Job Description

Digital Support Volunteer In-Person & Virtual Volunteering with Clients or Staff
Make a Difference in Your Community Founded in 1925, VHA is a not-for-profit, charitable organization made up of over 3,000 diverse professionals - nurses, personal support workers, rehab therapists, home support workers, extreme cleaners, and office support staff. Together, we provide high quality care, with great heart, to vulnerable populations in the communities we serve. This includes seniors, families, new parents, newborn babies, people with physical and mental disabilities, children with medically complex needs, and the terminally ill. We provide service 24 hours a day, seven days a week to clients in their homes, in schools, in retirement homes and other locations in the community. In every role and at every level, we lead with purpose, build bonds that matter, and we\xe2\x80\x99re passionate about providing spectacular care. VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) believes that quality care begins with quality people. Our volunteers work directly with our clients and make a difference in people\xe2\x80\x99s lives every day. We\xe2\x80\x99re looking for volunteers who share and enhance VHA\xe2\x80\x99s values. Purpose: To assist clients to participate in the Remote Monitoring program, or Online Care Visits, or to access information portals. Volunteers may also support training regarding APPS or Platforms such as MS Teams, and others for clients and / or staff. Remote Monitoring may involve a telemonitoring nurse who monitors clients\xe2\x80\x99 self-inputted data, using an app. Other services may involve MS Teams, or other APPs and platforms for which training is provided. Providing this support allows clients to receive services from home; to stay in their homes longer, become active partners in making healthy lifestyle choices, avoid unnecessary hospital visits and it identifies issues before they turn into emergencies. AREA SERVED: Toronto: York, Scarborough, Downtown, East York, North York, Etobicoke (Visits Conducted Online or in-person- in-home or in-office) AGE REQUIREMENT: Must be 18 years, or older RESPONSIBILITIES

• Visit clients on assigned day/time; In-person or virtually (both opportunities available)
• Assist clients or staff using digital medical devices, phones, tablets or laptops to access APPS or platforms, as per assignment and training
• Guide client or staff to learn and become comfortable using the specific APP or platform so that they can send, or review information or engage in virtual care visits (as per specific assignment)
• In Remote Patient Monitoring assignments, ensure information is transferred electronically to the telemedicine nurse.
• Care for the safety, privacy and confidentiality of the client and client information at all times.
• Respect the client\xe2\x80\x99s privacy and adhere to confidentiality and privacy policies and other policies.
• Report to supervisor in a timely manner
• Report all not found visits to the Call Centre immediately.
• Be familiar with emergency procedures; follow all policies and procedures

TIME COMMITTMENT

• 3 hours plus travel time, (if any) and reporting time, weekly
• Weekdays between 9am \xe2\x80\x93 5pm on days agreed to between VHA and volunteer
• Able to commit for minimum of 12 weeks; longer if possible/desired
• Volunteers are typically assigned to multiple clients

WORKING CONDITIONS The Volunteer role is highly independent, reporting to and supported by program coordinator. Visits occur virtually or in-home. PPE must be worn at all times when in- home; all privacy, confidentiality policies must be strictly adhered to at all times. All elements of the Computer Use & Privacy Protocol must be adhered to at all times; as well as adherence to all policies and procedures. Volunteers must self-assess for COVID-19 prior to each assignment visit when attending in person; and must continue to self-monitor throughout the volunteer shift SKILL REQUIREMENTS & QUALITIES

• Ability to learn, use and understand digital devices and platforms; share that knowledge in a way that can be easily understood
• Teaching, tutoring or coaching experience
• Previous experience using or teaching/coaching the use of electronic devices and/or virtual applications and platforms an asset
• Friendly and caring attitude
• Experience and sensitivity working with culturally diverse individuals and families

• Excellent Communication Skills; oral and listening skills; active listening skills, empathy, patience, tact.
• Enjoys engaging with seniors and other vulnerable individuals
• Respectful and Positive
• Responsible, reliable, and consistent
• Ability to work independently, with little to no supervision.
• Has integrity and good judgment
• Is open, supportive, and cooperative.

• Previous volunteer experience an asset

• Understanding of the aging process, impact of aging on the individual and family, an asset

BENEFITS

• Volunteers are supported through orientation, training and on-going support
• We provide an environment where volunteers are engaged, challenged, and rewarded
• Opportunities to meet new people; Support your community
• Make a difference in clients\xe2\x80\x99 lives with needed supports
• Gain valuable work-related experience to build your resume
• Reference letter given after 100 hours of volunteer service
• Build on your communication, interpersonal and leadership skills
• Develop social and professional networks

BOUNDARIES

• No personal care given to clients by volunteers
• Volunteers do not move clients when visiting in person (from bed or other positions or locations)
• No clinical work to be done by volunteers
• No exchange of personal contact information (phone, e-mail, addresses, social media, no photographs etc.)
• No visiting or contact of any kind outside of scheduled, volunteer shifts as requested by VHA
• No giving of gifts, items, or food; Do not accept gifts from clients
• Volunteers work within position description, policies, procedures, boundaries, and work within the assigned role description

ORIENTATION AND TRAINING

• Orientation to the agency and volunteer program
• Role orientation

SCREENING AND SUPERVISION

• Resume
• Application form with 2 references
• Interview
• Criminal Reference check including Vulnerable Sector Screening
• Signed Policies; Waiver; Release, Agreement; Protocol
• Independent and group learning, in person and / or online
• Reports to Coordinator, Supervisor or designate on a regular basis
• Coordinator will be available for feedback and support

For more information, contact Dawn Ashford, BSW, CVA, Supervisor of Volunteer Services 647-461-9485 or apply online at vha.ca/volunteer/
If you require accommodation to participate in the screening process, please let us know. About VHA Home HealthCare Since 1925, VHA Home HealthCare\xe2\x80\x94a not-for-profit, charity\xe2\x80\x94has empowered Ontarians to create possibilities for more independence. VHA\xe2\x80\x99s team of over 2,500, supports clients throughout Ontario and we are a founding member agency of United Way Toronto.