How to Get Involved
Volunteer
Volunteers for Children’s Advocacy Services are an integral part of a program designed to help reduce the trauma experienced by child victims during the investigation and treatment phases. Volunteers interact with staff members, investigators, social workers, physicians, nurses, and others who share your concern for these children.
CASGSL volunteers make a positive impact on the lives of children who are the victims of trauma such as sexual or physical abuse.
Volunteer Opportunities at CASGSL
Receptionist Assistant
Purpose: To assist front desk staff with reception area duties
Reports to: Senior Secretary or Administrative Assistant
Time requirement: 3 -10 hours per week. Volunteers are needed on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings.
Duties:
- Greet clients and advise clinicians of their arrival
- Answer phones at reception area
- Supervise children in waiting room area
- Operate TV/VCR for children waiting area
- Monitor clinical area to ensure that only authorized persons (staff, client, client’s non-offending parents or siblings) are present.
- Light copying or typing
Skills required:
- Good phone skills
- Comfortable with children
- Some clerical skills
- Professional but flexible attitude
Clerical Assistant
Purpose: To assist in clerical tasks as needed
Reports to: Senior Secretary or Administrative Assistant
Time requirement: variable
Duties:
- Assist with daily filing tasks
- Photocopy materials as needed
- Prepare necessary material for next day’s appointments
- Assemble brochures for community presentations
Special Event Volunteer
Purpose: To assist with special fundraising or program events
Reports to: Executive Director
Time requirement: variable, short-term
Duties:
- Varies according to special event; assist with various set-up, operation and clean-up tasks as needed
Skills:
- Comfortable with children
- Good organizational skills
Volunteer Recruitment and Screening
Volunteers are recruited from a variety of sources. Prospective volunteers are encouraged to call (314) 516-6798. At that time, volunteers will be sent an application, along with a Missouri State Highway Patrol/Department of Social Services criminal background check and child abuse/neglect screening form. Upon receipt of the screening form, CASGSL will forward it to the state agencies. A response usually takes two weeks. If no criminal background or substantiated child abuse history is found, a staff member will contact the volunteer to discuss specific volunteer opportunities.
As an organization that serves vulnerable children and youth, it is essential that Children’s Advocacy Services screen all prospective volunteers to ensure our client’s safety.
Statement on Confidentiality
The children and families who receive services from Children’s Advocacy Services of Greater St. Louis are experiencing a serious trauma and are dealing with extremely sensitive issues. It is absolutely crucial that all CASGSL volunteers respect our clients’; confidentiality. Volunteers must not disclose any personal information about clients to anyone other than CASGSL staff. If another agency calls requesting information about a client, please refer the call to a staff member.