Friendly Visiting, Friendly Calls and Security Checks

The goal of the Friendly Visiting Program is to help seniors and people with disabilities who have limited social contacts maintain healthy, independent living. Using regular contact, either in person or via the telephone. Volunteers provide friendly connection and support to encourage independence and social contact.

Volunteer Duties & Responsibilities:

• Must be invested in promoting independence and the well-being of seniors and people with disabilities
• Must be available to maintain regular contact with the participant and program worker
• Arrange in advance a suitable time to call and/or visit
• Visit for approximately one hour
• Maintain confidentiality
• Identify needs/concerns that may arise during the visit and inform the Visiting Social & Safety program worker
• Complete the volunteer monthly report form and submit to the program worker
• Participation in volunteer role related training workshops and meetings

Skills Required:

• Positive attitude,
• Awareness of issues faced by seniors and people with disabilities and respectful of participants’ self-determination
• Must be an active listener, empathetic and be committed to providing support and companionship to isolated participants
• Must be professional, reliable, responsible, non-judgemental and non-discriminating
• Must be flexible and open to other ideas
• Second language is an asset: Portuguese, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Spanish, Mandarin, Italian, Polish, Somali, among others

Orientation, Training and Benefits:

• Staff provides orientation and training before volunteers are placed in the program
• On-going support provided by staff
• On-going training workshop opportunities and get-togethers provided throughout the year
• Possibility to tailor the various volunteering opportunities to the volunteers needs and availabilities
• TTC tickets provided as per request

Program Time:

• Visits and Friendly calls can happen anytime of the week (including weekends) depending on participants needs

Volunteer Commitment:

• 1 hour a week plus travel, flexible according to volunteer/participants schedule
• Minimum of 6 months

*A Vulnerable Sector Police Check is required for this position