Volunteer Experience at Parent Helpline

Prevent Child Abuse New York is looking for volunteers for their flagship program, Parent Helpline. Volunteers/Interns would be given the opportunity to work with families to provide referrals and advocate for families to prevent child abuse. The following describes in detail the many aspects and projects that a Parent Helpline volunteer would participate in:

Since 1980 Prevent Child Abuse New York (PCANY) has inspired parents,
policy makers and community members to put the needs of kids first. Focused on
community activities and public policies that prioritize prevention right from
the start, we strive to create a world where child abuse and neglect never
occur. Through statewide leadership and collaboration, our work ensures the
health, development and prosperity of New York’s children, families, and
communities.

As PCANY’s flagship program, the Parent Helpline
provides direct help to thousands of struggling families each year through
information and referral services focused on strengthening families, resolving
problems and preventing situations that could lead to child abuse and
neglect.

As a Parent Helpline Intern, you will gain an
understanding of issues related to parenting and family functioning, healthy
child development, the child protective system, and the prevention of child
abuse and neglect. Interns will be exposed to several projects that will help in
making this an incredibly rewarding experience. Potential projects
include:

Information and Referral Specialist: Serve as a referral
specialist by providing information over the phone to a diverse case of callers
in regard to all family issues. This serves as a great way to increase your
communication skills as well as learn to advocate for
individuals.

Research: Assist in exploring community agencies
throughout New York State that offer a variety of programs for
families.

Database: Update the Helpline database through data entry
and Internet research.

Quality Assurance: Assist in an ongoing
assessment of the information and referrals given to Helpline
callers.

Community Outreach: Participate in community events to
promote the Helpline and offer PCANY literature to community
members.

Literature: Assist in the research and production of
public education materials.

Expansion on the Helpline: Potential to
further your time with PCANY by volunteering for our out-of-office on-call
Helpline schedule.

*Created by Jenn Matrazzo & Naomi Adler

Contact Information

Jenn Matrazzo, Associate Executive Director
33 Elk Street, 2nd Floor
Albany, NY 12207
518-445-1273 tel 518-436-5889 fax
info@preventchildabuseny.org
www.preventchildabuseny.org