Turn compassion into action! Support veterans as a Compassionate Contact Volunteer

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This is a community-based assignment where the volunteer will utilize a quiet, private area to provide weekly virtual conversations (using phone, tablet, computer) with homebound Veterans or inpatients who are seeking to make a connection outside of their current environment and/or to provide support and communication to the Veteran’s caregiver. Volunteers will be trained and matched with veterans for 1:1 socialization. These are friendly visits with no medical or home-care duties.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide quality 1:1 social interaction, engaging Veterans in meaningful conversations
• Schedule and participate in regular telephone or video visits which may consist of conversing with the Veteran/Caregiver for a mutually agreed upon time frame (generally but not limited to 15-30 minutes) to convey support and concern
• Immediately report any problems, or concerns conveyed by the Veteran and/or caregiver to the local VA Compassionate Contact Corps Coordinator who works as the liaison to the Veteran’s primary care team.

Qualifications:

• Current Red Cross volunteer,
• Comfortable having conversations virtually using platforms such as Zoom, Facetime, etc. or by phone
• Sensitive to the needs of Veterans/Caregivers in stressful situations
• Empathetic and compassionate listener
• Ability to maintain privacy and confidentiality as mandated by HIPAA
• Must be willing to communicate regularly with the local Compassionate Contact Corps Coordinator
• Good people skills, excellent communication/listening skills
• Excellent phone proficiency such as a clear voice, good listening skills and compassion
• Emotionally mature, positive and service-oriented
• Ability to work independently
• Volunteer to provide own means (phone/computer) of communication
• Must be over the age of 18

Time Commitment:

• Preferably, contact will take place at least once per week and may occur more as mutually agreed upon by volunteer and Veteran. 15-30 minutes per visit.

Training:

• American Red Cross Orientation
• VA Onboarding
• VAVS Orientation
• Compassionate Contact Corps Orientation
• Job specific orientations to include: HIPAA, Suicide Prevention, Customer Service Training/Telephone Visitor Orientation

Find out more at www.redcross.org/volunteertoday or email jennifer.samaritan@redcross.org

Ready to Make a Difference? Here's How to Get Started!

1. Go to redcross.org/volunteertoday to complete our online application. It takes less than 10 minutes!

1. A member of our team will get in touch. Taking the time for a personal conversation enables us to match you with a role that will be both meaningful and enjoyable.

1. We’ll provide all necessary training to ensure you can be successful in your volunteer role.