Senior Wellness Ambassador for Seniors Living Alone (South Vancouver Neighbourhood House)

Organization Overview: South Vancouver Neighbourhood House (SVNH) is a community service agency and charitable organization serving South Vancouver since 1977. As a neighbourhood house, we work toward improving the quality of both community and family life. We offer activities and services for seniors, adults, families, youth, and children, which are determined by the needs and interests of the people living in our community. Each year, nearly 3,000 individuals participate in our programs, which are run in partnership with over 600 volunteers who contribute more than 30,000 hours of their time. 

Vision: Everyone in South Vancouver lives in a healthy and engaged community.

Mission: SVNH plays a leadership role in building healthy and engaged neighbourhoods in South Vancouver by connecting people and strengthening their capacity to create change.

Program/Project:  Seniors Team - Social Prescribing 

Object:
South Vancouver Neighbourhood House (SVNH) is looking for caring and community-minded volunteers to join our Social Prescribing Program. This volunteer role focuses on supporting older adults to reconnect with their community, reduce social isolation, and increase confidence in community participation.

Volunteers may accompany seniors to community spaces and activities such as (examples only):
•	South Vancouver Neighbourhood House or community centres 
•	Wellness or recreational programs 
•	Grocery stores 
•	Libraries 
•	Banks 
•	Other community spaces and services based on the senior’s individual needs and goals

Community Connectors assess seniors’ needs and develop individualized wellness plans. Volunteer support is tailored based on each senior’s interests, goals, abilities, and needs through a Social Prescribing approach. The goal is to reduce seniors’ isolation by helping them establish meaningful connections within their community.
This role does not involve personal care or medical support. Instead, volunteers help seniors build confidence, connection, and belonging within the community.

Key Responsibilities: 
•	Accompany seniors to community activities, events, or social appointments when needed 
•	Provide assistance with HandyDART use if transportation support is part of the plan 
•	Support seniors in building social connections and community engagement 
•	Encourage participation in wellness, recreational, or social programs 
•	Participate in regular check-ins with the Community Connector to review the senior’s progress 
•	Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries 
•	Report any incidents or emergencies immediately to the Program Coordinator

Qualifications: 
•	Treat all seniors with dignity and respect 
•	Excellent communication skills 
•	Empathetic, compassionate, and non-judgmental 
•	Sensitivity toward seniors and individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds 
•	Willingness to make a positive difference in the lives of seniors 
•	Ability to speak additional languages is an asset

Other Requirements:
•	Able to commit to short-term volunteer support for each senior match (maximum 6 months)
•	Attendance at mandatory training sessions and orientation workshops 
•	Criminal Record Check for Vulnerable Sector is required
•	Availability may be needed during weekdays or weekends, depending on the senior’s needs and the volunteer’s availability

For more information, contact Kam Wong at kam.wong@southvan.org.