Special needs "Plant" in Young Adult programs- volunteer Saturdays Denton, TX.

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The Special Needs Group Assistant Volunteer is for an assistant for our Saturday evening YOUNG ADULT (18+) programs.

We have one programs we run: 6pm-8:30pm is Young Adult Dinner & Chat. You will be a "plant" in the group. Being a "plant" means that you are to be a typical young adult hanging out with your peer group. "Plants" are providing excellent neurotypical interactions and helping quieter members become more involved. No mothering please. Just HIGH energy, talkative, happy, and fun young adults. You will get to eat, chat, and play lots of fun board games.

The enrollments at UTH are set up to end for members on Sunday night for the following weekend. Therefore, by Mondays we know the exact number of "plants" we need. You will be given free pizza and a soda! You are to keep your plant" status a secret because who know you may just really hit it off naturally!

The "plants" need to be under 30 years old as our young adults are all under age 30. Most are 18-26.

We prefer to use the same volunteers each week, so a weekly commitment or frequently wanting to volunteer is preferred. The members have mainly been diagnosed with high functioning autism and anxiety, AD/HD, and speech delays. We do NOT coddle at our site and expect them to follow the same expectations as their neurotypical peers so they can increase their involvement in typical young adult activities.

The volunteer will need to be willing to read their emails to be prepared for the group lesson each week. Plus be willing to call the lead staff to gain additional information about the members and their role for that week. Volunteers who succeed in this position are reliable, punctual, enjoy children & have an even temperament, and great communication. This position is for those individuals who are good at taking initiative and thinking ahead. We are looking for HIGH ENERGY staff. We are also looking for those that are not easily offended because we have to be direct with our members to address their choices as most of our members do not pick up on the subtle social cues.

Training in disabilities and the program will be provided along the way as it pertains to whom you may be interacting with. Due to the nature of our clientele, a resume and a volunteer form will be required to be completed for this position as well as an observation at our site during the program will be required before a commitment can be made. This position can be a volunteer position or used for class credit, practicum, or internship.