VOLUNTEER INFANT CUDDLER

*Please note - it is a requirement to provide a copy of your photo ID, Covid immunizations if relevant,  a current TB test and  current FLU (if you have recevied the immunization).  You must have a valid Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card and must pass a background screening.  If interested please proceed with the application process.  Please upload these required documents at the time you apply. Thank you much for considering your time with Hushabye Nursery! 

The power of physical touch has been proven to provide incredible benefits for an infant’s brain development, physical health, and ability to recover from illness. The “Infant Cuddler” role at Hushabye Nursery provides contact and interaction to babies experiencing NAS through soothing techniques including rocking, swaying, singing, and swaddling. 

We rely on our volunteers to help provide the one to one care that is vital to the recovery of infants experiencing Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome. Our volunteers are trained through the Eat, Sleep, and Console (ESC) treatment program that is at the heart of the services we provide. Volunteers complete trauma informed training prior to their service in the nursery, with ongoing training and support provided.  

Highly experienced neonatal nurse practitioners support and supervise our volunteers to ensure the safe execution of ESC treatment protocol. In order to volunteer we ask for a 4 hour per week commitment to help create consistency for our families and staff. All it takes is a caring heart and loving arms to make a difference in the life of an infant! 

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

ABOUT HUSHABYE NURSERY:

Hushabye Nursery is an Arizona nonprofit organization with a mission to embrace substance exposed babies and their caregivers with compassionate, evidence-based care that changes the course of their entire lives.The organization was founded by Tara Sundem, a neonatal nurse practitioner who witnessed firsthand the challenges of newborns exposed prenatally to opioids and those families trying to care for them. Hushabye Nursery’s innovative model offers a safe and inclusive space where mothers, family members and babies – from conception through childhood – can receive integrative care and therapeutic support that offers each child the best possible life outcomes. Programs will include prenatal and postpartum support groups, inpatient nursery services and outpatient therapies.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Volunteers are a direct extension of Hushabye Organization and an integral component in the success of our organization and our families. Assigned tasks of volunteers can vary based on assignment role. All volunteers will be expected to complete tasks assigned by the Volunteer Coordinator (or other Hushabye Nursery leadership), upholding the organization’s values and maintaining a high degree of professionalism with all interactions. Our volunteers should always demonstrate active listening and problem solving skills, approach our families in an empathetic manner and stay within the scope of their assignments as identified by Hushabye Nursery leadership. 

• Our Volunteer Cuddlers position requires, a minimum 3-hour or more shift each week. 
• Must complete required orientation and training program in order to appropriately serve our families and become well versed in trauma informed language.
• Provide comfort measures to newborns and their family members by rocking babies in the nursery when requested by clinical personnel. Will provide physical and emotional contact for infants, fostering growth and development. Lend support to clinical staff caring for newborns.
• Willingness to work as part of a team and have flexibility 
• Develop and maintain strong, positive relationships with collaborative partners ensuring that mutually agreed upon expectations are being met.
• Maintain and uphold Standards of Practice.

The successful Volunteer will demonstrate the following core competencies:

• Excellent written and communication skills
• Ensure all programming is relevant across culture, age, gender, and addresses barriers to equity, equality and inclusion.
• Utmost discretion dealing with confidential information
• Ability to help foster a trauma informed, inclusive environment for all mothers, families and support systems.
• Current AZ DPS Level 1 fingerprint clearance
• Flu Vaccine or Waiver (Must mask during flu season if waiver)

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Must be cleared via a background check and drug screen

PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS & ENVIRONMENT

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk, hear, taste or smell. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Hushabye Nursery provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, citizenship, ancestry, age, disability, gender identity or expression and sexual orientation, genetic information, familial or marital status, veteran status or national origin. Hushabye Nursery is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

Applicants as well as employees who have or gain a disability must be able to perform the essential duties & responsibilities either unaided or with reasonable accommodation.  The organization shall determine reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis in accordance with applicable law.

Applicants as well as employees who have or gain a disability must be able to perform the essential duties & responsibilities either unaided or with reasonable accommodation.  The organization shall determine reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis in accordance with applicable law.