Thank you for considering volunteering with Cascadia Health! Please note that most of our volunteer opportunities occur Monday through Friday.

VIEWS Volunteer position is responsible for providing support to seniors in the community through the VIEWS program. VIEWS promotes the emotional well-being of seniors through peer support and social engagement. Volunteers facilitate weekly support groups, one time Conversations on Aging or participate in calling home bound seniors as Friendly Callers. The conversations are focused on specific topics that help older adults navigate the changes and challenges that come with aging. Understanding the needs of older adults is essential. Position requires that the person has a general understanding of cultural and age-related differences and a strong appreciation with respect for these differences.

All volunteers must understand, appreciate, and respect the diversity and cultural differences within our Cascadia community. It is expected that there is an awareness and sensitivity to the perspectives and perceptions to those we serve, as well as our colleagues. As Cascadia is Trauma-informed, volunteers must support a Trauma-Informed Care Environment. With the high prevalence of trauma among individuals receiving behavioral health services, it is required that the volunteer understand the effects of trauma on health, coping, and other aspects of the lives of those we serve.

Volunteer activities may include:

• 
  Facilitate 90 minute conversations on aging on various topics
• Provide individual phone support to seniors
• Adhere to mandatory abuse reporting laws and HIPAA requirements
• Participate in monthly volunteer meetings and quarterly small groups
• Complete monthly survey to track volunteer hours and post group surveys
• Model good social skills during the course of interactions
• Ability to facilitate virtual meetings using laptop, desktop, or phone.
• Report witnessed or reported allegations of abuse or neglect immediately to the program manager or designated staff.

Training & Supervision:

• Attend general VIEWS volunteer orientation
• Professionals will be providing monthly education and support as well as consultation whenever needed.
• Training and supervision conducted by: Program Manager or designated trainer
• Complete the comprehensive training that includes issues of aging and group facilitation techniques
• Attend a suicide prevention training
• Develop group facilitation skills
• Attend Mandatory abuse reporting law and HIPAA training

Time Commitment:

• Volunteers commit to attending the monthly and quarterly education and support meetings throughout their active volunteering with VIEWS.
• Minimum of one-year commitment
• Commit to 2.5 – 10 hours per month for a minimum of one year

• 
  Our age requirement is 18.
• Travel to a variety of locations to facilitate in person groups (when applicable)
• Be self-directed, practice listening skills, and provide empathy
• Respect and maintain confidentiality of group participant’s, volunteers, partners, and donors
• Senior Peer Support volunteers must complete a background check
• Demonstrate strong leadership, organizational, and decision-making skills
• Share lived experiences to influence, encourage and/or coach others
• Treat all participants and team members with respect and dignity.
• Understand, appreciate, and respect diversity and cultural differences.
• Show sensitivity to the perspectives and perceptions of participants, peers, staff and referring agencies.
• Comply with the site safety policies and procedures.
• Lived experience of being an older adult (55 or older)
• Maintain confidentiality of information as appropriate

Guidelines for Volunteers:

• Our clients are best served by consistent and reliable volunteers.
• Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare is currently recruiting people able to volunteer Monday through Friday (2.5 - 10 hours per month) and are willing to make a 1-year commitment.
• Volunteers must pass a DHS background check.

Please email People and Culture with any questions.