Importance of Position: Performs a vital role in supporting older adults’ desire to remain independent by providing face-to-face social interaction and helping them remain connected to their community.
Benefits of Volunteering: The personal satisfaction of providing a much needed service to those wanting to remain in their own homes. Also, studies have shown volunteering improves overall health and well-being!
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Schedule visits with participants, treating them with kindness, consideration, and respect at all times.
- Ask open-ended questions. Recognize possible health problems by listening carefully to complaints and reporting concerns to Program Coordinator.
- Comply with the Confidentiality Agreement, maintaining the bond of trust we have with our participants.
- Give Program Coordinator sufficient notice if you are unable to keep your commitment.
- Complete paperwork necessary for tracking home visits and participant status.
- Represents ElderServe in a positive manner.
Qualifications:
- Enjoys and values conversations with older adults.
- Ability to speak cheerfully and positively about daily life, shared interests, and to be an encouragement to the older adult.
- Ability to speak clearly, patiently, and at times, slowly.
- Excellent listening skills.
- Ability to conduct oneself in a professional, cooperative manner with participants, their families and caregivers, and ElderServe staff.
Training Provided: Orientation provided by staff before visiting, as well as annual trainings and webinars.
Requirements:
- Age 18+
- Volunteer application
- Provide copy of driver’s license and auto insurance.
- Background and sexual offender check as well as drug testing.
Time Commitment: 2 – 4 visits per month.
Length of Commitment: One year
Grounds for Termination: Failure to carry out assigned responsibilities. Breach of confidentiality.
