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About the Position

Position: 967 - Friendly Visiting Volunteer > second language speakers accepted!
Organization: MICBA Forum Italia Community Services
Position Address: MICBA Forum Italia Community Services, 155 Forum Drive, Mississauga
Location: Mississauga
	Goal MICBA Forum Italia Community Services (Forum Italia) operates a Supportive Housing Program with the purpose of providing Attendant Services to seniors 65 and over in permanent community residential settings when their support service needs require the availability of 24-hour, on-site assistance. Ours is a multicultural initiative that has matured into an established presence, highly regarded in the community that we serve. We are looking for volunteer friendly visitors, including those who are able to speak a second language. We have always recognized the challenges that older adults (especially seniors 65+) face in terms of being isolated within their communities, and in feeling genuinely lonely. Such isolation and loneliness often lead to physical and emotional health issues that seriously compromise a senior's enjoyment of life. Friendly Visiting allows us to address many factors affecting our seniors, including language limitations, decreased mobility, and depression. Our program is designed to provide residents with accessible in-home, phone or virtual visits that will increase their socialization with the outside community. Our volunteers are carefully paired with an isolated resident to engage in activities that are enjoyable for both.
	Description Everyone needs a friend! The Friendly Visiting Program focuses on the senior’s hobbies and interests including: Friendly conversation Reading, playing games, puzzles, cooking/baking, watching TV Going for a walk outdoors or within MICBA facilities Assist with shopping, errands, or escorting seniors to appointments and activities, including programs at Forum Italia Explore other hobbies the senior is interested in, or make new suggestions MICBA is currently in need of the following language speakers for in-person visiting: Tamil Persian/Farsi Croatian South Asian languages Russian English Volunteers may be paired with residents based on language or cultural background to assist with accessibility and language barriers that prevent them from participating in social programs. Visits usually take place once a week for about an hour in the resident’s unit or in common areas at the resident’s preference. Volunteers are expected to observe COVID-19 safety protocols while respecting the senior’s privacy and confidentiality.
	Benefits Wonderful opportunity to make a meaningful difference in a senior's life Be part of a growing group of volunteers who recognize that isolation and loneliness among our seniors is preventable through programs such as Friendly Visiting Enjoy the chance to be a friend and make a friend! Learn and benefit from a senior's life experience(s) Network' with seniors, their families and friends in your local community If you are considering a career in geriatric care, this role is an excellent opportunity and can add to your resume
	Qualifications Solid oral/written ENGLISH and second languages You readily identify with seniors (older adults 65+), their capacities, needs, preferences, and any disabilities that they may be challenged with You are committed to assist seniors in overcoming feelings of loneliness by doing what you can within the in person Friendly Visiting program Friendly, engaging, empathetic, ready and willing to make new friends You're able to commit to a weekly volunteering engagement of minimum 6 months Ability to strictly observe COVID-19 Safety Protocols and the requirements of the role Experience assisting seniors in their daily living, health and wellness is welcome, but not required Commit to confidentiality and respect of senior's privacy Reference Check Form: 2 References will be required Police Vulnerable Sector Check: https://www.peelpolice.ca/en/services/record-checks-and-suspensions-pardons.aspx Online customer service training re. persons with disabilities > AODA: https://accessforward.ca/newado/csstandardmodule Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination SCREENING of applicants will initially be remote/virtual (telephone/email/online interviewing), unless otherwise advised Min Age: 18 Max Age: 99 Police Check: Required Resume:Not required Driver's Licence: Not required Proof of Vaccination: Required
	Time Commitment This is a Long Term (More than 6 months) commitment Shifts are available Anytime Typically, a WEEKLY schedule of 'visiting' (in person, also may by telephone) is mutually arranged that likely will be for an hour or more, or happen on more than a single day during the week. Volunteers are encouraged to be both FLEXIBLE and inclined to accommodate the senior matched to them and the routine schedule of the long term care facility. Specific scheduling expectations will be explored during the screening process.
	Training ORIENTATION onsite is required (approximatly 1.5 hours long). This will include: Forum Italia's policies review, documentation to be signed, facility tour, and volunteers will take home our volunteer handbook and an information package. TRAINING will include consideration of what makes for a successful Friendly Visit, plus focus will be on COVID-19 Safety Protocols.
	More Details Areas of Interest: Arts & Crafts, Education & Learning, Counselling & Mental Health, Healthcare, Life Skills & Accessibility, Music/Theatre, Literacy, Senior Support, Transportation, Multilingual Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible washroom, Wheelchair Accessible Parking, Unknown, Fully Accessible Workplace Ideal for: Individuals, Co-op Placements, Newcomers, Older Adults

How to Contact
	Send an Email Message
Social Media
	http://www.micba.com
	https://www.facebook.com/MICBA-Forum-Italia-Community-Services-1799122810364251/
	https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuVho7A2e4lcLNXysM71axQ

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