Befriender Volunteer: All over metro area!

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Purpose: To help client’s experiencing isolation, vulnerability or disability. Help enhance the quality of life and build a client’s ability to be independent, and provide companionship by engaging in one to one activities.

Responsibilities:

• To provide friendship and companionship
• To share activities and/or outings that enhance client’s life
• To be a listening friend as the client reconciles her/his life situation
• To monitor the client’s well-being and ability to live independently
• To note and report any changes or concerns to the assigned staff person
• To support the client in learning/using beneficial community resources
• To encourage self-reliance and recreational, spiritual, cultural, community and multigenerational involvement with others

Requirements: The volunteer must be reliable, patient, willing to establish a healthy relationship with a client, have good listening skills, have a valid MN drivers license and a good driving record or access to public transportation.

A volunteer must complete the online application, interview and orientation process, provide 2 references, agree to department policies including data privacy and confidentiality, pass a criminal background check, and attend training.

Time Commitment: Meet with a client 2 to 4 times per month for a minimum of 6 months. Volunteer must schedule these meetings in advance with the client, and inform Social Worker and Coordinator of Volunteer of any changes.

Location: Visits may take place in the client’s home, a medical facility or out in to the community. All clients live within Hennepin County.

Benefits:

• Enhanced quality of life by establishing meaningful and healthy relationships withe a community member who is a client of our department
• Opportunity to learn new skills and improve existing skills
• Access to specialized training at no cost
• Mileage reimbursement for visits and outings
• Letters of recommendation can be provided upon request

To apply to become a volunteer, please fill out this application: https://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/ap?AP=414494143