Friendly Visiting Volunteer

(Links2Care, Georgetown Community Hub, Care at Home for Seniors and Adults with Disabilities)

Position ID: V-HVC0101
Last Full Update: 27 Dec 2023

Opportunity Details: Friendly Visiting Volunteer

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Friendly Visitors work on a one-to-one basis in the homes of seniors and individuals with disabilities. 
In this peer-to-peer volunteer role, the volunteer provides the client with companionship to help reduce their loneliness and isolation. The Friendly Visitor volunteer will enhance the client’s quality of life, while becoming friends and enjoying the company of someone who can share their life experiences. 

Volunteers are matched with clients living in their community with similar interests.  

Contact Skylar Micallef, Volunteer and Friendly Visiting Coordinator, Links2Care; Phone: 905-873-6502 ext 165; Email: smicallef@links2care.ca
Duties
  • To provide companionship services to isolated seniors and adults with disabilities by going on outings, walks in the community, playing games, or having conversations in an indoor setting. 
    • By volunteering, you will be helping to increase an older adult's connection(s) in their community
    • By volunteering, you may able be providing the primary caregiver with a 'bit of a break' 
  • Engage in friendly conversation and leisure activities that both parties enjoy, such as playing 
    cards or sharing a hobby as per client interests, in order to develop a respectful, friendly, caring 
    relationship.
  • Maintain contact with the Coordinator, informing them of any concerns and receiving 
    instructions to meet client and Links2Care goals.
  • Maintain communication with the client in the event of any schedule changes.
  • Complete and submit a monthly volunteer time record.
  • Maintain calmness in emergencies, with an ability to assist in a crisis.
  • Participate in annual volunteer survey.
  • Interact professionally in accordance with Links2Care Code of Conduct and Human Rights Act.
  • Maintain complete confidentiality of client information in accordance with Links2Care 
    confidentiality/privacy policy.
  • Maintain a safe and healthy work environment.
  • Visit or call client on a consistent, weekly basis.
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Time Commitment of 1-2 hours per week.

More Info Link www.links2care.ca
Benefits Improve your social skills, connect with your community and gain experience with seniors or adults with disabilities. Volunteers feel a sense of accomplishment and reward knowing that they are helping someone in need.
Clients Seniors or adults with disabilities who are living independently in the community.
Ages 18 year(s) and up
Suitable for Highschool Credit Hours No
Suitable For Adults (18+) ; Seniors (55+) ; Post-secondary students ; Newcomers / English as a second language ; Couples
Areas of Interest Community / Neighbourhood Volunteering ; Community Outreach ; Friend / Penpal ; Games ; Gardening / Yard Work ; Life Skills Support ; Senior's Activity Support ; Social Interaction ; Special Needs / Differently Abled ; Student Placement ; Support for Visual Impairments ; Telephone Communication
Skills/Experience Communication & Interpersonal Skills ; Confidentiality ; Counseling & Support ; Creativity ; Customer Service ; Dependability & Trustworthiness ; Elder Care ; Friendly & Outgoing ; Leadership ; Listening Skills ; Patience ; Planning & Organizing ; Positive / Cheerful Demeanor ; Self-Motivated / Work Independently ; Team Work ; Patience, reliability, understanding, caring, good communication and listening skills, and the ability to socialize.  
Some knowledge of seniors and/or adults with disabilities is helpful.
Commitment Length Medium Term (4 months to 1 year) - A minimum 6 month commitment is preferred ; Long Term ; At least a six month commitment would be preferred.
Interaction Level One-on-one ; Visiting the same person each week. The client and the volunteer will determine the best day and time for the visit.
Minimum Hours 1 / Week
Dates and Times Visits are flexible and are scheduled around volunteer and client schedules but asked to visit on average one hour a week.
Seasons Year Round
Accessibility Depending on location.
Location Halton Hills
Number of Positions Acton: 20 individual(s) ; Burlington: 20 individual(s) ; Georgetown: 20 individual(s) ; Milton: 20 individual(s) ; Oakville: 20 individual(s) 
 
100 individual(s) needed in total.
Training Orientation ; Training is provided ; Scheduled training ; Training on-going ; Orientation to the program. Other training opportunities are offered as available. Ongoing support from coordinator(s) is provided year round.
Transportation Volunteer is responsible to have or find transportation to and from the client's location.
Cost Volunteers are responsible to obtain a Police Background Check with a Vulnerable Sector Screening prior to being matched. Once volunteers begin in the program, half of the cost of the police check is reimbursed.
Police Check Required
Additional Requirements 1 million dollar liability car insurance is required if using your own car to take clients on outings

Agency Details: Links2Care, Georgetown Community Hub, Care at Home for Seniors and Adults with Disabilities

Office Phone Georgetown: 905-873-6502
Acton: 519-853-3310
Oakville: 905-844-0252
Toll Free Phone Georgetown: 1-866-920-6502
Oakville: 1-866-844-0252
Fax 905-873-6195
E-Mail info@links2care.ca
Website www.links2care.ca
Address & Map
360 Guelph St, Unit 33
Georgetown, ON L7G 4B5
 
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