Friendly Caller Program Volunteer

Program Description:

The Friendly Caller Program provides weekly social telephone calls to seniors and older adults with disabilities who may live alone and not have access to social community programs.

Position Summary:

The volunteer’s role is to provide weekly telephone calls to an independent senior and/or older adult with disabilities in the Etobicoke community. Volunteer’s will offer a listening ear, engage in friendly and casual conversation. Calls can last anywhere from 5 to 45 minutes in length depending on the needs of the client. Volunteers are also required to check-in with Volunteer Services on a monthly basis to ensure the client is being supported and that the needs of the volunteer and client are being met through this program. This position enhances the well-being of seniors living in Etobicoke and maintain independent community living.

Reports to:Manager of Volunteer Services

Volunteer Responsibilities:

• Providing regular weekly telephone calls to a client they have been matched with.
• Socializing with the client, providing a listening ear
• Keeping an accurate record of the date and length of the telephone calls.
• Maintaining monthly contact with the Volunteer Manager to report on the status of the calls, the client and to submit monthly volunteer hours
• Supporting a culture of client safety, as part of the ESS strategy goal and priority, by immediately reporting any changes or concerns about the client’s health and well-being.
• Fulfilling the agreed upon commitment. Providing the Volunteer Manager with advanced notice of any planned absences.
• Following agency policies and procedures in regard to performance standards, confidentiality, anti-discrimination, and health and safety policies.

Qualifications:

• Must be reliable and willing to fulfill the required commitment for this position.
• Excellent listening and interpersonal skills with an interest and ability in carrying on conversation and developing one-on-one rapport over the phone.
• Must be understanding and comfortable working with seniors, sensitive to emotional and physical challenges some seniors living alone may face.
• Excellent reporting and communication skills.
• Able and willing to work independently with minimal direction and supervision and to maintain consistent monthly contact with the Volunteer Manager
• Ability to exercise excellent judgement, patience and is compassionate
• Must be able to communicate in English, other languages are an asset