The Visiting Nurse Association of Texas

ELDERCARE PROGRAM VOLUNTEER DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Eldercare Volunteer

Reports To: Volunteer Coordinator

I. Basic Function

VNA Eldercare volunteers assist elderly clients (i.e., persons over 60 who do not drive and live at home) to meet the challenges of everyday living. The Eldercare volunteer/client relationship enables the Eldercare client to remain independent in familiar surroundings.

II. Essential Functions

1. Companionship

2. Transportation

3. Shopping and errands

4. Telephone reassurance

5. Respite care

6. Home safety awareness

7. Office clerical work and telephone calls

8. Satisfaction surveys

9. Seasonal projects such as painting, yard cleanups, and repairs

III. Qualifications

1. Sensitivity to the needs of elderly men and women who do not belong in a nursing home yet still face everyday challenges living on their own

2. Sensitivity to the needs of working caregivers who are caring for an elderly parent/family member

3. Valid Texas driver's license

4. Automobile liability insurance

5. Ability to maintain client confidentiality

6. Flexibility

7. Dependability

IV. Time Requirement

The Eldercare volunteers have the choice to visit their clients as frequently as their schedules permit. The typical time commitment is two to three hours per week.

Department: Information Systems

Job Title: Information Systems Volunteer (The Associates)

Reports To: Vice President, Information Systems

I. Basic Function

The Associates personnel provided two types of vital functions to assist VNA in meeting timetables in regard to the year 2000. First they provided technical staff to reconfigure PCs in the Tarrant and Dallas offices. This entailed installing hardware and software for each machine in these offices. This was accomplished after hours during the week. They were given instruction by VNA information systems staff and then divided up the PCs to be reconfigured. Next they provided technical expertise and technical equipment to load our network configuration on more than 50 hard drives to upgrade existing VNA PCs. This was completed in just a few hours instead of the several days it would have taken information systems staff without the proper equipment.

II. Essential Functions

1. Technical expertise for personal computer upgrades

2. Technical expertise for hard-drive configuration

III. Other Functions

1. Technical consulting

IV. Qualifications

A. Education, certification, or license requirements

1. PC and network background

B. Experience

1. Previous volunteer work in information systems

2. PC and network background

C. Skills and abilities

1. Must possess the disposition and personality to work harmoniously and effectively with a wide variety of the public and all levels of staff

2. Ability to work flexible schedules as necessary to meet identified operating or departmental needs

3. Ability to troubleshoot minor problems

4. PC hardware and software skills

D. Special requirements

1. Automobile

2. Valid Texas driver's license

3. Automobile liability insurance

V. Working Conditions

A. Environmental conditions

1. Good with occasional exposure to a moderate noise level

B. Physical effort

1. The volunteer is regularly required to sit and talk and hear. Specific vision abilities include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The volunteer frequently is required to use hands and/or fingers to handle or feel objects or to type.

C. Hazardous exposure

1. Frequent use of a data terminal

2. Occasionally works near moving mechanical parts

3. Occasionally exposed to risk of electrical shock VI. Level of Supervision

Position receives instructions as to work results to be attained. Latitude exists for determining the methods to be used to accomplish desired results. Position requires the ability to make sound business decisions with close supervision.

Source: The Visiting Nurse Association of Texas, Dallas.