The Alumni Student Support Engagement Team (ASSET) provides a rewarding and meaningful volunteer experience for Alumni. As an ASSET member, you will volunteer directly with students and other services on campus to positively impact the mental health and well-being of UAlberta students.
We are looking for new volunteers for both North Campus and Augustana teams.
ASSET volunteers:
- Have supportive and caring conversations with students, in person or virtually
- Provide information/referrals to mental health support services available on campus
- Engage with students at various events throughout the year
- Work with our campus partners, such as Wellness Supports, Days of Action, Career Centre, and CCR, to deliver mental health programming and check-ins
- Reduce the stigma around accessing mental health supports
- Contribute to a caring campus community inclusive of students, staff, faculty, and alumni
Benefits:
- Receive training in Mental Health First Aid, helping skills, suicide prevention, and self-care that will both prepare you for this role and be useful in your everyday life.
- Get to know fellow alumni and be able to support each other, create new friendships, and expand your network.
- Access meaningful and rewarding volunteer experiences with students.
- Contribute to the growth and direction of the ASSET program.
- Receive a certificate of completion following each training session. Letters of reference can be provided after the completion of one year with the ASSET program.
- Leadership roles will be available to those who continue with the ASSET program beyond one year.
Skills/Requirements:
Volunteer must be a University of Alberta graduate.
In addition, the following skills are required to be successful in this volunteer position:
- Strong interpersonal skills
- The ability to build rapport, engage in non-judgemental active listening, and demonstrate empathy
- The ability to work both independently and cohesively with other members of ASSET
- Excellent organization, communication (verbal and written) and time-management skills
- A strong understanding and respect for privacy and confidentiality
- It is important to be comfortable and have the technology to attend meetings or volunteer in an online environment (i.e. Zoom, Google Meet, etc.)
Training
In order to be successful in the program, volunteers will be required to complete the following mandatory training:
ASSET Orientation - In Person
Thursday, Sept 5
5 PM - 8 PM
Community Helpers QPR Suicide Prevention Training
Saturday, October 5th
9 AM - 5 PM
Mental Health First Aid (virtual)
Tuesday Aug 27 (6 - 8 PM), Friday Aug 30 (6 - 8 PM), Tues Sept 3 (6 - 8 PM), Fri Sept 6 (6 - 8).
Responsibilities:
- Commit to at least one (1) year volunteering with the ASSET program (year starts after training is completed)
- Complete the necessary training requirements
- Submit a Police Information Check
- Volunteer at least four (4) hours per month during the academic year NOTE: Most volunteer opportunities will be during daytime hours. The ideal candidate will have some flexibility in their schedule (or could arrange to be available one week day day per month if required
- Attend monthly meetings with other ASSET members to network, share resources and help plan future events (meetings will currently be online and move to in-person when it is safe to do so)
Recruitment Process:
June 1, 2024 - Applications Open
July 2 - Applications Close
July 9 - 11 - Interview Period
By the beginning of August: Final decisions made. New ASSET volunteers to begin their training at the end of August
