Volunteer - Friendly Visitor

**Note**:

- This is a volunteer opportunity, not a paid position
- Volunteers must reside in Peel Region
- Student practicum/co-op placements and high school hours are not offered through this volunteer role

**FRIENDLY VISITOR VOLUNTEER**

**_Visit with an elderly person to make a difference in their life_**

**A day in the life of a Friendly Visitor**

You will visit with a senior age 55+ who is homebound and isolated, connecting with them to hear stories, and engage in social programs.

**Responsibilities and Duties**:

- You will interact and build relationships with an assigned senior match in need of social interaction, supporting their individual goals, such as: _
- Going for a walk
- Friendly conversations
- Listening to music together
- Reminiscing and sharing stories
- Attending online or telephone programs with senior match
- Helping with technology needs
- Encouraged to register any additional older adults in their immediate circle or community that would benefit from the program

**You will record/ share the planned interactions with the Volunteer Coordinator**:

- How did you spend your time interacting? (Talking, doing a specific activity, walking, etc.)
- What was the engagement level of the senior
- when you arrived, and when the visit was completed
- What worked well to engage them, what didn’t
- Any concerns or areas for the team to follow up on with the senior
- Planned interactions recorded weekly via online Google Form.

**Qualifications**:

- As a friendly visitor you demonstrate the following qualities: _
- Passion for seniors
- Patience and excellent listening skills
- Excellent command of English (written and spoken)
- Any additional languages an asset to communicate with seniors that do not speak English
- Good computer skills
- Willing to follow policies and procedures
- Ability to maintain and protect confidentiality of the personal information of the seniors
- Interest in getting to know their personal stories and experiences
- Flexibility
- each visit may look different based on the interest of the senior that day

**Each volunteer is required to provide**:

- A Vulnerable Sector Screening from the Police/ RCMP
- Proof of COVID-19 vaccination (2 doses minimum)

**Preferred Experience**:
Experience spending time with seniors (family members, community members, etc.)

**Commitment Expected**:
Each volunteer has commitments we are happy to work around, provided it meets the needs of the seniors we serve. Being a friendly visitor requires you to build relationships and get to know your Senior match as a friend
- the most successful friendly visitors, visit consistently, so the seniors can get excited about when to expect them.

Weekly mutually agreed schedule available Monday through Sunday mornings and afternoons. _Some evening visits available _upon request of senior clientele._

**Frequency and duration at a minimum for this position**:

- Frequency
- once per week or more frequently
- Duration
- at least 1 hour per visit, ideally minimum of 100 hours

**Training**:
We support a vulnerable group of seniors, and as such online orientation and training is required prior to being matched to a senior.

**Why should you volunteer for this opportunity?**
- Opportunity to make a positive difference with older adults who are lonely and socially isolated at home/place of residence.
- If you are retired, the 'role' provides seniors with an opportunity to network and talk with other like-minded individuals and seniors
- Practice your skills and knowledge in a not for profit environment
- Volunteering with a reputable agency with a 25-year history, recognition and respect
- Be supported by staff and volunteers who are very supportive, supervisors are always available and are easily contacted if you need advice on how to handle a situation

**About Elder Help Peel**

**Application Process prior to being matched to a senior**:

- Submit your resume
- Attend an online interview
- Provide a Vulnerable Sector Screening from the Police/RCMP
- Provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination (2 doses minimum)
- Attend an online orientation session and program training

**Job Type**: Casual

Schedule:

- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
- Morning shift
- Weekend availability

Work Location: One location