Volunteer Program Chicago

Make a difference to the lives of children!  Maryville Academy is accepting applications for volunteers.

Maryville is a human services organization established as an orphanage by the Archdiocese of Chicago following the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. As a childcare organization rooted in Catholic social teaching, Maryville is dedicated to the preservation of the dignity of children at every age. Our mission is to help children and families to reach their fullest potential by empowering intellectual, spiritual, moral and emotional growth. Our six service areas include: Behavioral Health, Early Childhood, Educational Services, Family Services, Jóvenes Adelante (Youth Moving Forward) and Residential Services. Our services are offered in Chicago, Bartlett and Des Plaines. We offer many opportunities for growth, a rewarding experience and an excellent benefits package.

Volunteers fulfill a variety of roles within Maryville dependent on the volunteer’s interests and programmatic needs.  Volunteers assist Maryville in meeting its mission to their clients by providing structure, stability and guidance. They are part of a team effort to promote the well-being and individual growth of youth in Maryville care by sharing their commitment with a youth to help make their future a success. Volunteers gain valuable experience working with youth.

Essential Functions

• Commit to one day a week working with assigned population at designated time and sites schedule is negotiable.
• Report to the supervisor upon your arrival to receive an update regarding the youth.
• Document arrival and departure in sign-in book/or on individual time sheet to be turned into volunteer coordinator or program manager on site.
• Report any unusual incidents to the supervisor prior to departure.
• Follow directives of staff.
• Assist Maryville staff during group-time with the youth.
• Help individual youth with homework or activity.
• Maintain ethical standards as described by Maryville at all times.
• Maintain open communication with shift supervisors, program manager and other team members involved with the youth.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding youth.
• Tutors should focus on the academic assistance with youth.
• Mentors should focus on relationship building with designated youth according to the above listed activities.
• Participates in continued performance quality improvement.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Minimum 21 years of age.
• Complete Volunteer Packet:  Volunteer Application Form, Medical Exam, Drug Screen, TB test, Confidentiality Agreement, Background Check, Fingerprinting, Authorization to Obtain Criminal Convictions Report and Reference Check.
• Completed 2 weeks after last COVID vaccine.
• Attend Protecting God's Children Workshop online during this time. 
• Do the DCFS Mandated Reporter training online.
• Attend an orientation session/tour.
• Must have a positive, supportive, and patient attitude.
• Must possess the ability to interact and communicate professionally with team members and youth.
• Receive on-the-job training or attend training session as appropriate to the complexity and demands of assignment.

Physical Demands:

• Required to frequently sit, stand, bend, stoop and walk, sometimes for extended periods.
• Required to lift/ move objects weighing in excess of 20 pounds.
• Must have visual, hearing, and learning capabilities sufficient to perform the essential functions defined above

Environment and Scheduling:

• Duties are performed in designated administrative office settings.
• Duties may involve contact with youth who may be threatening, aggressive and/or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.