Friendly Visiting Volunteer

Are you passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of lonely and isolated seniors?

Society of Sharing is seeking compassionate individuals like you to become Friendly Visiting Volunteers! By joining our team, you will have the opportunity to provide much-needed emotional support and companionship to seniors and adults living independently in their own homes.

Position: Friendly Visiting Volunteer

Volunteers needed: Multiple

Type: In-person (Downtown Toronto)

Time commitment: Minimum 2 hours per week, between 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday

Reports to: Program coordinator

Position summary:

As a Friendly Visiting Volunteer, your role will be to offer one-on-one emotional support and companionship to seniors and adults with physical disabilities who experience loneliness and social isolation. By spending quality time with them, you will contribute to enhancing their overall well-being and promoting social connection.

Volunteer duties and responsibilities:

• Establish a regular two-hour visiting time each week that is convenient for both you and your client.
• Provide emotional support and companionship as well as enhance social connection while being sensitive to the client's limitations and any sensitive issues.
• Consult the Program Coordinator for advice when you are unsure how to address client requests.
• Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Report any significant changes in your client's health, lifestyle, or living conditions to the Program Coordinator.

Volunteer skills and qualifications:

• Be 18 years old or older.
• Ability to speak English and other languages is an asset.
• Experience working with seniors is an asset.
• Possess sensitivity to the needs and challenges faced by older adults.
• Exhibit patience, compassion, and a desire to help vulnerable and isolated seniors.
• Dependable and punctual.

Other requirements:

• Vulnerable sector check.
• Proof of full Covid-19 vaccination or medical exemption certificate.

Training and orientation:

• Will be provided.

Benefits:

• Give back to the community.
• Develop skills/gain new skills.
• Meet people, build your network.
• Gain experience working with seniors.
• And MANY MORE!

About Society of Sharing:

Society of Sharing is a charitable non-profit organization founded in 1981, dedicated to reducing social isolation and promoting social connection among isolated seniors. We offer various programs designed to improve the well-being of housebound clients, and we rely on our team of volunteers to provide companionship and support.

Our Mission: To improve the lives of isolated seniors in our community by connecting them with skilled volunteers who provide companionship and support.

Our Vision: To be recognized as a leader in providing skilled volunteer assistance to isolated seniors.

Our Values: We believe in the fair treatment of all persons, that seniors have the right to live with dignity and respect; committed to the effective identification and compassionate delivery of meaningful services to those in need.