Peer Connection Volunteer

(March of Dimes Canada, West Central Regional Office, After Stroke Program)

Position ID: V-HVC0499
Last Full Update: 22 Feb 2024

Opportunity Details: Peer Connection Volunteer

Contact Coordinator of Volunteer Engagement, March of Dimes Canada; Email: volunteer@marchofdimes.ca
Duties

March of Dimes Canada, After Stroke, vision is a world where everyone impacted by stroke can recover 
and live a life with renewed purpose and optimism and inspire others to do the same.

We are looking for volunteers to join our Hosptial Peer Connection Program which connects stroke survivors in a hospital setting with peer volunteers who are stroke survivors themselves.  As a Peer Connector, you will utilize your lived experience to provide emotional support, education, encouragement, and most importantly inspire hope to stroke survivors while in the hospital.

Main Responsibilities 

  • Initiate and lead one-to-one conversations (online or in-person) with patients in a respectful, calm, and supportive manner
  • Encourage patients to participate and engage in conversation
  • Respect the nature and extent to which patients engage in conversations
  • Attend meetings with the Hospital and Volunteer Engagement Coordinator when needed
  • Introduce MODC After Stroke personalized case management program and community-based peer support programs using materials provided by MODC
  • Adhere to all Hospital and MODC policies, procedures, and guidelines including public health-related guidelines
  • Report any urgent concerns regarding the patients that arise during the visit to hospital unit staff and 
    MODC Volunteer Engagement Coordinator
  • Provide hope, optimism, encouragement, and personal knowledge of stroke recovery and encourage continued contact with MODC through sharing details of the After Stroke Program and other MODC programs and services.
More Info Link https://www.marchofdimes.ca/en-ca/getinvolved/volunteer/vopportunities
Benefits - Gain experience in a hospital setting and develop a greater understanding of stroke rehabilitation. 
- Opportunity to develop and strengthen your communication skills. 
- Utilize your own lived experience to positively impact the lives of those who have been affected by stroke. 
- Comprehensive, free training provided by March of Dimes Canada to prepare you to become an After Stroke Hospital Visitation Volunteer 
- Receive access to stroke-friendly community resources, events, and training opportunities- while gaining valuable knowledge and hands-on experience.
Clients Stroke Survivors
Ages 19 year(s) and up
Suitable for Highschool Credit Hours No
Suitable For Adults (18+) ; Seniors (55+) ; Persons with a hearing impairment ; Persons with a mental disability ; Persons with a physical disability ; Persons with a visual impairment ; Couples
Areas of Interest Health Care ; Information & Referral Services ; Special Needs / Differently Abled ; Support Group Facilitation
Skills/Experience Communication & Interpersonal Skills ; Confidentiality ; Counseling & Support ; Dependability & Trustworthiness ; Friendly & Outgoing ; Listening Skills ; Patience ; Positive / Cheerful Demeanor ; Candidates must have had a stroke and are at least six months into their recovery to join the Hospital Peer Connection program. 
Commitment Length Medium Term (4 months to 1 year) ; Long Term ; Flexible shifts
Interaction Level One-on-one ; Virtual Volunteering
Minimum Hours 3 / Week
Seasons Year Round
Accessibility Fully Accessible ; Designated parking at entrance ; Wheelchair accessible automatic main entrance ; Easy access to elevator ; Barrier-free washroom including door and stall ; Dedicated accessible washroom with all features ; Wheelchair accessible washroom, assistance needed with door ; This position takes place in the local hospital.
Location Hamilton General Hospital, Guelph General Hospital, and Joseph Brant Hospital.
Number of Positions Burlington: 2 individual(s) ; Hamilton: 2 individual(s) 
 
4 individual(s) needed in total. 
 
Hamilton General Hospital (237 Barton St E, Hamilton, ON L8L 2X2) , Guelph General Hospital (115 Delhi St, Guelph, ON N1E 4J4), Joseph Brant Hospital (1245 Lakeshore Rd., Burlington, ON L7S 0A2).
Training Orientation - Through March of Dimes Canada and Hospital ; Training is provided ; Scheduled training ; Training on the job ; Training on-going
Transportation Near public transit
Application Deadline 31 Oct 2023
Police Check Required
Additional Requirements Immunizations based on hospital requirements

Agency Details: March of Dimes Canada, West Central Regional Office, After Stroke Program

Office Phone 905-607-3463
Toll Free Phone 1-888-540-6666
Fax 905-607-9856
E-Mail afterstroke@marchofdimes.ca
Website www.marchofdimes.ca/en-ca/programs/Pages/Online-virtual-programs.aspx
Address & Map
2227 South Millway, Suite 100
Mississauga, ON L5L 3R6
 
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