The Calgary John Howard Society (Bedford House Volunteer Life Skills Trainer)

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

The Program- Bedford House’s primary mandate is to ensure the safety, security, and wellbeing of the community at-large while meeting the social and clinical needs of offenders with issues requiring further programming and/or treatment.  The activities carried out are designed to address the social and clinical needs of residents thereby minimizing the risk present if offenders were simply released into the community at the end of their sentence. Bedford House has a total of 22 beds and houses males aged 18+. The house is staffed 24/7 by at least two staff members. Residents staying at Bedford have been referred to CJHS by Correctional Services Canada for transition back into the community. All referrals are screened for suitability and risk management before being accepted. These men are from all walks of life and have committed a wide variety of offences. Successful candidates demonstrate positive motivation, some insight into their criminogenic factors and a willingness to address and change those factors. The Position – The Volunteer Life Skills Coach work directly with the people we serve offering support, information and guidance to all aspects of acquisition and development of daily life skills as the person served accesses the community and builds independence. You will be supported by a Volunteer Supervisor. Time will be committed to your personal development and will include supervision, support, appraisal and training plans. Responsibilities * With the staff team, assist persons served in developing realistic goals and life plans. * Support persons served with career or vocational topics including career exploration and planning, resume preparation, job interview skills and job search strategies and make available to them a wide range of educational and occupational information * To assist persons served in accomplishing and refining the tangible skills needed in daily living such as budgeting, maintenance; and housing and/or job searching. * To assist persons served in the development of intangible skills such as problem solving and assertiveness as well as helping in the development of self-esteem and self-confidence. * Track persons served progress and maintain case files for reporting purposes as required.