Description

Goal of the Assignment:

As a volunteer of Re-Imagine Ontario, the Friendly Visitor Ambassador provides one on one support to socially isolated and lonely seniors located in Halton and Mississauga communities. This includes friendly phone calls, Zoom chats, or home visits (if assessed as safe), where the FVA volunteer acts as friend to an isolated senior. Visits include conversations and social activities and may assist with basic support as companionship to seniors. The goal of FV is to make contact remotely and in-person to encourage seniors to stay active, healthy, and socially engaged within their local communities.

Responsibilities:

• Meet with your senior match virtually or in their home, at least 1 one-hour visit on a weekly basis
• Engage in friendly conversation and leisure activities (e.g., playing board games or sharing a hobby) & provide support through friendship
• Offer social companionship and even take walks/outings in the community, depending on the interest and ability of your senior match
• Follow Re-Imagine Ontario’s policies and procedures, adhere to the rights of the service-recipients and follow program specific guidelines
• Record and submit monthly hours/activities and report any incidences, accidents or concerns to the Program Director
• Participate in meetings and community events if scheduled
• Act as an ambassador for Re-Imagine Ontario

Qualifications:

• Sensitivity to the needs and challenges faced by older adults living in the community
• Patience, compassion. with a desire to help older adults living isolated, some on a low income
• Ability to work with people in a professional, empathetic manner
• Effective verbal and listening communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and build strong working relationships
• Proficient computer/digital skills including but not limited to Zoom. Word and Excel are assets
• A team player who enjoys working in cross-functional teams with a willingness to learn
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with diverse communities and stakeholders
• Other languages spoken, an asset

Other Requirements:

• 55 years or older (most in demand age group. If you’re in this group, we want to hear from you)
• Ability to maintain confidential and sensitive information
• Proof of Vaccination or complete a COVID-19 waiver, consent and non-disclosure forms
• Provide a clear Vulnerable Sector Check-(VSC) (reimbursed, if clear)

Training and Supervision:

• Orientation: provided prior to the commencement date of the assignment and includes orientation to Re-Imagine Ontario programs, policies and procedures, meet and greet with volunteers and organization members and a volunteer handbook as it relates to the volunteer role
• Training: provided prior to commencement of the assignment as well as a walkthrough of the assignment, hands-on training and coaching while the volunteer practices and learns the assignment tasks
• Monitoring of volunteer activities and ongoing support on a regular basis by Supervisor as required

Time Commitment:

• At least 1 one hour Zoom or Phone or In-home visits to the client assigned per week
• Length of volunteering engagement: six -twelve months

Application Process:

1. Complete an application form and submit resume
2. If selected, attend an online interview for initial screening
3. Compete a reference check
4. Contacted regarding outcome and next steps
5. Complete orientation and training session

How To Apply:

Re-Imagine Ontario strives to build an inclusive workforce that reflects the rich diversity of the communities in which we live and serve. All qualified applicants may apply. We strongly encourage applications from persons with lived experience in the communities we serve within Halton-Peel, including Black and Indigenous people, youth and seniors.

If you would like to apply for this volunteer assignment please click the APPLY button at the top of this page and complete the application process on this which will ask you to include your resume and a cover letter. Also, complete the questions and quiz (if asked for) to the best of your ability.

Should you have any questions, please email careers@reimagineontario.ca

Note: This is a volunteer position, and no financial compensation will be provided. However, the rewarding experience of making a positive impact on the lives of young individuals in our community is invaluable.