Behavioral & Mental Health Volunteer Program

Connecting Minds

Connecting Hearts

With a little time and a lot of caring, you can make a difference in the lives of people facing behavioral problems and mental illness.

Working alone or with friends, during the day or evening or on weekends in a multitude of settings, you will help to care for some of the needs of Behavioral & Mental Health Services clients in DuPage County.

Ten out of every one hundred people seek help for emotional or psychiatric problems. Clients typically have multiple problems and insufficient funds to pay for private help.

The staff, consisting of psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers and other mental health professionals, will value your contributions. The Health Department is eager to expand services through the work of volunteers.

The Volunteer Program welcomes you, to do this important work. Components of the program include

• Training
• Supervision and evaluation
• On-going education
• A variety of placement options.

TRAINING

To be eligible, you must be a high school graduate or have experience or coursework in human services. You'll need a mature personality and a flexible nature. A completed application form, screening interview and two references are required.

You will be prepared through a comprehensive six week, twelve hour training program before you begin. Training covers the history and goals of community mental health, agency expectations and procedures, common mental illnesses, communication skills and role playing exercises. The classes are relaxed and informal with emphasis on empowering volunteers.

While you act as a role model, self-esteem builder, listener and consistent adult in your work with clients, you will find opportunities to meet your needs as well.

Training is offered in January, April, June & October.

FIRST PLACEMENT

Upon successful completion of training, you may proceed to the First Placement. You will be supervised by clinical staff and expected to contribute a minimum of 24 hours (2-4 hours a week) in a group setting. Evaluation of the First Placement will be a joint effort, between you, the staff and the program coordinator. At this time you may choose to continue at the position, expand the position, try another position or leave the program.

SECOND PLACEMENT

Upon completion of a successful First Placement, you will choose a Second Placement, with the help of the clinical staff and program coordinator. In this position, you usually agree to serve one year, 2-4 hours each week, maintain regular contact with your staff supervisor, and have the opportunity to attend continuing education inservices. Mutual support is available with other volunteers.

Some short-term placements, are available.

SERVICE OPTIONS

GROUP VOLUNTEERS work in the Transitional Services Center, Crisis Unit, Women's Substance Abuse Program, Public Health Centers and Drop-In-Centers. As a group volunteer, you will facilitate activities, listen and socialize with children and adults in a variety of settings including day treatment and respite services, and in less structured settings in the community.

PEER VOLUNTEERS work through the Public Health Centers, Intensive Outreach Unit and Residential Program. As a peer volunteer, to a child, adolescent or adult, you will provide socialization, friendship and empathy. You will reinforce that individual's care plan, as part of the treatment team.

OFFICE VOLUNTEERS work in the Public Health Centers. As an office volunteer, you will provide clerical support services, with minimal client contact.

SMART START VOLUNTEERS lead groups of parents, at public health centers, in a discussion about maximizing brain development in young children. You agree to volunteer 1 hour/month and do not need to attend the 6-week training class.

Other options become available as individual needs arise.

FOR MORE INFORMATION & FOR UPCOMING TRAINING DAYS & TIMES CONTACT THE VOLUNTEER PROGRAM COORDINATOR AT 630/682-7979x7980

Other volunteer opportunities are available throughout various programs including AIDS, Vision & Hearing, School Health, Dental and more. Call 682-7979 ext. 7374