Grocery Shopping Volunteer
Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver
About Jewish Family Services
JFS delivers a continuum of social services to individuals and families of all ages and stages of life, supporting them to live healthy and productive lives. The JFS Seniors Department provides a wide range of services, including information and referral to community resources, advocacy, financial assistance, as well as seniors programming.
Commitment
JFS is committed to providing excellent service to all of its seniors. Within this program, we complete a basic assessment of seniors requesting help, and a thorough screening and orientation of the Better at Home Volunteers. Our goal is to create a match that is mutually beneficial and satisfying.
What is Better at Home?
Better at Home is a program designed to help seniors live independently in their homes by providing affordable non-medical support services. This is a provincial program, with 68 sites in BC, including eight sites in neighborhoods throughout Vancouver. The program is funded by the Government of British Columbia, managed by United Way of the Lower Mainland, and delivered by local non-profit agencies. KOM Better at Home is delivered by Jewish Family Services (JFS).
KOM Better at Home offers light housekeeping (provided by paid staff), transportation to appointments (provided by volunteers), assistance with grocery shopping (provided by volunteers) and volunteer visiting (provided by volunteers). Light Housekeeping and transportation fees are on a sliding scale based on income, with those below a certain income eligible for free services. There is no charge to seniors for grocery shopping and volunteer visiting.
About the position
The goal of this position is to assist seniors with their grocery shopping needs. Volunteers can choose to help online by managing their SaveOnFood account or accompany seniors in-person.
Reports to: Better at Home Coordinator
Requirements: Criminal record check
Time Commitment: 4-8 hours a month
Scheduling: Flexible, according to volunteer availability
Skills, Experience, Attributes
- You enjoy the company of seniors
- You have good listening and communication skills. You are patient, respectful and understanding
- You will maintain confidentiality about all personal information
- You will be consistent and reliable with your visits
- You will set healthy boundaries
Activities
- Conduct grocery shopping visits as approved by the Coordinator
- Communicate any health or other concerns about the senior to the program coordinator