Volunteering
“Do all you can with what you have, in the time you have, in the place you are.“
-- Nkosi Johnson
MHA invites you to join our agency as a volunteer. Volunteers are precious to us, vital to our mission of providing support to people with psychiatric disabilities in their recovery. We thank you for taking the step to find and reach out to us. In return, we pledge to make your participation as meaningful and rewarding as it can be. Welcome to MHA!
Volunteering at MHA: Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a minimum time commitment required?
Some opportunities are one time only, others are ongoing and some offer the chance to join us occasionally, as needed.
What kind of volunteer opportunities are available?
At MHA volunteers can choose from a range of possibilities, including everything from administrative assistance to sharing your skills (for example, arts and crafts, childcare, study skills, personal finances and budgeting, nutrition, benefit navigation) in one of the many MHA mental health services. Our goal is to utilize your talents, skills and interests in ways that support and expand the work of MHA. Upon receiving your application, the volunteer coordinator will meet with you to discuss opportunities.
Can I volunteer for more than one service?
Absolutely, yes!
Do you offer student internships?
Yes, the MHA Internship Training Program provides professional experiences for students at the graduate or post-graduate level, as required by their intended degree, prior to licensure. Read more here.
Who can volunteer?
MHA welcomes you in our work to create positive and powerful change in our community. We invite you to inspire and to be inspired through dedicating your time in ways that matter to you and to those whose lives you will touch.
How to connect with us
Please contact Audrey Brooks, Volunteer Coordinator, at 914-345-5900 ext. 7512 or brooksa@mhawestchester.org
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)
CASA uses specially trained volunteers – Advocates - to assist children who have been abused or neglected, and usually are in foster care or are at risk for placement in foster care. CASA Volunteers ensure that the child’s medical care, mental health, and educational needs are met and help the Court to determine the best interest of the child.
Volunteers are a strong voice for children in Court, speaking up for the needs of the children. Volunteers typically work with only one or two families at a time, devoting the time and energy necessary to assist the Family Court and the child welfare system in making the best possible permanency plan for the child.
For information on becoming a CASA volunteer call 914-345-5900 ext. 7518 or e-mail CASA@mhawestchester.org.
What does a CASA Volunteer do?
Once assigned by a Family Court Judge, the CASA Advocate:
- Reviews the Family Court file to gather family history, including court orders.
- Interviews those involved in the case to gather information that will assist the Court in making timely decisions in the child’s best interests.
- Communicates with everyone involved in the case to collaborate on what is best for the child.
- Reports to the Court. After gathering information, the advocate prepares a report that is reviewed by program staff and submitted to the Court.
- Facilitates discussion among those involved with the child during the course of the Family Court proceedings. CASA can help keep the lines of communication open.
- Monitors progress, contacts everyone involved, attends court appearances and meetings, and follows-up on Court orders. Volunteers visit the child at least once each month and regularly report to the Court for the duration of the assignment.
Location and Hours
Volunteers visit the child in the child’s own environment at least once a month, usually at school or in their foster home. Volunteers are at the court house only when the case is being heard. This could be once a month or once a year, depending on the status of the case. All interactions are within Westchester County.
After initial meetings, CASA volunteers conduct most of their work on the phone.
Training and supervision are conducted at MHA located at:
580 White Plains Road
Tarrytown, NY 10591
Qualifications
A CASA volunteer must:
- be at least 21 years of age
- commit to be a volunteer for a minimum of one year; and
- provide 15 to 20 hours of time per month.
Volunteers must successfully complete extensive training and screening prior to case assignment. Training is approximately 40 hours and consists of class work and court observation.
Upon completion of training, each volunteer is sworn in by the Court and takes an oath to focus on the best interests of each child to whom they are assigned and to maintain strict confidentiality.
CASA is affiliated with National CASA and NYS CASA.
Long Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP)
The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program uses specially trained volunteers, who are called Ombudsmen, to receive, investigate and resolve complaints and concerns of residents in long term care facilities. Ombudsmen advocate on behalf of individuals and groups of residents as well as work to effect systems changes on the local, state and national level. Ombudsmen investigate any complaint that is brought to their attention, and will assist, monitor and refer any unresolved complaints to regulatory agencies.
Volunteers receive 36 hours of initial training and are supervised and supported by two certified social workers with extensive experience and knowledge in the aging field, especially in long-term care.
For information on becoming a LTCOP volunteer call Margaret Hadad, Program Director at 914-345-5900 ext. 7522 or hadadm@mhawestchester.org
What does a LTCOP volunteer do?
Ombudsman responsibilities include:
- Identify, investigate and resolve complaints made by and on behalf of residents
- Provide information to residents about long-term care services
- Represent the interests of residents before governmental agencies and seek administrative, legal and other remedies to protect residents
- Analyze, comment on and recommend changes in laws and regulations pertaining to the health, safety, welfare and rights of residents
- Educate and inform consumers and the general public regarding issues and concerns related to long-term care and facilitate public comments on laws, regulations, policies and actions
- Promote the development of citizen organizations to participate in the program
- Provide technical support for the development of resident and family councils to protect the well-being and rights of residents
Location and Hours
Ombudsmen visit the residents in long-term care facilities in Westchester County.
Ombudsmen usually visit the assigned facility Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Ombudsmen and staff have 24-hour access to the facilities, and they can make visits at any hours in cases of emergency.
Training and supervision are conducted at MHA located at:
580 White Plains Road
Tarrytown, NY 10591
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