Volunter, Safer Spaces Hoarding Support Volunteer Coach

VHA Home Health Care (VHA) is one of the largest not-for-profit home care providers in Ontario. Our team is made up of close to 3,000 caring and committed professionals who love what they do. Our providers tell us: “Home care is where I can truly make a difference. There is such a sense of accomplishment from helping people live independently at home.”

Our teams work together to provide high quality, client-centred care to those who need it most in their homes, schools, retirement homes and other community settings. Many of our team members manage their own schedules in the community and they say, “The freedom and flexibility can’t be beat.” Providers form meaningful bonds with the clients and families they serve over time and are supported by a diverse regional team and beneficial home office programs.

Team members tell us “I love the inclusive culture. I feel welcome and at home.”View more comments from our clients and their family members

Improve quality of life of clients in the Safe Spaces Hoarding Support Program. The program is designed to help vulnerable, isolated individuals with hoarding tendencies, de-clutter, sort and organize their homes. The program is developed from a harm reduction approach. We provide clients with opportunities that improve their social, physical, mental, and emotional health.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS Assist clients to de-clutter and organize their living space

Assist clients to let go and discard items

Assist clients to establish realistic and client-driven goals for organization, maintenance, and safe livingOTHER RESPONSIBILITIES Work with clients at their own pace, while maintaining clear goals

Foster and establish appropriate use of cleared living spaces

Be attentive to clients emotional state

Submit Volunteer Log to the Supervisor after each visit

Report concerns immediately to the Program Supervisor Maintain confidentiality of client information; follow all policies and work within boundaries of the role Notify the Supervisor as soon as possible if unable to volunteer on an assigned date Attend support meeting.

TIME COMMITTMENT3 hours plus travel time weekly, once a week for 12 weeks8-12 weekly visits make one volunteer assignment

Visits happen during weekdays between 9-4pm only. No evening or weekend availability6 month commitment:
Volunteers can support more than 1 client concurrently or consecutivelyQUALIFICATIONStrong active listening and oral communication skills to work one on one with client in client’s home Motivated and patient

Interested in mental health issues and compulsive hoarding

Comfortable working with a client in their home Friendly, reliable, responsible, non-judgmental and non-discriminating.

Able to act independently within policies and boundaries of the position and client needs and goals

Creativity in planning and implementing activities

Knowledgeable of available community resources (local dumpsters, community health centres, donation drop-off facilities etc.)Experience working in the mental health field an asset

Coaching, teaching, and mentoring is an assetORIENTATION AND TRAININGOrientation and training by VHA staff

Meetings with training componentSCREENING AND SUPERVISIONApplication form with 2 references.

Interview Signed Release Agreement, Waiver Vulnerable Sector Screening Report to supervisor on a weekly basis and submit weekly log Supervisor will be available for feedback and supportBENEFITSVolunteers are supported through orientation, training, (online and in person) meetings, workshops, seminars, and one-to-one support.

Career-related experience.

We provide an environment where volunteers are engaged, challenged & rewarded.

Opportunities to meet new people.

Develop social and professional networks.

Build on your communication, interpersonal and leadership skills.

Gain valuable work experience to build your resume.

Support your community.

Enhance clients' lives and deliver life-changing supports and services.

Verification letter upon request following 100 hours of volunteer service.

Program Assistant or/Coordinator or/Supervisor will be available for feedback and support.

Accommodation and VHA’s commitment to DEIAt VHA Home Health Care (VHA), we passionately strive to uphold our commitments to being an Equal Opportunity Employer. We champion inclusion and diversity in all parts of our organization and are strong believers that a diverse workforce is key to the ongoing and future success of VHA. We aim to review all applicants with fair and unbiased recruitment practices where opportunities are presented based on merits, skills, and experience.

VHA is committed to providing reasonable accommodation and our services are accessible and sensitive to the needs of diverse groups. If you require any accommodation, please let us know in advance as we are happy to comply.
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