POSITION TITLE: Summer Lunch Bunch Mentor
TIME COMMITMENT: Volunteers are asked to commit to at least one regular shift per week, Monday through Friday, from 11:30 AM-1:30 PM.
Lunch is served from approximately 12:00-1:00 PM. Volunteers will help with setup before lunch, support children during lunch, and assist with cleanup and light activities afterward.
LOCATION: Pheasant Ridge Center, 2651 Roberts Road, Iowa City, Iowa 52246
PURPOSE:
Summer Lunch Bunch Mentors help create a safe, welcoming, and positive lunchtime experience for children in the Pheasant Ridge neighborhood. Mentors provide a steady adult presence by helping set up before lunch, welcoming children who arrive or line up early, helping children move through the lunch line, eating and playing with children, supporting problem-solving, and assisting with light activities after lunch.
This role helps make Lunch Bunch more than a meal by creating a space where children feel welcomed, supported, and cared for during the summer.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
· Must be 18 years old or older
· Must be able to commit to at least one regular shift per week
· Must be able to pass necessary background checks
· Must enjoy working with children
· Must be dependable, patient, and comfortable in a busy environment
RESPONSIBILITIES:
· Help set up before lunch begins
· Help welcome and manage children who arrive or line up early
· Welcome children and help create a calm, positive lunch environment
· Help keep lunch lines calm, safe, and organized
· Eat, talk, and play with children during Lunch Bunch
· Work with children one-on-one as needed while staff are present
· Help support children in the neighborhood before, during, and after lunch
· Use PBIS model language to encourage positive behavior and problem-solving
· Help children work through conflicts or challenges that may arise
· Support light activities with children after lunch
· Help clean up after lunch and activities
· Communicate concerns or needs to Neighborhood Centers staff
· Follow all applicable NCJC policies related to child safety, confidentiality, behavior support, and boundaries
SUPERVISION AND SAFETY:
Volunteers are not permitted or expected to be alone with children at any time. Neighborhood Centers staff will be present during Lunch Bunch, and volunteers will support children under staff guidance and supervision.
REQUIRED TRAINING(S):
· Orientation/Onboarding
· Site-specific guidance from Neighborhood Centers staff
· PBIS model language and behavior support expectations
BENEFITS TO VOLUNTEERS:
· Build meaningful connections with children in the neighborhood
· Support access to healthy meals during the summer
· Gain experience in youth development, mentoring, and community-based programming
· Develop skills in communication, patience, teamwork, and problem-solving
· Volunteers completing at least 25 hours of service are eligible for a performance appraisal and a letter of recommendation
By volunteering as a Summer Lunch Bunch Mentor, you help children experience lunchtime as a safe, caring, and positive part of their summer day. Your presence supports children, staff, and the broader neighborhood community.
*** If unable to be present for a scheduled shift, contact the designated lead at your volunteer site prior to the start of the session.
