Mount Vernon Caregiver Support Group Co-Facilitator Skagit County WA

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Make a difference in the life of a family caregiver! The Alzheimer’s Association is currently recruiting local volunteers to facilitate Family Caregiver Support Groups in Mount Vernon.

Support Group Facilitators create a safe, open environment where people share their feelings, thoughts and experiences in a combined effort to better cope with and manage the shared problems of dementia. The goal of Alzheimer's Association support groups is to provide emotional, social and/or educational support to group members. As facilitators, individuals may be responsible for general caregiver, adult children, spouse, gender-specific or language-specific groups. Support current facilitator and fill in when they are not available/assist with attendance and one on one's as needed during a meeting.

KEY ACTIVITIES:

• Follow expectations and recommendations of the Caregiver Support Group Facilitator Manual, including participation in initial & ongoing training and submission of all required documentation to Chapter.
• Set up, arrange and prepare the room before and after each group.
• Coordinate any speakers/presenters with local chapter staff.
• Encourage participants to provide assistance and emotional support to one another.
• Present pertinent Association materials and information to group members.
• Connect members of the community with additional Association services by proactively making referrals to Alzheimer's Association programs & free 24/7 Helpline.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ability to be empathic and separate personal needs from group needs.
• Strong listening and effective communication skills.
• Ability to redirect and facilitate discussion as well as fulfill the duties and responsibilities as described in the Facilitator Agreement.
• Ability to create and maintain a safe environment where participants’ thoughts and feelings are valued and group members are treated with fairness, equity and respect.
• Commitment to promote the mission and services of the Association and willingness to act as an extension of the Association.
• Experience with dementia as a family member or health care professional preferred.
• Background checks are required as part of the volunteer selection process.

COMMITMENT EXPECTED:

• Support Group Facilitators commit to a 1-year term delivering a monthly group. Terms are renewable upon successful completion of annual goal-setting conversation with your staff partner.
• Orientation includes: online program volunteer welcome and orientation (1 hour) + self-study or in-person role training with staff partner (~4 hours).
• Support Group facilitators must observe 1 -3 groups led by a staff or mentor plus review facilitation skills with a staff partner prior to deployment in the community. This is dependent on experience of the facilitator (ever run a group or attended one).
• Comply with Alzheimer’s Association volunteer policies and procedures.
• Participate in initial training and ongoing education about Alzheimer’s, dementia and the Alzheimer's Association.

BENEFITS TO THE VOLUNTEER:

• Perfect your active listening and group management technique.
• Serve your local community and people you care about.
• Increase your knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
• Be recognized in your community as a leader and resource for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
• Build your resume and skill set.
• Join a network of other volunteers, Alzheimer's Association staff and professionals and caregivers in the aging field.

Interested in learning more? Contact Karen Thompson, Manager of Community Support, 206.529.3875 x 8143, Kcthompson@alz.org.

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About the Alzheimer's Association

The Alzheimer's Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. For more information, visit www.alz.org.

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