Do you know how to use a Smartphone or are you interested in gaining more Smartphone proficiency and sharing that knowledge with others? You could open up a new world of connections to older adults in the community!
The Tri-County Office on Aging in partnership with the MSU School of Social Work is seeking volunteers to help out as Virtual Connections Mentors and assist older adults with smartphone use in workshops. As a Virtual Connections Mentor, you can help older adults learn how to download apps, make a video call, prepare for a telehealth appointment, and more! The information you share can have a huge and meaningful impact by helping individuals access essential resources virtually and overcome social isolation.
Volunteers will assist with scheduled workshops to ensure participants are able to understand and apply the information.
As a volunteer, you will attend a volunteer training prior to assisting in a workshop and will receive a free manual to use with workshop participants.
Essential Volunteer Functions:
(Reasonable accommodation will be provided, if necessary, for individuals with disabilities who can perform the essential job functions.)
- Participates in a one-hour training session with TCOA and MSU’s Virtual Connections team before beginning coaching, and an additional hour training about 4-6 weeks later.
- Completes a baseline survey to inform TCOA and MSU of general smartphone preference and use.
- If working with an older adults in the home, works directly in their home during weekly 45-minutes to one-hour coaching sessions for 10-12 weeks, using manuals provided to both the participant and the coach. Coaches will be matched with iPhone or Android device users.
- If working at a workshop location, works with one or a small group of older adults illustrating various smartphone features and applications, and assisting participants as they try to use their own phones for the same purpose. Sessions will run for 45 minutes, once a week for six weeks.
- Consults the manual provided as a guide to coaching sessions.
- Works at the pace of the older adult participant to practice smartphone skills.
- If working with HDM recipients, completes a 5-minute survey relating to progress following each coaching session.
- Generally communicates with TCOA and the MSU team throughout coaching on the older adult’s needs for successfully learning smartphone skills.
- Invited to attend optional and periodic group discussions with other coaches for peer support and continuing discussions of issues encountered and solutions developed.
- Completes a posttest survey to report on their experience and evaluate coaching training, materials and process.
Volunteer Location: Varies throughout Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham Counties.
If you are interested in volunteering for this opportunity you MUST submit a volunteer application at tcoa.org/volunteer.
Contact Kayla Nichols at NicholsK@tcoa.org or 517-887-1487 with any questions.
