Group Social Recreation Volunteer

Role Description

Title: Group Social Recreation Volunteer
Location: Location Determined by Program Schedule – Will be provided
Assigned Supervisor: Assigned Program Facilitator; Coordinator of Volunteer Programs
Time Commitment: As required by program session length and scheduling – Will be provided

Role Summary

Volunteers in Group Social Recreation assist the program facilitator in implementing the social recreation programs offered to our clients and care partners. Volunteers provide social connections, provide guidance and support for clients and care partners to successfully participate in activities. Supporting meaningful engagement for individuals with cognitive change or dementia and care partners, interacting with participants to provide an opportunity to engage in conversation and meaningful activities.

Primary Responsibilities

• Help with the set-up and clean-up of refreshments, games, and activities for the program
• Take attendance or provide name tags when required
• Welcoming clients and help to facilitate conversation before and after the session
• Assist in the facilitation of group social activities
• Participate along with attendees in physical activity and mental stimulation to encourage engagement
• Support clients in their successful participation of the program with special attention to clients who attend alone without a care partner
• Interact one-on-one spending time with participants who need extra support
• Monitor and advise staff facilitator if participant(s) are struggling with any activities

Qualifications

• Have a sincere interest in working with adults or seniors with a diagnosis of dementia
• Experience in initiating conversations and engaging older adults in social activities or willingness to learn
• Enjoy working with others in a non-competitive, inclusive environment
• Comfortable initiating conversation and including others
• Patient, friendly and fun
• Knowledge of the aging process is an asset
• Basic knowledge, experience, or willingness to learn about dementia
• Experience working with persons with dementia and their care partners is an asset
• Dependable and punctual

Boundaries

• Comply with the policies and procedures of the ASNR
• Maintain strictest of confidence with all matters related to ASNR and its clients
• Health Guidelines must be followed or exceeded
• Do not give or accept personal gifts from clients, including money
• Do not provide transportation for clients in personal vehicles
• Do not endorse, recommend, or favor products, services, or service providers
• Do not administer or assist clients with taking or storing medication
• Do not assist clients with personal care, including toileting, bathing, dressing, or feeding
• Do not give the client or care partner your personal contact information, or that of anyone else

Screening Requirements

• Complete an application
• Attend a One-to-one interview
• Provide two References
• Obtain a complete and clear Police Vulnerable Sector Check
• Must be 18+ years of age

Training Requirements

• Orientation to agency, ASNR programs, policies, and procedures
• Online ALZEducate Modules, AODA and WHMIS training
• Completion of Volunteer Workshop
• Orientation to program

Benefits

Volunteer

• Meet other people who share your interests and passions
• Support a cause that you believe in
• Completion and certificates of training programs
• Use your professional skills in a new setting
• Learn new skills and discover new talents
• Boost your health and reduce your stress
• Work with other members of the team to achieve a specific goal
• Develop new and transferable skills
• Reference available upon request
• Annual Volunteer appreciation events and acknowledgement of service

Society

• Help make life better for those living with dementia
• Work towards creating dementia-friendly communities
• Improve the quality of life for persons living with dementia, their care partners, and families

Community

• Encourage community connections
• Help improve the quality of community life
• Work to alleviate the personal and social consequences of Alzheimer disease and related dementia
   

Challenges

• Reliable transportation to program location
• Completing Police Vulnerable Sector Clearance

Evaluation

The Coordinator of Volunteer Programs will be responsible for providing feedback to the volunteers in such a way that will allow the volunteer to grow and learn as part of their role. Once per year, volunteers who volunteer in this role in an ongoing capacity or in service for more than 1 year will partake in an annual review with the Coordinator of Volunteer Programs. If a volunteer with less than 1-year requests annual review one will be provided.

Success

The Society acknowledges the contributions of volunteers using methods of recognition that are meaningful and respectful of cultural differences and are committed to continuous quality improvement, which can be best achieved by encouraging feedback.

Recognizing the hard work and dedication of volunteers is very important to the Society.

Volunteers will receive ongoing support and regular recognition in various ways.

Risk Assessment

A Risk Assessment of this role has been completed. In keeping with our Risk Management Framework every effort has been made to ensure the safety of the volunteer, client, care partners and staff during the engagement of this role.

Volunteers must be able to participate safely in a physically active-based program environment.
Volunteers should take precautions to protect themselves including but not limited to wearing appropriate footwear, staying hydrated, being mindful of their surrounding area, potential trip and fall hazards and taking appropriate measures warranted to the activities planned.