Volunteer opportunities - Cottage and Worthington Pavilions

Volunteers are important members of the health care community and truly enhance the resident, family and visitor experience at Cottage and Worthington Pavilions.

Volunteer Resources strives to develop and maintain roles that serve and support residents, families and visitors while increasing an overall positive long term care experience.

We celebrate diversity and inclusiveness, and therefore we welcome people from ages 16 years and older to apply. We take pride in finding the right match for our programs and for successful volunteer engagement. 

Current opportunities 

• Recreation support – Support the Recreation staff to provide comprehensive and diverse recreation programs. Volunteers must be outgoing by nature and genuinely enjoy working with seniors.
• Activity cart/Friendly Visitor Program – Visit with residents while offering activities to engage in social and mental stimulation by chatting, playing cards, reading, etc.
• Music volunteers – Provide soft, background, calming music to residents in the common recreation areas.
• Special events – Engage with residents to provide a fun, socially positive environment as well as assist staff with the organization, set up and take down of special events.
• Dining Room host – Contribute to an enjoyable dining experience for the residents by acting as a host/hostess and you may assist residents with a variety of tasks. The volunteer visits with the resident to encourage conversation and socialization prior to and after the dining experience.
• St. John Ambulance Pet Therapy – Visit with residents who have a love for animals.
• Bus outings – Accompanying residents on outings.
• Gardening – Contribute to maintaining a pleasant therapeutic outdoor experience for residents.

Requirements

We are looking for volunteers that have a high level of self-awareness, adaptability and a variety of life experience. Good communication and customer service skills are essential. You must enjoy in dealing with the general public and diverse populations.

Volunteers must meet the following requirement to be a successful candidate:

• Minimum age is 16 years old. Parent/legal guardian consent is required for applicants under the age of 18
• 150 hours or nine to 12 month commitment (vacation requests are accommodated)
• Ability to attend a regularly scheduled two to four hour shift once a week
• Proficient in English
• Strong communication skills
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Reporting of vaccination status for COVID-19 and seasonal flu vaccines

If you are a successful candidate you will be asked to provide and attend the following:

• Criminal Record Check
• Two references
• Mandatory New Volunteer Orientation Curriculum on Learning Hub
• Attend a Group Site Orientation (usually two to four hours)
• Mandatory compliance with all Fraser Health policies

Application process

• Step 1 Application: Complete the application form
  
• Step 2 Interview: Only candidates who qualify for available positions will be contacted for an initial interview
  
• Step 3 Screening: Criminal record check and references will be required
  
• Step 4 Orientation: Attend a volunteer orientation session
  
• Step 5 Placement: Training and placement following orientation