Dementia Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County

Posted on Friday, February 7th, 2020

Volunteer Position Title: Program Instructor – Motiview
Volunteer Position Time Frame: Ongoing

Contact Name: Jesslyn Smith
Contact Email: volunteer@dsorc.org, (613) 523-4004
Website: www.dementiahelp.ca
Volunteer Location: Eastern Ottawa Resource Centre | 1515 Tenth Line Road, Orleans ON

Mission:

The Dementia Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County helps people in our communities impacted by dementia, by providing guidance and support, social programs and peer engagement, education, and information and resources. We believe that no one should face dementia alone.

Motitech is the name of a Norwegian company that has developed a product called “Motiview”. The product was designed for older people and people with dementia. The product is an easy-to-use motivational tool that stimulates people with dementia to be more physically and cognitively active.

By using an exercise bike (we are using foot pedals and people will sit in a chair), video and sound, users can take cycle trips through familiar surroundings and life memories. The library has over 1000 videos which help bring memories to life through sensory impression and it further inspires physical activity.

Volunteer Position Description:

Time Commitment: Ongoing long term (minimum 1 year commitment is ideal) *plus additional training and orientation as needed
Supervisor: Education and Program Coordinator

Volunteer Program Instructors lead weekly 1.5 hour program sessions for a period of 10 weeks, plus setup/tear down time and session planning as needed. Sessions break after 10 weeks and a new session begins a few weeks later. Session schedules are to be coordinated between the Volunteer Instructor and the Dementia Society Education and Program Coordinator.

Volunteer Program Instructors are responsible for the running the program in a manner which is safe, supportive and aligned with The Dementia Society’s mission and values. This position provides the opportunity to support people living with dementia in a compassionate environment, and to promote the DSORC mission of helping people in our communities impacted by dementia.

Primary Responsibilities and Tasks
The Volunteer Program Instructor will be responsible for the following:

  • Working closely with supervisor, plan and develop program objectives and goals
  • Work with supervisor to confirm logistical details for program, including agreement on delivery/procurement of required materials
    • Ex. venue location, dates and times, name tags, supplies, waiver forms
  • Work with Volunteer Coordinator to confirm volunteer requirements for program
    • Ex. number of volunteers required, position descriptions for volunteer roles
  • Provide instruction throughout the program schedule
  • Volunteer management, including maintaining a schedule that ensures adequate volunteer coverage and providing all volunteers with training and the opportunity to debrief following sessions
  • Administrative duties as necessary (can be delegated to a volunteer)
  • Taking attendance for each class to be submitted to supervisor
  • Recording volunteer hours to be submitted to supervisor
  • Preparing and providing feedback/notes following debriefs

Qualifications and Skills:

  • Experience providing group training, facilitation, or instruction in line with program objectives
  • Tech-savvy and computer literate, with ability to work with the Motiview application software (training provided)
  • Excellent listening and communication skills
  • Organized, creative, and reliable
  • Understanding of dementia and the daily living challenges persons with dementia (PWD)s face
  • Experience as a caregiver of a person with dementia (desired)
  • Proficiency in English and/or French

Volunteer Requirements:

• Police Record Check

How to Apply: Interested applicants should submit their CV and a cover letter describing their interest to volunteer@dsorc.org. Successful applicants will submit a volunteer application form and provide a valid Vulnerable Sector Police Record check. An interview and reference checks will be conducted as part of the application process.

Position suitability evaluation and approval will be conducted by supervisory staff prior to finalizing the application process with the Volunteer Coordinator. This evaluation period extends throughout program period.


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