Friendly Visitor Volunteer-English

Friendly Visitor Volunteer-English
Position Title: Friendly Visitor

Volunteer Type: In Person

Location: Client homes in surrounding community

Volunteer Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm 2 sessions/wk. 30 minutes each

Volunteers Needed: 6

Reports to: Friendly Connections & Wellness Program Coordinator

Position Summary: 

Volunteers will support the Friendly Connections Department by providing social companionship to seniors through scheduled in-person visits. The goal is to reduce isolation and promote emotional well-being among seniors by fostering meaningful and supportive interactions.

Responsibilities: 

• Conduct scheduled calls and in-person visits with seniors (approximately 20–30 minutes per session).
• Build warm, supportive connections with seniors while maintaining appropriate volunteer boundaries.
• Encourage friendly and engaging conversations to promote social interaction.
• Maintain the confidentiality of personal information shared by seniors.
• Follow all program guidelines, safety protocols, and emergency procedures.
• Report any notable changes in a senior’s health, mood, behavior, or safety conditions to the supervisor.
• Complete all required orientations and training sessions.

Skills & Qualifications: 

• Proficiency in English (required).
• Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Basic computer literacy (email, online forms, virtual meeting tools).
• Respectful, patient, and empathetic toward the needs of seniors.
• Experience working or volunteering with seniors is an asset.
• Culturally sensitive and respectful toward people from diverse backgrounds and beliefs.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy in documentation or reporting.
• Strong listening skills and the ability to follow directions effectively.
• Responsible, dependable, and consistent in communicating with supervisors.

Orientation/Training:

• Volunteer Services will conduct orientation on organization’s policies and procedures, including COVID-19 measures.
• IPAC Mandatory training for onsite positions.
• Organizational Training for new volunteers.

Supervision & Evaluation:

• Supervision and support will be provided by the Friendly Connections & Wellness Program Coordinator.

Benefits: 

• Contribute to the efficient functioning of an organization that promotes healthy and independent living. 
• Work in a friendly environment with others who want to make a difference.

Time Commitment:

• To continue providing Friendly Visiting Services, all volunteers must attend at least 90% of their scheduled calls and commit to a minimum of 6 months of continuous volunteering.

Other: 

• Will not lift clients.
• Will always wear proper non-slip covered shoes.
• Will always wear personal protective equipment.
• Vulnerable Service Sector Check screening is mandatory.
• Proof of full vaccination or Medical Exemption Certificate is mandatory.
• Must be 18 years or older.

Senior Persons Living Connected is a diverse work environment. We encourage applications from all persons, including persons with disabilities. Accommodation will be provided, if needed, in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and Accessibility for Ontarians Disability Act.