Safer Spaces Hoarding Support, Mental Health Volunteer

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.” 

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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.