Activity Assistant Volunteer

Partners Community Health (PCH) is a not-for-profit, charitable organization focused on bringing healthcare services together around the needs of people living in Mississauga and West Toronto. PCH manages Wellbrook Place, two state-of-the-art Long Term Care homes (Wellbrook Place East and Wellbrook Place West) and Integrated Seniors’ Hub at 2180 Speakman Drive in Mississauga. The homes have a combined 632 beds and are a part of PCH’s larger strategy that introduces innovative and inclusive programs and services and new models of care delivery.

Purpose:

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:

Any day of the week

·       9:30am to 12:30pm

·       1:30pm to 4:30pm

Commitment: Volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum of 80 Hours of service, ideally served through consistent weekly shifts. We value long-term relationships and encourage volunteers to pace their service over several months, rather than completing hours in a short period. This helps build trust with residents and program participants and contributes to a more meaningful and rewarding experience for everyone involved.

Responsibilities:

·       Assists the Activation Aide with set-up/take down of activity area;

·       Invite residents/community participants to participate; offer help to get them to and from activity;

·       Host Recreation Room and facilitate room activities as needed if approved;

·       Help participants to have an enjoyable time while at the event; be a kind and attentive host;

·       Monitor residents/participants for signs of upset or distress; flag staff to situations as needed;

·       Attend occasional education and awareness training sessions;

·       Understand and follow PCH’s Volunteer Policies and Code of Conduct;

·       Ability and willingness to follow PCH’s infection control and prevention (IPAC) procedures.

Qualifications:

·       Must be 15 years of age or older;

·       Have a motivating and encouraging demeanor, a patient and positive attitude and enjoy spending time with older people;

·       Previous experience in a palliative, long term care or community/recreational setting, or a recreational setting, an asset;

·       Have strong customer service and/or active listening skills;

·       Have the ability to walk distances, stand for a period of time, and push a wheelchair;

·       An ability to stay calm and seek assistance, if needed;

·       Strong communication skills including written and verbal fluency in English (additional languages, an asset).

Training Requirements:

Pre-boarding (online learning)

In-person Volunteer Orientation session

Three on-the-job training shifts

Accountability:

This role reports to the Volunteer Coordinator or other designated Programs staff.

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.