Misericordia Home
Volunteer Non US Citizen
Yes
Categories:
Spanish Language Preferences:
Location Details
Description
Located on the north side of Chicago, Misericordia provides a variety of residential, therapeutic, medical, and vocational services to approximately 600 clients with various intellectual and developmental disabilities. The majority of our clients live on Misericordia’s “campus” in homes, while some live in community integrated living arrangements. Our clients have a wide range of abilities, independence levels, and support needed; we primarily serve adults, in addition to a smaller number of children. The Mission of MIsericordia is to provide a continuum of care and support for children and adults of all faiths and cultures who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. We provide the highest quality of care designed to meet each person’s changing needs and maximize his/her independence, self determination, interpersonal relationships, and engagement in the community. The mission extends beyond the residents as we offer peace of mind to families. Through Catholic values and traditions, we strive to be a diverse and inclusive community of acceptance, respect, dignity, spirituality, and quality of life.
Student Role
Students placed at Misericordia work with the site supervisor prior to and upon arrival to ascertain specific areas of interest, talent , or futured desired employment and then are placed accordingly. Students will assist Misericordia staff in facilitating adaptive programming for our clients. The majority of our students assist in our developmental training or community day services programs as their primary role; these programs offer diverse options to suit our clients’ needs and interests. Students have also worked in rec and leisure, ministry, occupational/physical.speech therapy, fitness, and behavior support departments. Students may also spend limited time observing medical or dental clinics if applicable.
Work Schedule
Flexible. Usually Monday-Friday 9am-4pm, may work later hours or weekends as agreed upon ahead of time.
Orientation
Students participate in our one-day auxiliary training through our Human Resources and Staff Development Departments. Additionally, they receive onboarding with the site supervisor as well as a tentative/observation schedule for the first week. Please note that students do not complete our entire training class (as that is 4 weeks). As a result, students will have some limitations in care/support they can provide and will always be with Misericordia staff.
Housing Information
Students will live in our volunteer house, a Misericordia property located in the community near our campus. The distance is walkable, bikeable, but we also provide transportation for the short distance to our campus. Two of our Misericordia staff live on the top floor of the house with their young family and are available for daily needs. Volunteers inhabit the first and second floor levels and may share space with other programs over the summer. The house uses a shared credit card to buy groceries and has community dinners throughout the stay.
Spanish Language Proficiency
Not Applicable
Background Check
Child Protection/Working with Youth Training, Fingerprints, Local Background Check
Drivers License
No
Student Preferences
Comfort working with a variety of individuals with various behavioral and communication skills and support needs. Flexibility and willingness to observe/learn. Students will be expected to demonstrate professionalism across settings.