VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) is one of the largest not-for-profit home care providers in Ontario. Our team is made up of close to 3,000 caring and committed professionals who love what they do. Our providers tell us: “Home care is where I can truly make a difference. There is such a sense of accomplishment from helping people live independently at home.” Our teams work together to provide high quality, client-centred care to those who need it most in their homes, schools, retirement homes and other community settings. Many of our team members manage their own schedules in the community and they say, “The freedom and flexibility can’t be beat.” Providers form meaningful bonds with the clients and families they serve over time and are supported by a diverse regional team and beneficial home office programs. Team members tell us “I love the inclusive culture. I feel welcome and at home.”
View more comments from our clients and their family members
The Connected Families, Parenting Support Program provides temporary relief and support services to at risk families caring for children from birth to four years of age. This program is committed to ensuring the health and wellness of mothers/families experiencing stress, isolation, and mental health concerns, such as post-partum depression. The relief service will enable parents to take a break from the demands of parenting and attend to their own needs. Volunteers care for children in such a way as to enhance children’s capacity for successful development i.e. stimulating gross/fine motor and enriching language skills.
AREAS SERVED Toronto & Peel Region
RESPONSIBILTIES
Visit weekly on the same day / same time for three hours per week
Engage in meaningful conversation with mom
Engage, supervise infants and toddlers (age 0-4 years)
Introduce new learning activities to children
Partner with parent to plan and prepare healthy and nutritious meals for children
Provide information about community resources
Accompany mom and child(ren) to local community resources i.e. Early ON Center, Library
Educate and inform parents about upcoming community events and activities
Complete and submit weekly log for feedback
Attend meetings and training sessions
COMMITTMENT
3 hours plus travel time, and logs, Mondays-Fridays between 9am-4pm. No evening or weekend availability
1 visit per week
Each assignment is 12 weeks in duration
Commitment: 6 months (2 assignments).
WORKING CONDITIONS
Conduct in-home family visits across the city of Toronto or Peel Region, in priority neighbourhoods. Volunteers are matched with clients as close to their own neighbourhoods as possible with some flexibility required. Visits take place in small spaces. Must be comfortable moving around in small spaces, on the floor with children, holding babies.
REQUIREMENTS
Person- centered and caring attitude
Must have related child development experience
Must have experience caring for both newborns and toddlers
Experienced and sensitive to working with culturally diverse families
Creativity in planning and implementing activities
Strong active listening skills and strong oral communication skills to support client in home and in community along with children
Knowledge of and experience working with the mental health of individuals and families
Knowledge of community resources an asset
Previous volunteer experience an asset
Second Language an asset
ORIENTATION AND TRAINING
Orientation to the agency and volunteer program
Training: Role and other, In Person and online
Ongoing education/development opportunities
SCREENING AND SUPERVISION
Resume
Prescreening
Interview
2 References
Vulnerable Sector Screening
Signed Release, Agreement & Waiver
Reports to program staff on a regular basis with weekly log and as needed
BENEFITS
Volunteers are supported through orientation, training, (online and in person) meetings, workshops, seminars, and one-to-one support.
Career-related experience.
We provide an environment where volunteers are engaged, challenged & rewarded.
Opportunities to meet new people.
Develop social and professional networks.
Build on your communication, interpersonal and leadership skills.
Gain valuable work experience to build your resume.
Support your community.
Enhance clients' lives and deliver life-changing supports and services.
Verification letter upon request following 100 hours of volunteer service.
Program Assistant or/Coordinator or/Supervisor will be available for feedback and support.
Accommodation and VHA’s commitment to DEI
At VHA Home HealthCare (VHA), we passionately strive to uphold our commitments to being an Equal Opportunity Employer. We champion inclusion and diversity in all parts of our organization and are strong believers that a diverse workforce is key to the ongoing and future success of VHA. We aim to review all applicants with fair and unbiased recruitment practices where opportunities are presented based on merits, skills, and experience. VHA is committed to providing reasonable accommodation and our services are accessible and sensitive to the needs of diverse groups. If you require any accommodation, please let us know in advance as we are happy to comply.
