Dementia Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County

Posted on Tuesday, September 17th, 2019

Volunteer Position Title: Arts Program Host Volunteer
Volunteer Position Time Frame: Ongoing – 09/20/2019

Contact Name: Jesslyn Smith
Contact Email: volunteer@dsorc.org

Mission: The Dementia Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County helps people in our communities impacted by dementia, by providing guidance and support, social programs and peer engagement, education, and information and resources. We believe that no one should face dementia alone.

Volunteer Position Description:

Art programs have the capacity to tap into creative parts of the brain and unleash memories and joy. Some people living with dementia may not be able to speak, but they can paint – and the painting may allow them to connect to other memories.

• Sessions are held weekdays, once per week over an eight week period
• Sessions to take place Wednesday mornings 10:30-12:00, with the volunteer to arrive half an hour early for setup purposes (10:00-12:00)
• Sessions may take place either indoors or outdoors
The arts program volunteers are responsible for running the program in a manner which is safe, supportive and aligned with The Dementia Society’s mission and values.

Primary Responsibilities and Tasks

The Arts Program volunteer will be responsible for the following:

• Room preparation including the light lifting of tables, chairs, and art supplies for up to 12 people living with dementia and their caregivers, and preparation of arts supplies
• Greet people as they arrive and assist them getting settled in the art space, initiate introductions between participants
• Float in the room throughout the session, interacting with participants and assisting people with their painting, supplies, or questions as necessary
• Arrange for a brief midway break, offering water and ensuring the comfort level of participants
• Following the session, clean and store art supplies and materials, put away tables/chairs and wash dishes as necessary, and leave space in tidy condition for next session
• Take direction from an instructor as required

Qualifications and Skills:

• Proficiency in English and/or French
• Excellent listening and communication skills
• Comfortable with small groups
• Ability to work independently with little supervision
• Ability to engage in conversation
• Teaching/training delivery experience (desired)
• Understanding of dementia and the daily living challenges persons with dementia (PWD)s face
• Experience as a caregiver of a person with dementia (desired)
• Enjoys art and painting (desired)

Screening:

Successful applicants will submit a volunteer application form and provide a valid Vulnerable Sector Police Record check. An interview and reference checks will be conducted as part of the application process with the Volunteer Coordinator.

Successful applicants will be provided with Orientation Training in addition to role-specific training from their supervisor.

Volunteer Requirements:

• Police Record Check
• Minimum 19 Years of Age
• Interacting with the public / in a group setting

How to Apply: Interested applicants should submit their CV and a cover letter describing their interest to volunteer@dsorc.org.


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