Friendly Visitor

SUMMARY

Friendly visitors are volunteers who provide companionship and emotional support to CICOA’sclients who are homebound or very limited in their ability to get around.  Friendly visitors may be the only social contact with non-professionals that CICOA homebound client’s experience. You may be asked to help with light chores around client’s home.

DESCRIPTION OF RESPONSIBILITIES

• Visit client in his/her home and provide face-to-face companionship and emotional support for minimum of 1 hour per visit.
• If client requests, perform simple tasks such as helping open mail, reading to client, running simple errands, laundry, it is up to you as the volunteer as to what you accept doing. 
• You will report major changes in client’s health status or living situation to CICOA Volunteer Coordinator.
• Enter a clear mutual agreement about expectations and limitations.
• Inform client as soon as possible if agreed upon schedule needs to be changes.

TIME COMMITMENT

• Client visits 1-3 times per month

NECESSARY DOCUMENTATION

• Must be 18 years or older
• Completed Volunteer Application
• Must submit to background check

SKILLS NECESSARY

• Ability to clearly and effectively communicate
• Have available transportation
• Must be flexible, accessible and reliable

TRAINING

• Attend initial training meeting to receive handbook, and information regarding confidentiality laws, organizational policies and volunteer guidelines.
• Must be willing to attend periodic training or meetings.

PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES

• CICOA volunteers do not transport clients, dispense medications, give personal care or accept payment / gifts of any kind.