International Volunteer

Job Descriptions:

We try to match the skills and interests of volunteers with what NPH wants and needs. All current volunteer opportunities are listed at https://opportunity.nph.org/.

Here are some common volunteer jobs and areas in which volunteers serve:

Education
Volunteers serve as teachers, tutors or librarians. Many homes have their own schools that educate our preschool through middle school students. We need volunteers with teaching and tutoring skills at all levels. Librarians work with school staff and caregivers to increase the students’ literacy skills.

Healthcare
Volunteers serve as doctors, nurses, clinic assistants and therapists. All the homes have “internal” clinics that serve the children and staff of NPH. Some homes have clinics and hospitals that serve the surrounding community as well. Our volunteer therapists provide otherwise unattainable speech therapy, play therapy, physical therapy and occupational therapy.

Administration
Volunteers serve as Communication Officers, Project Coordinators and in our Sponsorship program. Administrative volunteers work with the home and the network of global fundraising offices to communicate with donors and the public about NPH.

Coordination
Volunteer Coordinators help support the current volunteers and screen and place pending volunteers. Visitor Coordinators assist visitors from around the world who come to see and experience NPH first hand.

Youth Development
Volunteers lead and coordinate programs such as women’s empowerment, men’s empowerment, youth leadership, life skills and community support projects.

Unique Opportunities
We often have unique volunteer opportunities that may not be listed on the website. These can include architect, environmental educator, swim instructor, activities coordinator, catechist, pharmacist, etc.

Requirements

• Minimum of 13-month commitment
• Enjoys working with kids.
• 21 years or older
• Fluent in English and proficient in spoken Spanish/or Creole (for Haiti)
• Intermediate computer skills
• Basic administrative skills
• Well organized, with the ability to manage multiple projects
• Knowledge of social media and experience with blogging/Facebook

Other Responsibilities

Each volunteer chooses an hogar (group of children of the same age living together) at the beginning of their year. Each home’s Volunteer Coordinator will communicate the expectations for hogar time. Usually, it is six days a week, 6 to 8 p.m., but this might vary per home. This has been described as the most fulfilling part of volunteering, the bond and relationships formed with their hogar of children.

Volunteers have every other weekend off, as well as up to 22 days of vacation time after four months of service. Vacation must be arranged according to the specific home’s policies.

NPH Volunteers must be at least 21 years old and commit for a year.  All NPH volunteers receive room and board, access to medical care, and a modest monthly stipend. NPH USA pays for health insurance (up to $500/year). Volunteers are responsible for paying their transportation to and from the country where they will serve, as well as any pre-trip expenses like vaccines and language school (if needed).

For more information, please write to the Director of International Engagement, Dr. Jennifer Foster, at jafoster@nphusa.org.