The Friendly Visitor program provides outreach to adults who are isolated due to age or disability. This outreach program provides socialization and helps to monitor the client’s needs.
At this time, JFS is most especially in need of Russian speakers for this opportunity. If you do not speak Russian, that's OK. There may still be opportunities.
The Friendly Visitor helps Jewish Family Service to ensure the strength and survival of the most vulnerable in our community.
Responsibilities:
- Actively listen, engage and talk with the client. Other potential duties, depending on the client’s needs and the volunteer's abilities, include running errands, shopping, cooking, transportation, gardening, and assistance with various household chores.
- Identify and inform JFS staff of any client needs.
Hours:
- A commitment of at least 6 months.
- Spend one to two hours at each visit, with a minimum of two visits per month.
Requirements:
- Interest in working with older adults or individuals with disabilities.
- Reliable, patient and able to engage in active listening.
- Able to set limits (i.e., if client wants more of you than seems appropriate or more than you want or are able to give.)
- An understanding of Jewish culture recommended but not required.
- Participation in Friendly Visitor Volunteer Training (approximately two hours).
- Monthly contact with JFS staff to give status updates and report hours.
- Successful completion of application process, including Washington State Patrol and other background and reference checks.
- Volunteers must be 18 years or older.
- Ability to travel to client. (The client will be in the Seattle metro area.)
