Description & Details
The goal of the Visiting, Social and Safety program is to help seniors and people with disabilities who have limited social contact maintain healthy, independent living. Volunteers provide friendly connection and support through regular interactions, either in person or over the phone.
Volunteer Duties & Responsibilities:
- Must be invested in promoting independence and the well-being of seniors and people with disabilities
- Must be available to maintain regular contact with the participant and program worker
- Arrange in advance a suitable time to call and/or visit
- Visit for approximately one hour
- Maintain confidentiality
- Identify needs/concerns that may arise during the visit and inform the Visiting, Social & Safety program worker
- Complete the volunteer monthly report form and submit to the program worker
- Participation in volunteer role related training workshops and meetings
Skills Required:
- Positive attitude,
- Awareness of issues faced by seniors and people with disabilities and respectful of participants’ self-determination
- Must be an active listener, empathetic and be committed to providing support and companionship to isolated participants
- Must be professional, reliable, responsible, non-judgemental and non-discriminating
- Must be flexible and open to other ideas
- Second language is an asset: Portuguese, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Spanish, Mandarin, Italian, Polish, Somali, among others
Orientation, Training and Benefits:
- Staff provides orientation and training before volunteers are placed in the program
- On-going support provided by staff
- On-going training workshop opportunities and get-togethers provided throughout the year
- Possibility to tailor the various volunteering opportunities to the volunteers needs and availabilities
- TTC tickets provided as per request
Program Time:
- Visits and Friendly calls can happen anytime of the week (including weekends) depending on participants needs
Volunteer Commitment:
- 1 hour a week plus travel, flexible according to volunteer/participants schedule
- Minimum of 6 months
*A Vulnerable Sector Police Check is required for this position |
How to Apply / Contact: |
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Please call 416-532-4828, ext 171 or email volunteers@westnh.org for more information. You can apply to be a volunteer by completing this application form:
Apply