Senior Connection – Volunteers are needed for various roles support the information and referral program. The following opportunities are available:
Information and referral (I&R) volunteers help seniors find information and local resources to meet their needs. Volunteers learn about and share information with other seniors on a wide range of issues: long term care options, transportation, legal, and more. I&R Vounteers:
- Ensure that all calls are answered by a warm human voice (not a computer)
- Provide information and referrals top callers
- Help with outreach events
Successful I&R volunteers come from a variety of backgrounds. The following characteristic are important for I&R volunteers:
- Comfortable using the phone and a computer
- Compassionate and curious
- Able to dedicate at least 4 hours a week
Resource volunteers help maintain accurate and organized resource databases. Tasks for resource volunteers include:
- Entering call intake forms in the program data base
- Making update calls to ensure information is accurate
- Updating the resource database and list with new information
- Researching new or specialty information for callers
Successful resource volunteers:
- Like using the computer and clerical tasks
- Are comfortable using the phone
- Are detail oriented
Program Advisory Council Members The program advisory council is an important component of providing client centered local services. Council members meet bi monthly to assess the programs performance, make recommendations to improve the quality and quantity of services provided. The council members review resource materials, suggest new ways to meet seniors information needs and assist in identifying ways to get the word out.
Effective council members come from many segments of the community: senior citizens, family members, caregivers, professional senior service providers and elected officials. In order to serve on an advisory council, a person must be:
- a resident of Santa Barbara or San Luis Obispo Counties
- Special preference given to potential program participant (persons over 60 years old or a family caregiver of a senior)
- able to pass a fingerprint and background check
- able to attend meetings every other month
- interested in the general welfare of senior citizens