Summary

Purpose: Help to increase overall health and well-being and improve quality of life of our clients in the Volunteer Hoarding Support Program. The program is designed to help vulnerable, isolated individuals with hoarding tendencies de-clutter, sort and organize their homes. Developed from a harm reduction approach, we provide clients with opportunities that help improve their social, physical, mental and emotional health.

Description

Hoarding Support Volunteer (Mental Health, Motivational Interviewing) 

*Currently looking for volunteers who can travel to North York, Etobicoke and Downtown Toronto in-person only. This is an unpaid role.*

 

Founded in 1925, VHA is a not-for-profit, charitable organization made up of over 3,000 diverse professionals – nurses, personal support workers, rehab therapists, home support workers, extreme cleaners, and office support staff. Together, we provide high quality care, with great heart, to vulnerable populations in the communities we serve. This includes seniors, families, new parents, newborn babies, people with physical and mental disabilities, children with medically complex needs, and the terminally ill. We provide service 24 hours a day, seven days a week to clients in their homes, in schools, in retirement homes and other locations in the community. In every role and at every level, we lead with purpose, build bonds that matter, and we’re passionate about providing spectacular care. VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) believes that quality care begins with quality people. Our volunteers work directly with our clients and make a difference in people’s lives every day. We’re looking for volunteers who share and enhance VHA’s values.

Role Description: Improve quality of life of our clients in the Volunteer Hoarding Support Program. The program is designed to help vulnerable, isolated individuals with hoarding tendencies de-clutter, sort and organize their homes. Developed from a harm reduction approach, we provide clients with opportunities that help improve their social, physical, mental and emotional health.

AREAS 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 of items.
  • Assist clients to establish realistic and client-driven goals for organization, maintenance, and safe living.

COVID-19 and PPE

  • PPE is provided and must be worn during volunteer assignments
  • Related training is provided 

Other responsibilities

  • Work with client at their own pace, while maintaining clear goals
  • Foster and establish appropriate use of cleared living spaces.
  • Be attentive to client's emotional state
  • Submit Volunteer Log to the Supervisor after each visit.
  • Report concerns immediately to the Program Supervisor.
  • Maintain confidentiality of client information.
  • Notify the Supervisor as soon as possible if unable to volunteer on an assigned date.
  • Attend monthly support meeting.

TIME COMMITMENT 

  • 1 Visit per week
  • 3 hours per visit
  • One day – Monday – Friday between 9am – 5pm only. No weekend availability.
  • Each assignment is 12 weeks in duration
  • Additional assignments available if desired

AGE REQUIREMENT Minimum be 18 years-old

QUALIFICATION

  • Good communication skills: Oral and Active Listening.
  • Motivated and patient.
  • Interest in mental health issues and compulsive hoarding.
  • Feel comfortable working with a client in their home.
  • Friendly, reliable, responsible, non-judgmental and non-discriminating.
  • Able to act independently within the boundaries of the position description and client needs and goals.
  • Creativity in planning and implementing activities.
  • Knowledge of community resources (local dumpsters, community health centers, donation  drops) 
  • Experience working in the mental health field an asset.

BENEFITS

  • Receive excellent training provided by VHA’s regulated staff.
  • Develop skill sets in working in mental health
  • Personal growth and professional development
  • Resume building
  • Reference letter upon request following 1 year volunteer service

ORIENTATION AND TRAINING

  • Orientation & training by VHA regulated professional
  • Training in motivational interviewing and hoarding research

SCREENING AND SUPERVISION

  • Application form with 2 professional references
  • Interview
  • Signed Volunteer Role; Policies & Waiver
  • Clear Criminal Reference check and Vulnerable Sector Screening 
  • Attend training and complete online training
  • Report to supervisor weekly
  • Supervisor will be available for feedback and support