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1 person is interested
Volunteer Van Driver
ORGANIZATION: Compeer of Greater Buffalo
Please visit the new page to apply.
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1 person is interested
Serving as a van driver or van driver assistant for the Compeer of Greater Buffalo program, you will transport individuals of all ages living with mental illness to a Compeer sponsored activity, using a Compeer owned van. Van Drivers will collaborate with a Van Driver Assistant to pick up participants from their home, bring them to the activity site (most often the Compeer office), and transport participants back to their home at the conclusion of the activity. Volunteers will communicate with a member of the Compeer staff to fulfill shifts & coordinate efficient pick-up and drop-off routes. Most shifts will take place on week nights or Saturdays. This is a brand new role and volunteers will assist in building out this experience. We are currently recruiting and screening volunteers.
Key Responsibilities:
- Positive interactions with all passengers, including greeting and engaging in conversation throughout each shift.
- Punctual and dependable in reporting to the Compeer office at agreed upon time; completing the assigned route; and ability to complete beginning & end of shift procedures.
- In collaboration with Van Driver Assistant, call passengers on assigned shift route prior to departing the Compeer office to confirm their ride and introduce yourself.
- Drive Compeer clients and approved family members only to intake session or activity and back; no driving to locations outside the assigned locations.
- Complete driver log for each assigned shift which includes:
- Report any health, safety, or well-being concerns of your passengers
- Report any transportation or maintenance concerns
- Report name of passenger(s) picked up during your shift
- When possible, a Van Driver Assistant will be assigned to each shift to assist with client interactions, troubleshooting, and communication with the office.
- Van Drivers and Van Driver Assistants are not permitted to lift any passengers. Passengers must be able to independently get in and out of the Compeer van.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Licensed driver with minimum 5 years of driving experience
- Driving record in good standing
- No health conditions that may impair ability to drive safely
- Ability to demonstrate empathy and effective communication skills
- General knowledge of Erie County, including navigating various roads throughout the region
- Basic understanding of mental illness
More opportunities with Compeer of Greater Buffalo
No additional volunteer opportunities at this time.
About Compeer of Greater Buffalo
Location:
1179 Kenmore Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14217, US
Mission Statement
Promoting good mental health through meaningful friendships.
Description
Compeer Buffalo operates four core programs, each focusing on friendship and supportive relationships to encourage mental wellness. These include one-on-one volunteer mentoring, group mentoring social activities, school-based mentoring, and Mental Health Education (including the evidenced based curriculum for Mental Health First Aid). Volunteers become positive role models, help raise self-esteem, increase social and communication skills, and encourage independence for their Compeer friends. The relationship between volunteers and their friends encourages a sense of belonging, trust, respect, hope, support, and empowerment.
The Compeer model of one-to-one support is an evidenced based program that was recognized in 2007 by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) - a branch of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services - as an evidenced based program under the National Registry of Evidenced based Programs and Practices (NREPP).
CAUSE AREAS
WHEN
WHERE
Multiple locations Buffalo, NY 14217
DATE POSTED
February 17, 2023
SKILLS
- Bus/Van Driving
- Transportation
GOOD FOR
- People 55+
REQUIREMENTS
- Driver's License Needed
- Background Check
- Must be at least 21
- Orientation or Training
- schedule is flexible. We anticipate having 3-4 shifts available per month.
- DMV Screening, proof of license & auto insurance, interview, references, proof of defensive driver course completion