Role Purpose Summary:

To provide specific residents, as directed by the Volunteer Coordinator, with basic mending, minor alterations and sewing of personal garments.

Key Accountabilities:

• Basic mending, minor alterations and sewing of garments. Residents indicate their requests on a sign-up sheet posted 2-3 days prior to seamstress visit.

• Keep track of receipts for materials used/needed and present to Volunteer Coordinator on a monthly basis.

• Report any concerns to appropriate staff members

• Assist with program evaluation, if applicable

 Qualifications:

• Basic sewing skills, including ability to hem, patch, repair, shorten, lengthen, etc., personal items of new and/or worn clothing.

• Access to and willingness to bring own sewing machine/serger necessary, work to be completed in the Volunteer Room.

• Good, clear communication skills with special emphasis on listening and observation skills, and verbal communication.

• Ability to follow through with direction. 

• Positive attitude and willingness to help others, flexibility. 

• Ability to interact with residents by providing encouragement, direction, and demonstrating patience.

• Comfortable working in a group setting.

• Familiarity with Geriatrics and/or vulnerable populations (addictions, mental health, homelessness) an asset.

 • Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector Check mandatory for this position.

 Working Conditions:

The work environment is typically agreeable at work sites within residential settings and may require working under the following conditions:

 dealing with potentially disagreeable participants. 

 Schedule:

• 1-2 times per month, as per volunteer’s ability (will vary from month to month)

• 1-4 hours per visit, as per volunteer availability and number of garments mended

• Long-term commitment preferred. 

• Volunteers should make every effort to attend those scheduled shifts and arrive on site on or before the scheduled time. If unable to arrive in time or attend a scheduled shift, volunteers are requested to advise the Volunteer Coordinator as soon as possible.