Parkinson Canada Volunteer Opportunity 

Support Group Facilitator 

 Parkinson’s is a complex brain disease, and everyone’s Parkinson’s journey is different. More than 100,000 Canadians live with Parkinson’s and 30 more are diagnosed every day. There is currently no cure but, life with Parkinson’s is still possible. 

 At Parkinson Canada, people with Parkinson’s are at the centre of everything we do. Parkinson Canada is at an exciting time of transformation, where we are aiming to be the “go to” connector and guide for people living with Parkinson’s. We strive to inspire and empower people living with Parkinson’s to thrive through tailored programs, innovative research and raising the voice of Canadians impacted by Parkinson’s through our advocacy efforts. 

 If you want to make a positive impact on the lives of Canadians impacted by Parkinson’s, work with passionate, dedicated people where diversity and inclusion is celebrated and partner with great organizations that have the same goal then we look forward to meeting you! 

 The Opportunity 

 The Support Group Facilitator plays a critical role in the delivery of support services at community level.  Once a month, they create a confidential and welcoming in-person or virtual space, where people living with Parkinson’s and/or their care partners can share their experiences and develop supportive relationships in a group setting.  The time commitment for this opportunity is 3 – 5 hours per month.    

 Your Contribution 

 As a Support Group Facilitator, you bring a keen desire to make a difference in the lives of people affected by Parkinson’s.  Your empathetic approach, enthusiasm for learning, and ability to facilitate discussion about issues related to Parkinson’s are key factors in ensuring that monthly support groups are safe spaces.  

 What is Needed to Succeed in this Role 

 • Compassion and a non-judgemental approach to supporting people  

 • Strong communication skills including active listening  

 • Ability to facilitate discussions that put the voices of those living with and affected by Parkinson’s at the centre  

 • Commitment to model inclusion and respect for diversity  

 • Love of learning  

 • Background in nursing, social work, or related field is an asset  

 • Enthusiasm to work closely with Parkinson Canada staff  

 • Ability to carry out administrative tasks and provide promotional support  

 • Level of comfort or willingness to become familiar with virtual meeting technology  

 • If support groups return to in-person activities, willingness to take on the logistical aspects of monthly group meetings  

 Benefits for Support Group Facilitators 

 As a volunteer Support Group Facilitator, you will learn more about Parkinson’s and make a genuine impact in the lives of people living with Parkinson’s and their care partners.  You will meet wonderful new people and gain experience in the facilitation of groups, while contributing to the critical work of Parkinson Canada.  References are available.    

 Commitment 

 One support group meeting per month (1-1.5 hours per month), plus 3-5 hours monthly for administrative and organizational tasks. Stability is essential for Support Groups so a commitment of at least one year is appreciated.  

 How to Apply 

 Interested candidates should complete a Volunteer Profile, available at: http://pcsupportgroups.parkinsoncanada.volunteerhub.com/ 

 Kanata Opportunity: Kanata - Support Group Facilitator (volunteerhub.com) 

 Resumes are strongly encouraged. Parkinson Canada is committed to inclusion, fairness, respect, human dignity, and equity. We provide accessible employment and volunteer engagement practices that are in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Applications from persons with disabilities are welcomed and encouraged. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. For questions or accommodation requests, please contact the Volunteer Engagement Manager, Graham Marshall-Coultas at 1-800-565-3000, ext. 3319 or graham.marshall-coultas@parkinson.ca. Please note that the selected candidate will be required to pass a standard Criminal Record Check. Parkinson Canada 316 – 4211 Yonge Street Toronto, Ontario M2P 2A9 416-227-9700 – 1-800-565-3000