Role Summary: 

Work one-on-one with an individual living with dementia. Volunteers in Group Social Recreation assist the program facilitator in implementing the social recreation programs offered to our clients and care partners. Volunteers provide social connections, provide guidance and support for clients and care partners to successfully participate in activities. Supporting meaningful engagement for individuals with cognitive change or dementia and care partners, interacting with participants to provide an opportunity to engage in conversation and meaningful activities.

Responsibilities 

•  Help with the set-up and clean-up of refreshments, games, and activities for the program. 
• Take attendance or provide name tags when required. 
• Welcoming clients and help to facilitate conversation before and after the session. 
• Assist in the facilitation of group social activities. 
• Participate along with attendees in physical activity and mental stimulation to encourage engagement. 
• Support clients in their successful participation of the program with special attention to clients who attend alone without a care partner. 
• Interact one-on-one spending time with participants who need extra support. 
• Monitor and advise staff facilitator if participant(s) are struggling with any activities.

Required Skills/Experience 

• Have a sincere interest in working with adults or seniors with a diagnosis of dementia. 
• Experience in initiating conversations and engaging older adults in social activities or willingness to learn. 
• Enjoy working with others in a non-competitive, inclusive environment. 
• Comfortable initiating conversation and including others. 
• Patient, friendly and fun. 
• Knowledge of the aging process is an asset. 
• Basic knowledge, experience, or willingness to learn about dementia. 
• Experience working with persons with dementia and their care partners is an asset. 
• Dependable and punctual.
  

Training Requirements 

• Orientation to agency, ASNR programs, policies, and procedures 
• Online ALZEducate Modules, AODA and WHMIS training 
• Completion of Volunteer Workshop 
• Orientation to program
  

 Other Requirements 

• Provide two References 
• Obtain a complete and clear Police Vulnerable Sector Check 
• Must be 18+ years of age