing, program marketing, and fundraising campaigns at Canopy Center, for social media Collaborate with the development team on the marketing plan Monitor social media for trends that Canopy Center could capitalize on, on social media Other tasks as assigned

Qualifications

Must have completed coursework with an emphasis in design or communications Must be proficient in basic graphic design programs such as Canva Ability to analyze current and successful uses of Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, blogs, etc. Strong organizational skills Ability to work independently, with little supervision Ability to get to and from office via personal or public transportation (bus) when needed. Some work can be done remotely.

To Apply

For more details about the position, download the full description from Canopy Center's volunteer page (https://canopycenter.org/how-to-help/volunteer/). To apply, please fill out the volunteer application available on the volunteer page. To be considered for the Communications Intern position, applicants must also submit a portfolio containing 3 examples of the applicant’s work in graphic design with their application. Portfolios should be emailed to volunteercoordinator@canopycenter.org. Make sure identifying information is included so the portfolio can be connected to the online volunteer application.

Volunteers in this position provide a warm, welcoming presence to make clients feel comfortable when they enter our office. When not providing child care, they are at the front desk, greeting clients and visitors as they arrive, connecting clients with the therapist they are scheduled to see, and answering and directing phone calls. Volunteers are available to assist with child care for a client or client’s accompanying family members, allowing parents/caregivers to meet with Oasis staff one-on-one. Volunteers create a safe, fun environment for children (infants through 12-years-old) and offer the positive role modeling and extra attention that allows children to thrive.

Basic Requirements

Must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or G.E.D. Complete a volunteer application, clear a background check, and attend a volunteer interview. Go through a brief training for the position. Ability to work with a diverse population. Ability to maintain confidentiality and objectivity. Access to reliable transportation. Warm, friendly demeanor and positive attitude.

Preferred Knowledge and Skills

Some understanding of education and child development. Experience working with children and in high stress situations, including screaming and crying children. Bilingual volunteers are strongly encouraged to apply.

Client Services/Reception Duties

Greet and direct office visitors Attend to concerns and requests of clients as needed Answer and direct phone calls Maintain the waiting area  Other office projects as needed

Child Care Duties

Watch and interact with all children who come for child care during Oasis appointments Attend to needs of all children (infant through 12-years-old, some may have special/high needs) Attend to concerns and requests of parents as needed Keep child care area clean and organized, and sanitize toys, furniture, etc. after use

To Apply:

Visit the Volunteer page on our website, www.canopycenter.org, and follow the link to our online volunteer application.

If you have questions, please reach out to our volunteer coordinator, Jim Nyenhuis, at volunteercoordinator@canopycenter.org / (608) 729-1134

Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) provide a voice in the court for a child involved with the child welfare system for a case of abuse, neglect, or other situation impacting the child’s safety, permanency, or well-being. This is a crucial role for some of Dane and Columbia Counties' most vulnerable children.

CASAs are appointed by and act as the eyes and ears for the juvenile court judge. Advocates make weekly visits to their assigned child (either in the parental home, foster home, residential treatment facility, at school, or in the community), as well as correspond with caregivers, teachers, and other service providers to get a complete picture of the child’s history and current circumstances. CASAs, with the support of CASA staff, provide written reports to judges and parties to the case, helping them to make more informed decisions that ensure the child reaches a safe and permanent home as soon as possible. CASAs also work cooperatively with social workers, attorneys, and other professionals involved in the case to recommend and coordinate services that support the best interests of the child.

If you're interested in this rewarding volunteer opportunity, please respond to this post and fill out a volunteer application: https://wi-dane.evintosolutions.com/VolunteerApplication.

Please note that while everyone is invited to apply, this is an in-demand volunteer position, meaning we are unable to take on all applicants as CASAs. Due to the program's strong volunteer retention rate and the interest of new volunteers outweighing the case demand, applicants should expect to wait a year or more before they are able to receive training. As we are able, we will send out updates regarding training sessions to applicants.

Duties and Activities

Weekly meetings with an assigned child, as well as ongoing communication with family members and other professionals involved in their case. Review and monitor documents and records related to the case, including checking that case plans and court orders are being followed. Advocate for the child’s best interests to the court and raise concerns about the child’s health, education, mental health, etc. with the appropriate professionals. Keep the court informed by providing written reports for court hearings, appearing in court when necessary, and updating the court on developments with agencies and family members. Work cooperatively with individuals and organizations involved in the child’s life to ensure that the child and their family are receiving appropriate services. As one volunteer said: Be the glue that connects the pieces in a complicated child welfare system.

Time Commitment

Minimum 12 month commitment. A minimum of 1 weekly (1-2 hour) visit with the assigned child. Estimated 8-12 hours monthly to prepare weekly status updates, monthly court reports, and communicate with other professionals involved in the case.

Qualifications: General

Be at least 21 years old with high school diploma or G.E.D. Complete a Volunteer Application, clear a background check, and attend a volunteer interview. Attend trainings specific to the volunteer position. Ability to work with a diverse population. Ability to maintain confidentiality and objectivity. Access to reliable transportation. Warm, friendly demeanor and positive attitude.

Preferred Knowledge and Skills

Computer skills and familiarity with Microsoft Office. Excellent organizational skills. Personal and/or professional experience with child protective agencies, foster care, juvenile court, or other child service agencies. Bilingual volunteers strongly encouraged to apply.

Position Benefits

Direct experience for those interested in counseling, social work, law, and other related fields. Learn about issues facing children and families with special needs. Develop communication and report-writing skills.

If you have any questions or concerns about the position, please feel free to contact volunteercoordinator@canopycenter.org for more information.

Are you looking for ways to give back? Do you like making a difference in the lives of others?

Canopy Center is looking for Family Interaction Specialist in the Parent-to-Child (P2C) program, which do just that.

P2C is a partnership with the Dane County Department of Human Services to provide parents with supervised visitation opportunities during evenings and weekends. Volunteers supervise visits as ordered by the court and give objective reports based on those interactions, while also serving as a mentor and advocate for those parents and families.

Apply at https://canopycenter.org/volunteeremployee.html

If you have any questions or concerns about the position, feel free to contact volunteercoordinator@canopycenter.org for more information.

Duties and Activities

Coordinate and facilitate visits, including maintaining contact with parents, children, foster families, social worker/case manager, and Canopy Center staff. Observe and report on parent interaction with their child during a weekly two-hour visit. Document and submit all visit notes in a timely manner. Report unusual or questionable visits or any concerns immediately to the P2C Case Manager. Attend quarterly trainings and case reviews. Provide support and resources to families as needed.

Position Benefits

Direct experience for those interested in counseling, social work, and other related fields. Learn about issues facing parents and families with special needs. Develop communication and report-writing skills.