Activity Assistant Volunteer

Summary Do you like bringing people together? Help residents enjoy Bingo, art and crafts, music, celebrations and more. Encourage participation, share a conversation and help make activities welcoming, social and fun.

Location

Address 2180 Speakman Dr

Mississauga, Ontario L5K 0B1

When

Opportunity Type

Ongoing - Start Anytime

Schedule

Asap

About This Opportunity Activity Assistant Volunteer Activities provide an opportunity for residents and community program participants to engage in stimulating activity and build social connection – all very important for maintaining good physical, emotional and mental health. Activity Assistant Volunteers help Activation Aides set-up/take down activity spaces, invite residents and community program participants to engage in the activity, support participation and enjoyment of activity and assist people get to and from the activity space. Examples of activities include Bingo, birthday parties, cultural events, arts and crafts, movie nights and gentle fitness classes.

Available Shifts Shifts are available on most days of the week, with volunteers scheduled according to their availability and the needs of the program. There are three shift times to choose from:

Mornings: 9am to 12pm

• Afternoons: 1:30pm to 4:30pm
• Evenings: 5pm to 8pm (limited space available)

Commitment: We ask volunteers to commit to at least six months of service and to maintain a regular schedule based on their availability.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Activation Aide with setting up and taking down activity spaces and preparing materials
• Encourage residents and community program participants to attend activities and support their participation throughout the activity
• Provide appropriate assistance to residents and participants getting to and from activity spaces, as directed by PCH staff
• Engage residents and participants in friendly conversation and social interaction before, during and after activities
• Offer encouragement and assistance with activity materials or simple tasks to help participants take part at their own level
• Help create a welcoming, inclusive and enjoyable atmosphere during activities
• Be attentive to residents’ and participants’ comfort and wellbeing and notify staff if someone appears distressed, unwell or requires assistance
• Work within the scope of the volunteer role and seek direction from staff when a situation falls outside that scope
• Attend occasional educational and awareness training sessions
• Understand and follow PCH’s Volunteer Policies and Code of Conduct
• Follow PCH’s infection prevention and control (IPAC) procedures

Qualifications

• Must be 15 years of age or older
• Patient, positive and encouraging approach, with an enjoyment of spending time with older adults
• Strong interpersonal communication and active listening skills
• Comfortable engaging with people who have a range of abilities, interests and communication styles
• Ability to remain calm and seek assistance appropriately when a resident or participant requires support
• Ability to be physically active during a shift, including walking between activity areas and standing for long periods of time
• Ability and willingness to assist with wheelchair mobility when trained and directed by staff
• Experience working with or spending time with older adults, or in a recreational, community or customer-service setting, an asset
• Clear verbal communication skills in English; additional languages are an asset.

Training Requirements

• PCH pre-boarding and orientation (in-person; sessions are held on the last Saturday of each month)
• Activity Assistant Volunteer role-specific orientation
• Initial supervised shifts alongside an Activation Aide or designated staff member
• Completion of the Activity Assistant Volunteer competency checklist during the volunteer’s initial shifts

Important: Completion of the competency checklist does NOT authorize a volunteer to work without staff oversight, lead activities independently, or assume the responsibilities of an Activation Aide. The Activation Aide or designated PCH staff member remains responsible for the activity and providing direction to the volunteer.

Accountability This role reports to the Volunteer Coordinator. Activation Aides will supervise volunteers while on the floor.

Benefits

• Enjoy a rewarding experience that enhances the quality of life for PCH residents, their families and local older adults.
• Participate in educational and support sessions for volunteers.
• Gain workplace knowledge and transferable skills.
• Participate in our volunteer recognition programs.
• Be a part of innovative and inclusive models in the delivery of senior care.

Volunteer Requirements

Whether you meet these requirements or not, we encourage you to share your interest in us. You may still be a fit for a different opportunity with our organization.

• Willing to undergo a background or police records check
• Willing to complete medical forms
• Comfortable commuting to opportunity location
• 2 References

Causes

Healthcare, Medical, & Wellness Community & Social Services Seniors

Tags

card games board games arts and crafts Helping Seniors Nursing Home Must speak English Healthcare students Retired weekdays/weekends Likes People