Volunter, Safer Spaces Hoarding Support Volunteer Coach

VHA Home HealthCare (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

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES ANDTASKS

• Assist clients to de-clutter and organize their livingspace

• Assist clients to let go and discarditems

• Assist clients to establish realistic and client-driven goals for organization, maintenance, and safeliving

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work with clients at their own pace, while maintaining cleargoals

• Foster and establish appropriate use of cleared livingspaces

• Be attentive to clients emotional state

• Submit Volunteer Log to the Supervisor after eachvisit

• Report concerns immediately to the ProgramSupervisor

• Maintain confidentiality of clientinformation; 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 supportmeeting.

TIMECOMMITTMENT

• 3 hours plus travel timeweekly, once a week for 12 weeks

• 12 weekly visits make one volunteerassignment

• Visits happen during weekdays between9-4pm only. No evening or weekend availability

• 6-month commitment:Volunteers can support more than 1 client concurrently or consecutively

QUALIFICATION

• Strong active listening and oral communication skills to work one on one with client in client’s home

• Motivated andpatient

• Interested in mental health issues and compulsivehoarding

• Comfortable working with a client in theirhome

• Friendly, reliable, responsible, non-judgmental and non-discriminating.

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

• Creativity in planning and implementingactivities

• Knowledgeable of available community resources (local dumpsters, community health centres, donation drop-off facilities etc.)

• Experience working in the mental health field anasset

• Coaching, teaching, and mentoring is an asset

ORIENTATION ANDTRAINING

• Orientation and training by VHA staff

• Meetings with trainingcomponent

SCREENING ANDSUPERVISION

• Application form with 2references.

• Interview

• Signed Release Agreement, Waiver

• Vulnerable Sector Screening  

• Report to supervisor on a weekly basis and submit weeklylog

• Supervisor will be available for feedback andsupport

BENEFITS

• Volunteers 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 DEI

At VHA Home HealthCare (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.