Peer Specialist – VHA Home HealthCare – Toronto
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 using a harm reduction approach.
Primary Responsibilities
- 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 goalsFoster and establish appropriate use of cleared living spacesBe attentive to clients emotional stateSubmit Volunteer Log to the Supervisor after each visitReport concerns immediately to the Program SupervisorMaintain confidentiality of client information; follow all policies and work within boundaries of the roleNotify the Supervisor as soon as possible if unable to volunteer on an assigned dateAttend support meetingTime Commitment
3 hours plus travel time weekly, once a week for 12 weeks12 weekly visits make one volunteer assignmentVisits happen during weekdays between 9-4pm only. No evening or weekend availabilityQualifications
Strong active listening and oral communication skills to work one on one with client in client’s homeMotivated and patientInterested in mental health issues and compulsive hoardingComfortable working with a client in their homeFriendly, reliable, responsible, non-judgmental and non-discriminatingAble to act independently within policies and boundaries of the position and client needs and goalsCreativity in planning and implementing activitiesKnowledgeable of available community resources (local dumpsters, community health centres, donation drop-off facilities etc.)Experience working in the mental health field an assetCoaching, teaching, and mentoring is an assetComfortable working in enclosed, small, and cluttered spacesOrientation and Training
Orientation and training by VHA staffMeetings with training componentScreening and Supervision
Application form with 2 referencesInterviewSigned Release Agreement, WaiverVulnerable Sector ScreeningReport to supervisor on a weekly basis and submit weekly logSupervisor will be available for feedback and supportBenefits
Volunteers are supported through orientation, training, (online and in person) meetings, workshops, seminars, and one-to-one supportCareer-related experienceWe provide an environment where volunteers are engaged, challenged & rewardedOpportunities to meet new peopleDevelop social and professional networksBuild on your communication, interpersonal and leadership skillsGain valuable work experience to build your resumeSupport your communityEnhance clients' lives and deliver life-changing supports and servicesReference letter upon request following 100 hours of volunteer serviceProgram Assistant or / Coordinator or / Supervisor will be available for feedback and supportAccommodation and 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.
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