VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) is one of the largest not-for-profit home care providers in Ontario. Our team is made up of close to 3,000 caring and committed professionals who love what they do. Our providers tell us: “Home care is where I can truly make a difference. There is such a sense of accomplishment from helping people live independently at home.” Our teams work together to provide high quality, client-centred care to those who need it most in their homes, schools, retirement homes and other community settings. Many of our team members manage their own schedules in the community and they say, “The freedom and flexibility can’t be beat.” Providers form meaningful bonds with the clients and families they serve over time and are supported by a diverse regional team and beneficial home office programs. Team members tell us “I love the inclusive culture. I feel welcome and at home.” View more comments from our clients and their family members Purpose: Improve quality of life of clients in the Safe Spaces Hoarding Support Volunteer Program. The program is designed to help vulnerable, isolated individuals with hoarding tendencies, de-clutter, sort and organize their homes. The program is developed from a harm reduction approach. We provide clients with opportunities that improve their social, physical, mental, and emotional health. AREA SERVED: Toronto: North York, East York, Scarborough, Etobicoke and Downtown Toronto PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS Assist clients to de-clutter and organize their living space Assist clients to let go and discard items Assist clients to establish realistic and client-driven goals for organization, maintenance, and safe living Provide supportive listening OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES Work with clients at their own pace, while maintaining clear goals Foster and establish appropriate use of cleared living spaces Be attentive to clients emotional state Submit Volunteer Log to the Supervisor after each visit Report concerns immediately to the Program Supervisor Maintain confidentiality of client information; follow all policies and work within boundaries of the role Notify the Supervisor as soon as possible if unable to volunteer on an assigned date Attend support meeting. TIME COMMITTMENT 3 hours plus travel time weekly, once a week for 12 weeks 12 weekly visits make one volunteer assignment Visits happen during weekdays between 9-4pm only. No evening or weekend availability QUALIFICATIONS Strong active listening and oral communication skills to work one on one with client in client’s home Motivated and patient Interested in mental health issues and compulsive hoarding Comfortable working with a client in their home Friendly, reliable, responsible, non-judgmental and non-discriminating. Able to act independently within policies and boundaries of the position and client needs and goals Creativity in planning and implementing activities Knowledgeable of available community resources (local dumpsters, community health centres, donation drop-off facilities etc.) Experience working in the mental health field an asset Coaching, teaching, and mentoring is an asset Comfortable working in enclosed, small, and cluttered spaces ORIENTATION AND TRAINING Orientation and training by VHA staff Meetings with training component SCREENING AND SUPERVISION Application form with 2 references. Interview Signed Release Agreement, Waiver Vulnerable Sector Screening Report to supervisor on a weekly basis and submit weekly log Supervisor will be available for feedback and support BENEFITS Volunteers are supported through orientation, training, (online and in person) meetings, workshops, seminars, and one-to-one support. Career-related experience. We provide an environment where volunteers are engaged, challenged & rewarded. Opportunities to meet new people. Develop social and professional networks. Build on your communication, interpersonal and leadership skills. Gain valuable work experience to build your resume. Support your community. Enhance clients' lives and deliver life-changing supports and services. Reference letter upon request following 100 hours of volunteer service. Program Assistant or/Coordinator or/Supervisor will be available for feedback and support. Accommodation and VHA’s commitment to DEI At VHA Home HealthCare (VHA), we passionately strive to uphold our commitments to being an Equal Opportunity Employer. We champion inclusion and diversity in all parts of our organization and are strong believers that a diverse workforce is key to the ongoing and future success of VHA. We aim to review all applicants with fair and unbiased recruitment practices where opportunities are presented based on merits, skills, and experience. VHA is committed to providing reasonable accommodation and our services are accessible and sensitive to the needs of diverse groups. If you require any accommodation, please let us know in advance as we are happy to comply. “VHA’s team is full of amazing people who are compassionate and committed to supporting one another and to making care better for our clients and families.” - Kathryn Nichol, President and CEO, VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) At VHA, we offer you opportunities to advance your career with an industry-recognized leader in care that truly values its clients and its people. Visit our Careers website for more details. Internationally educated healthcare professionals have long been an important part of VHA’s workforce - hear from some of our staff and service providers about their experience. Since 1925, VHA Home HealthCare has lent a helping hand to people in the community. As a not-for-profit charitable organization, we support seniors, families, people with disabilities and those living with chronic or terminal illness to live as independently as possible. With close to 3,000 staff and service providers - including personal support workers, nurses, rehabilitation professionals, home support workers and office support staff - we provide services 24 hours a day, seven days a week to clients in their home and the community. At VHA, we’re passionate about the work we do, the impact we make, and about supporting our clients, communities, and each other. As a VHA team member you’ll do more than provide services to clients; you’ll build strong, long-lasting bonds and real relationships with our clients and their families. We offer high-quality, multilingual services in southern Ontario and our work environment focuses on supporting clients and staff through client-centered care, well-connected health care teams, and continual improvement. Our people are as diverse as the clients and communities we support and we value your unique talents. So, if you’re passionate about serving others and making a difference, you belong at VHA A Life-Changing Opportunity Providing better care to our clients and their families is what fuels us. And today we’re at the forefront. Through our community partnerships, innovation initiatives, and a focus on research and transformation, we are making an impact like never before. To support you and your goals, there are a range of full-time, part-time and casual positions at VHA with varying schedules to meet our clients’ needs and your own. We also try to give you an interesting mix of new and repeat clients so you can build relationships and enjoy variety. We know that our team members can provide their best care when their own needs are being met. Together, we are reimagining the future of health care. Reimagine your career with VHA. At VHA, we offer you opportunities to advance your career with an industry-recognized leader in care that truly values its clients and its people. We offer: The opportunity to join a leading charitable organization you can be proud of with over 95 years of experience providing high quality care. A stimulating, diverse, client and family-focused work environment with a variety of full-time and part time positions. We invest in our staff, offering continuous opportunities for learning, competitive compensation and paid orientation, a confidential and free Employee Assistance Program, and more. Eligible staff are also entitled to a pension plan and comprehensive benefits package. Best of all, we foster a supportive, and respectful team environment where we all thrive.
