Peer Support Group Facilitator

/ weekly

6 months term

Caregivers Alberta empowers Albertans who give care to family and friends at home or in the community. We provide education, support caregivers' well-being, and advocate for public policy.

Although we are headquartered in Edmonton, we provide programs and services for all family and friend caregivers throughout the province of Alberta.

Peer support programs provide emotional, social, and informational support to people who share similar experiences. Caregivers Alberta’s peer support program (also known as Caregiver Support Community) is built on a strength-based approach that aims to empower caregivers and build them up.

Here are some of the duties of a Peer Support Group Facilitator:
- create an inclusive ‘environment of comfort’ where it is easy to talk and share
- observe the group atmosphere and help to move things along
- lead by example and not ‘as the boss’
- model healthy and respectful behaviour
- report back on particularly challenging topics for debrief and problem-solving
- record hours and activities and submit them monthly

Volunteer facilitators must have previous facilitation experience, preferably in the clinical or social health sector.

Previous experience as a caregiver is an asset, but not required. Volunteers should have about two (2) hours to dedicate to preparation and hosting the peer support group each week.

You will be partnered with one of our caregiver coaches to guide and support a weekly, online group that is run through Caregivers Alberta.

Apply Now

Additional Details & Skills Required

Volunteers will be expected to complete a general volunteer orientation, as well as role specific training. Volunteers must also partake in our COMPASS for the Caregiver 4-session workshop series which takes place virtually every month, or it can be taken on-demand via our learning platform.

Certification or Education Required

- educational and/or practical experience in facilitating groups, health care, social services, or mental health
- current students in programs such as: social/human services, psychology, or nursing
- work or volunteer experience in a healthcare-related field or general wellness/well-being field

Why should you volunteer for this opportunity?

Benefits of volunteering with Caregivers Alberta as a Peer Support Group Facilitator:
- gain valuable health-related volunteer hours for secondary or post-secondary education programs
- be part of a team that cares about your time and contribution
- help grow awareness of caregiving and the challenges that Alberta's one million+ family and friend caregivers face

Activities involved

Peer Support

Skills required

Counselling Leading Mentoring Sharing Personal Experience Visiting

Requirements:

Interview
Police Check
References
Vulnerable Sector Search

Remote or online