Links2Care is a non-profit, community service organization providing a better quality of life through care, support and connection for seniors and adults with disabilities, children and families, and people of all ages in need in Halton, Mississauga, and South Etobicoke.
We have a culture of caring because it is what we do! We empower people – our volunteers, our clients, and our stakeholders – by supporting them to live their best possible life.
For more information about our wide variety of programs and services, please peruse our website.
Volunteer Position Overview
Friendly Visitors work on a one-to-one basis in the homes of seniors and adults with disabilities. The volunteer provides the client with companionship to help reduce their loneliness and isolation. The Friendly Visitor will enhance the client’s quality of life, while becoming friends and enjoying the company of someone who can share their life experiences.
As a volunteer of Links2Care, the volunteer will actively demonstrate Links2Care values and will promote and support the mission and vision of the agency.
Contact our Volunteer Coordinator at [email protected]
Role and Responsibilities
- Visits or calls client on a consistent, weekly basis
- Engages in friendly conversation and leisure activities that both parties enjoy, such as playing cards or sharing a hobby as per client interests, in order to develop a respectful, friendly, caring relationship
- Maintains contact with the Coordinator, informing them of any concerns and receiving instructions to meet client and Links2Care goals
- Maintains communication with the client in the event of any schedule changes
- Completes and submits a monthly volunteer time record
- Interacts professionally in accordance with Links2Care Code of Conduct and Human Rights Act
- Maintains complete confidentiality of client information in accordance with Links2Care confidentiality/privacy policy
- Maintains a safe and healthy work environment
- Reports any unusual client conditions and concerns to Coordinator
- Maintains calmness in emergencies, with an ability to assist in a crisis
- Participates in annual volunteer survey
- Performs other duties as assigned
Skills and Qualifications
- Must be 18 year(s) or older
- A minimum of a 6–12-month commitment to the program
- Possess a valid Ontario Driver’s license and a safe driving record
- Respect for clients and their wishes
- Ability to work with minimal supervision
- Knowledge of and sensitivity to aging issues and challenges
- Willingness and flexibility to coordinate and/or alter schedules to accommodate the needs of the client or agency
- Ability to exercise sound judgment
- Caring, friendly, empathetic and patient
- Responsible, reliable and punctual
- Ability to respect and maintain client confidentiality
- Ability to interact, listen and communicate clearly with others in a professional, courteous and pleasant manner
- Willingness to assist others in a non-judgmental manner with patience and understanding
- Has access to a safe and appropriate vehicle, which is adequately insured with a minimum of 1 million dollars of liability
- Completion of a satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check prior to start date and throughout volunteer duration as required by Links2Care
Boundaries and Limitations
- No personal care, medication administration or medical advice
- No discussion of or participation in financial decisions
- No lifting of clients
- No providing client with personal contact information
Working Conditions
- Interacts alone with the client either in the client home or in the community
Orientation, Training and Benefits
- Orientation to agency programs and policies and ongoing support and training
- Program specific information and training
- Opportunity to give back to the community
- Opportunity to gain work experience
- A valued member of a team
- Assist people to live independently while enhancing quality of life
