Community Connections Volunteer

Catholic Social Service's Community Connections program is currently looking for a Volunteer who enjoys being active and can provide positive encouragement for individuals with disabilities.

Guidelines for Community Connections Volunteers

The Community Connections program offers adults with various physical and mental disabilities a comfortable atmosphere to empower them in the area of Self Advocacy and Life Skills. The method of this empowerment is accomplished through recreational and leisure activities, volunteer activities, socialization and life skills opportunities. Community Connections offers individuals the opportunity to gain leadership skills by encouraging members to take lead roles in organizing and implementing club activities. Individuals also have an opportunity to achieve ISP goals through involvement in participation of the program.

Activities are designed, planned and provided so that they are appropriate to the participant’s needs, interests and ability levels through client participation in planning and organizing activities.

Activities may include, but are not limited to, swimming, bowling, nature walks, tours, guest speakers, crafts, bingo, cooking, etc. Activities also include out of town day trips such as West Edmonton Mall, Space Science Centre, Calgary Zoo, Heritage Park, Fort Edmonton, Sylvan Lake, Gull Lake, etc.

Hours of Operation:

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

What you can expect:

• Participate in activity supporting either the facilitator or individual matched with.
• Cell phone use silent mode. Reduce use of cell phones modeling social appropriateness.
• Engage with all individuals in a respectful manner. Be a role model for individuals, students, and peers
• Support all individuals, redirect them back to their respective staff when needed
• If it is a lunch activity bring a lunch. Eat with individuals
• Communicate with Club staff and your individual if you’re stepping out for a time period (i.e. bathroom/smoking)
• Please do not overshare your life details, redirect the question back to the individual. Remember Professional Boundaries.
• If you need to speak to an individual about behaviour or something, please take them to an office or out of the way of other individuals
• If a disclosure occurs, let individual know we have to speak with Service Coordinator. Do not engage, make sure the individual feels safe, reach out to coordinator
• Community Connections is a place of belonging, free from judgement and a place to connect.
• And above all, Have fun!

Desired Skills/Abilities:

• Obtain and submit- Vulnerable Sector Check with RCMP and Intervention Record Check through Children Services.
• Communication Skills Effective communication lies at the heart of being an exceptional volunteer for this program.
• Patience & Humour Building strong relationships is key to earning your client’ trust, establishing open communication, and forging lasting bonds
• Reliability
• Leadership Skills
• Respectful
• Attention to Detail
• Flexibility & Adaptability

Volunteer Perks:

• Access to diverse Agency training
• Skill based volunteering which allows volunteers to develop their talents
• Creating new relationships by increasing social connections
• Ability to make recommendations for program development
• Quality supervision and support
• Meaningful recognition
• Reference letters upon completion of 25 hours or more
• Access to the Leisure Discount Program (City of Edmonton)

If you are interested in this unique volunteer placement, please start your application today!