Volunteer Program Assistants (VPAs) collaborate with LBFE staff to ensure that every older friend has a relationship with a compassionate person. VPAs have a unique opportunity to discover the real needs of older adults and reach out to them in friendship and celebration of life. Finally, VPAs have the opportunity to develop and maintain productive, satisfying relationships with other volunteers.
Service Activities
Major Duties and Responsibilities
◼ Establish a meaningful relationship with 25-30 elders.
◼ Provide engaging social opportunities, such as attending LBFE luncheons, going for an outing or on a walk, seeing a movie - any life-affirming activity two friends would do together.
◼ Work with Staff to help recruit elders and assist Staff in developing recruitment presentations.
◼ May assist elders with small errands (i.e. light shopping, transportation, etc.).
◼ Be accountable for your time, work, and performance.
◼ Assess elders’ needs and refer findings to staff.
◼ Participate in staff meetings, VPA meetings, and evaluations.
◼ Take charge of a special project outside of visiting elders and perform other duties as needed.
◼ Drive, assess and participate in the maintenance of LBFE vehicles as needed.
◼ Availability and participation in training new VPA at the end of your year at LBFE.
Community Need Addressed
Per the CDC: Loneliness and social isolation in older adults are serious public health risks affecting a significant number of people in the United States and putting them at risk for dementia and other serious medical conditions.
Position Outcomes
LBFE seeks to alleviate loneliness and isolation amongst older persons in Chicago. The Volunteer Program Assistant will develop friendships with up to 30 elders, bringing these individuals out of isolation and loneliness.
Benefits
Housing, Living allowance, Training
Learning Objectives
◼ Organizational Management: VPA will be able to plan, coordinate, implement and manage projects.
◼ Analysis/Problem Solving: VPA will be able to strategically research, analyze and solve problems.
◼ Core Relationships: VPA will show social and cultural sensitivity and collaborate in conflict resolution.
Benefits
◼ Excellent training and experience in the field of aging while working in a responsible position with the guidance of staff.
◼ Opportunities to meet and work with a diverse group of committed volunteers, staff and older persons.
Education Benefits
College Degree, GED/High School Diploma, Credential or Certification
Skills you will gain
Project management, budget management, time management, conflict resolution, event planning and execution, inter-personal skill development, team building, relationship building.
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Lead group discussion, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Maintain open lines of communication with others, Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner, Turn taking, Write cleary and effectively
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, Improvise, Provide relevant expertise, Select and implement well-considered solution
Teamwork
Derive consensus, Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Stay positive and outcome oriented, Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Anticipate the consequences of decisions, Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them, Quickly respond with a back-up plan if a decision goes amiss
Tools
Carefully consider which tools or technological solutions are appropriate for a given job, Consistently choose the best tool or technological solution for the problem at hand, Operate tools and equipment in accordance with established operating procedures, safety standards, and ethical guidelines, Seek opportunities to improve knowledge of tools and technologies that may assist in streamlining work and improving productivity
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create environment of contribution, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently, Drive decision making, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Evaluate customer or client satisfaction, Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Provide personalized, prompt, and efficient service to meet the requirements, requests and needs of customers, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand and anticipate the needs of others, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment