Volunteer with JFS's Friendly Visitor Program, especially if you can speak Russian

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The Friendly Visitor program provides outreach to adults who are isolated due to age or disability. This outreach includes socialization and monitoring the client’s needs. The Friendly Visitor helps Jewish Family Service to ensure the strength and survival of the most vulnerable in our community. As a Friendly Visitor, you will gain the opportunity to perform a valuable mitzvah by supporting the work of Jewish Family Service in your community.

At this time, JFS is most especially in need of Russian speakers for this opportunity.

Responsibilities:

• Actively listen, engage and talk with the client. Other potential duties, depending on the client’s needs and the volunteer's abilities, include running errands, shopping, cooking, transportation, gardening, and assistance with various chores.
• Notify the client in advance of any change in regular visit times.
• Identify and inform JFS staff of any client needs.

Hours:

• A commitment of at least 6 months.
• Spend one to two hours at each visit, with a minimum of two visits per month.

Requirements:

• Interest in working with older adults or individuals with disabilities.
• Reliable, patient and able to engage in active listening.
• Able to set limits (i.e., if client wants more of you than seems appropriate, or more than you want or are able to give.)
• An understanding of Jewish culture recommended but not required.
• Participation in Friendly Visitor Volunteer Training (approximately two hours).
• Monthly contact with JFS staff to give status updates and report hours.
• Successful completion of application process, including WA State Patrol and other background and reference checks.
• Volunteers must be 18 years or older.