Volunteer Programs

Emerge Pediatric Therapy welcomes prospective therapy students to volunteer with group and individual therapy sessions, as well as with our community events. As a teaching clinic, we use state of the art equipment, evidenced based practice, highly trained clinical therapists, and a well developed program to provide quality observation experiences that enrich the volunteer positions.  Volunteering can be beneficial to the prospective student’s experience, prior to applying to and entering a graduate program.

Goals of the Volunteer Programs:

 

The Emerge Pediatric Therapy Volunteer Program is designed to:

  • Provide opportunities for observation of individual and/or group therapy sessions to the prospective graduate student.
  • Train prospective therapy students as volunteers through an application, interview, and orientation process.
  • Provide opportunities for trained volunteers to assist with setup and cleanup of therapy sessions.
  • Provide opportunities for trained volunteers to assist with non-therapeutic tasks while under direct supervision of the licensed therapist.
  • Provide opportunities for bilingual English/Spanish-speakers to translate blog and social media posts as well as communicate with families who are interested in starting services at Emerge

 

Ways to Volunteer:

Emerge Club Volunteering:
Emerge Clubs are our version of therapeutic groups and usually include 4-6 children per session. As a club volunteer, a student must agree to a weekly commitment. The club volunteer is vital to the smooth running of our Club programs. The student completes an application and mandatory orientation process. They will assist with set-up, clean-up, and assist throughout the club session. The number of volunteer positions are limited each season and are dependent on the number of clubs the clinic is running.

All volunteer positions for Fall 2023 Clubs have been filled. Please complete the Volunteer Database Application to be contacted directly for future volunteer opportunities!

Volunteer Database:
Applying to be in the volunteer database allows a prospective therapy student the opportunity to learn about volunteering opportunities in the clinic and community. Additionally, Emerge families will often make requests for caregivers using this database of motivated individuals. The student completes an application and receives an orientation video prior to being added to this database. Prior to Community Events or the launch of Emerge Clubs, an email will go out to the volunteer database and positions will be assigned based on responses.  Types of events volunteers might be needed for include (but are not limited to) parent workshops, play-dates, and resource fairs.  Job responsibilities may include (but are not limited to) clean-up, set-up, providing on-site child care for parents attending workshops, and helping run activities.  The number of volunteer positions will be limited.
Volunteer Database Application
Bilingual Volunteers:

Emerge is looking for bilingual English/Spanish-speakers who are able to translate blog and social media posts as well as contact families who are interested in starting services at Emerge. This work can be done on your own time on an as-needed basis. If approved, you will be added to a database where you will receive emails of blog and Instagram posts that need translation or contact information of families to call.

Volunteer Database Application

If you are seeking hours for graduate school or are hoping for a letter of recommendation:

As a Volunteer at Emerge, you (the student), are responsible for brining an hours log in a timely manner for signatures from our therapists. Hour logs will not be signed by our therapists following one month after completion of your volunteer experience. Emerge Pediatric Therapy does not guarantee a letter of recommendation at the end of your time with us. These letters are subject to the approval of the supervising therapist. If you would like a letter written on your behalf, this must also be completed in a timely manner. Requests made one month, or more, following the completion of your volunteer experience will not be acknowledged.

If you are interested in internship opportunities, please email laura@emergepeds.com for more information.

Requirements of a Student Volunteer:

  • Please Fill out the Volunteer Application form, which will include all necessary paperwork (confidentiality agreement, dress code agreement, and volunteer agreement) 
  • Wait for an email from our Volunteer Coordinator, Laura Strenk, to learn about Emerge’s volunteering availability and needs. 
  • Complete a mandatory volunteer orientation

*Please note that a student volunteer is classified as a prospective therapy student earning observation hours, as well as hands-on experience with the setup, cleanup, and participation in non-therapeutic tasks, while under the direct supervision of the licensed therapist. Volunteers play a significant role in the success of our club programs, but may also have opportunities helping with individual therapy sessions, upon request.

Volunteer Dress Code Policy

When visiting Emerge, please follow the following dress code requirements:

  • Khakis/chinos, scrubs, or dark-wash jeans are acceptable pants. Please refrain from wearing distressed jeans, exercise pants, leggings, shorts, dresses, or skirts.
  • Collared shirts or simple tops and blouses are acceptable. Please refrain from wearing low cut tops and graphic t-shirts.
  • Only minimal jewelry, if any, should be worn. Nothing that a child could potentially pull off of you.
  • Wear shoes that can slip on and off easily. Socks are optional.
  • Emerge is a scent/smoke free facility. Refrain from wearing perfume or scented lotions.
  • Dress comfortably, while adhering to the above requirements.