SENIOR LUNCH PROGRAM VOLUNTEER

Volunteers support the program by preparing for and cleaning up after lunch service, participating in group socialization and helping with program activities. This position enhances the well-being and independence of seniors living in Etobicoke and surrounding communities. Volunteer support makes the client experience more enjoyable and allows program staff to focus their time on program delivery and client care.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Lunch service duties: setting tables, preparing and serving refreshments, serving lunch, lunch clean-up.
• Following proper health and safety practices which includes proper hand washing, use of provided hair nets when handling food (when needed) and surface sanitation.
• Greeting clients, and under the direction of staff, interacting and socializing with clients during, and assisting with planned program activities.
• Recording volunteer hours in the provided Volunteer Binder, and notifying Volunteer Department with advance notice of any planned absences.
• Following a standard dress code: closed toed shoes, Canadasual and appropriate clothing with no offensive images or messages.
• Maintain the privacy and confidentiality of clients in the program.
• To attend volunteer orientation, and on-going training and meetings.

Qualifications:

• Reliability and punctuality
• Friendly and social, with an interest in spending time and interacting with seniors in a group setting.
• Willingness to complete kitchen tasks, such as meal preparation, loading / unloading dishwasher.
• Willingness and ability to meet the physical demands of position: lifting when loading and unloading the diswasher, standing for a couple hours at a time.
• Ability to work well in a team environment with program staff and other volunteers.
• Ability to work independently when needed and willing to take direction from staff.
• Ability to communicate clearly in English, speaking other languages is an asset.

Program Location:

Humbervale Place Seniors Residence (HP): 1447 Royal York Rd., Etobicoke ON M0P 3V8

Time Commitment:

• Wednesdays or Fridays 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
• One shift per week

• Minimum 6-month commitment

Support and Supervision:

• The Manager of Volunteer Services is your primary contact for any volunteer related inquiries, and is responsible for providing ongoing support, including:
  • Initial agency & program orientation
  • Introduction to the Seniors Lunch Program staff
  • On-site/In program orientation to volunteer role
  • Confirmation and updates to your volunteer schedule
• The Seniors Lunch Program Staff will provide direct support and guidance in the program, including:
  • Daily updates regarding important lunch requirements, specific client needs, and activities for the day
  • Addressing any specific questions or concerns while on-site in the program

Limitations to Your Role as a Seniors Lunch Service Volunteer:

The following activities are never to be engaged in by volunteers

• Transferring and / or lifting a client, i.e. from a wheelchair to a seat
• Advising or administering medications
• Assisting a client in the washroom
• Advising clients on personal, financial, medical, or legal issues
• Providing clients with your telephone number.
• Inviting a friend or family member to accompany you to the Adult Day Services.
• Starting a new program activity without program staff approval
• Accepting money or gifts from clients
• Leaving the program with a client / Assisting a client to leave the program, without staff approval

Volunteer Benefits:

• Providing a vital service in supporting the well-being of seniors/adults with disabilities
• Complimentary lunch
• Formal and ongoing recognition
• Reference letter (after 3 months of volunteer service)
• Access to on-going learning resources and opportunities
• Access to community events at reduced costs