RSVP (Retired & Senior Volunteer Program) Volunteers for the SEARCH program in Androscoggin/Kennebec & Somerset Counties in Maine
Type(s) of Volunteer(s) Needed: Individuals (RSVP eligible 55 and over).
Position description: RSVP Volunteers for SEARCH program - Androscoggin/Kennebec/Somerset County are matched with an elderly person to visit with for a few hours each week and provide support, companionship, socialization, help with daily tasks, transportation to medical appointments and grocery shopping/errands.
Key Responsibilities:
- Visit an elderly person 2-4+ hours per week and provide services as agreed upon
- Notify the SEARCH - RSVP - Androscoggin/Kennebec Valley program of any changes or concerns regarding the person’s circumstances
- Send in a monthly service report
- Maintain regular communication with SEARCH/RSVP - Androscoggin/Kennebec/Somerset County staff
- Understand and adhere to the principle of confidentiality
- Handle all financial transactions in an honest, responsible manner and fill in reports accurately for the person served and to the program
Impact of opportunity: RSVP Visitation Volunteers for SEARCH Program - Androscoggin/Kennebec/Somerset County support the mission of the SEARCH program to enable the frail, vulnerable elderly to remain independent and increasingly connected to a caring community.
Qualifications & Skills Required:
- Education sufficient enough to be able to communicate in a capable manner and to be able to communicate reports to the program staff
- Experience with the elderly on a formal or informal basis (recommended)
- A willingness to demonstrate patience, sensitivity, flexibility
- The ability to listen to, work with, and help an elderly person
- Vehicle and valid driver’s license with state required insurance
Training Offered: RSVP Volunteers must participate in Catholic Charities Maine Volunteer Orientation and initial training offered by the program, and then he/she may attend volunteer support group meetings or scheduled workshops as they are offered.
Time Commitment/Schedule: 2-4 hours or more per week
Benefits:
- Build a relationship with an elderly person and gain experience supporting him or her with daily tasks
Program Contacts: Kennebec County: Lynn Kidd, Project Manager (207) 530-0137 or LKidd@ccmaine.org
Somerset County: Cristen Sawyer, Project Coordinator (207) 576-5730 or csawyer@ccmaine.org
Androscoggin County: Celine Gibbings, Project Coordinator (207) 450-4213 or cgibbings@ccmaine.org
