CARES – Community Connection Volunteer

Assignment: Community Connection Volunteer
Program: CARES Social Prescribing for Seniors – Community Connector Volunteer Team
Location: Various – Burnaby
Commitment: 3–4 months per senior, approx. 2–4 hours per week
Languages Preferred: Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Spanish (other languages welcome)

Goal of the Assignment
To support seniors and other residents in the Burnaby area through phone and in-person visits, working in partnership with CARES Community Connectors. Volunteers help seniors achieve their personalized wellness plans, reduce isolation, improve access to resources, and foster active participation in community life.

Assignment Responsibilities

Wellness Plan Support
• Work with the assigned CARES Community Connector to understand the senior’s wellness goals and progress steps.
• Focus on tracking and supporting the progress of the wellness plan during each visit or call.
• Provide feedback to the Community Connector after each contact.
Senior Contact
• Visit the senior once a week (in-person home visit or by phone, depending on the plan).
• Provide companionship, encouragement, and gentle accountability for their goals.
• Assist with basic practical needs within the plan (e.g., information sharing, reminders).
Accompaniment & Access to Services
• Accompany seniors to community programs, events, or social appointments when needed.
• Provide HandiDart assistance if transportation support is part of the plan.
• Check in with the senior between activities to maintain engagement and follow up on next steps.
Check-ins and Coordination
• Participate in regular check-ins (phone or in-person) with the CARES Community Connector to review senior progress.
• Share observations and any changes in the senior’s needs or circumstances.
Preparation & Materials
• Assist with preparing materials, resources, or information to be given to seniors during visits.
• Maintain accurate, timely notes about visits and calls as directed by the Community Connector.

Assignment Boundaries
Adhere to CARES program Codes of Conduct, Privacy, and Confidentiality policies.

Qualifications
• Passionate about building community connections and improving quality of life for seniors.
• Strong communication and people skills.
• Comfortable with both phone-based and in-person visits.
• Willing to assist with transportation/accompaniment needs when possible.
• Knowledge of community-based seniors services is an asset.
• Additional languages are an asset.

Other Requirements
• Able to commit long-term to the program with a 3–4-month engagement per senior.
• Attendance at mandatory training sessions and education workshops.
• Criminal Record Check for Vulnerable Populations (including the Vulnerable Sector).
• Two references required.

Training & Supervision
• Completion CARES volunteer training.
• Orientation to the CARES Social Prescribing Program, including communication skills, cultural sensitivity, dementia awareness, and wellness plan tracking.
• Ongoing guidance, debriefing, and supervision with CARES Community Connectors and program coordinators.
• All CARES program materials and senior-specific information will be provided in advance.

Benefits
• Opportunity to make a tangible difference in the life of a senior or isolated community member.
• Comprehensive training and continuous support.
• Experience in wellness plan facilitation, community navigation, and culturally inclusive care.
• Travel reimbursement (as applicable).
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
• Meeting other like-minded volunteers.
• Recognition events.
• Reference letters available after completion of commitment (or after 40 hours, as applicable).

Application Process
• Apply through the BNH Better Impact database.
• Attend an interview.
• Complete reference checks.
• Complete a successful Criminal Record Check.
• Await communication of application status and next steps.