Do you want to make a difference?
The Canadian Red Cross, a not for profit, humanitarian organization dedicated to helping people and communities in Canada and around the world in times of need, is seeking Friendly Calls Program Volunteers to work with the Community Health Teams.
Supported by the Friendly Calls Program Coordinator or designate, volunteers will be responsible for establishing and maintaining regular telephone contact with assigned program participants for the purpose of providing companionship, emotional support and connections to community resources as required.
Volunteers will provide an integral service in helping individuals feel connected to their communities, assist in reducing the effects of loneliness and strengthen their resilience toward wellness and independence.
Your Role
1. Regular telephone calls to program participants
- Make regular telephone calls to assigned program participants to provide meaningful conversation that interest them
- Maintain strict privacy and confidentiality of participant information
- Promote local community events, programs and encourage their participation as appropriate
- Provide support that respects the participant’s voice and involvement in decision making
- Consult with Friendly Calls Coordinator/designate as required for referrals to other services or health professionals deemed appropriate for client
2. Documentation and reporting
- Report any service, health, or safety concerns regarding assigned program participants to the coordinator/designate
- Provide accurate records in a timely manner of phone calls made to each program participant
3. Safe practices and Program Requirements
- Participate and complete all required learning for the Friendly Calls Program
- Review, sign off and adhere to all Red Cross policies and procedures
- Participate and complete health and safety training as required
- Participate and promote respectful communication between all personnel and participants to promote a healthy and safe workplace
- Adhere to practices outlined in applicable provincial Occupational Health and Safety Act
- Ensure all complaints and incidents are reported in a timely manner to the Friendly calling coordinator or designate
- Perform other duties as requested
As a Friendly Calls Program volunteer, you will bring many talents, including:
Qualifications
- Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
- A satisfactory Enhanced Police Information Check and Vulnerable Sector Check
- Consistent and reliable availability
- Excellent English and/or French language speaking, reading, and writing skills
- Excellent listening, communication, and interpersonal skills
- A pleasant, positive, and friendly demeanor with an ability to empathize
- Basic computer skills with the ability to use email, navigate through online learning, and fill out online forms
- Ability to understand issues that might arise with loneliness and isolation
- General knowledge and understanding of concerns that might arise with older adults
- Commitment and adherence to privacy and confidentiality as it relates to personal and/or health-related information of program participants
- Commitment to and understanding of professional volunteer – participant relationship
- Ability to work independently with minimal or virtual supervision
- A team player able to contribute within a highly effective team environment
- Strong organization and effective time management skills
- Related education or experience in social work, counselling, nursing, senior/elder studies, or equivalent health / social sciences background is an asset but is not required
Working Conditions & Time Commitment
- Minimum six-month commitment
- The majority of the work is performed from a remote home setting
- Must have a quiet and private setting to conduct the calls uninterrupted
- Involves working alone with minimal supervision
- A Canada-wide long-distance telephone plan is best; however, opportunities to call local program participants may be possible for those who only have a local phone plan
- Volunteering hours will be determined by the Coordinator/Designate considering availability of volunteer and program participants
For complete program information and how to apply online, please follow the link:
https://www.redcross.ca/volunteer/apply-now/friendly-calls-program-volunteer
