Needs From: Volunteer Michigan

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. 

WHAT IS IT?

The State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIP)/Medicare Improvement for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) at the Tri-County Office on Aging is in need of Counselors. SHIP/MIPPA Counselors answer hotline calls and have meetings with seniors to help them:

Understand new health care options

Understand and/or apply for Medicare and Medicaid

Compare or enroll in Medicare and Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage

Review Medicare supplemental insurance needs

Identify and report Medicare/Medicaid fraud and scams

WHY?

Completing SHIP/MIPPA training earns you certification as a SHIP/MIPPA Counselor. This is a great opportunity for anyone going into the health field or elder law, or for anyone interested in learning more about health care benefits counseling.

SHIP/MIPPA Counselors provide a critical free service to help seniors navigate the healthcare system as they age. Counselors are not connected with any insurance company, and do not sell insurance.

HOW DO I GET STARTED?

1. Visit http://www.tcoa.org/volunteer/ and complete the online application. Make sure to check the SHIP box.

2. Someone from TCOA will contact you to set up training.

TRAINING

Must be able to attend a 2-hour SHIP orientation training and the 3-day class. The class is offered at multiple locations in Michigan.

Become a Meals on Wheels Deliverer for the Tri-County Office on Aging! 

Make a difference during your lunchtime by signing up as a driver for Meals on Wheels! Drivers deliver meals to eligible recipients throughout the Tri-County Area (drivers will determine what areas/distances work for them). As a driver, you will do more than just deliver meals - you may also be a friendly face to an individual struggling with social isolation or a regular human connection for someone unable to leave their home. 

(Groups/Companies can adopt routes for a team of volunteers to fill regularly. Become an official partner today!) 

See below for more details.

Volunteer Position: Home Delivered Meals Driver                          Revised: December 2023    

General Responsibilities:

Responsible for picking up food from designated locations and delivering to a participant’s home according to the information on a route sheet.

Essential Volunteer Functions:

(Reasonable accommodations will be provided, if necessary, for individuals with disabilities who can perform the essential job functions)

Works under the guidance of the Volunteer Coordinator of their delivery Pick up food from designated specified locations and deliver to participant’s Provide accurate and timely delivery to participants on a designated Communicate directly and immediately with office staff any concerns regarding Communicate with office any concerns about scheduling or difficulties with delivers. As an example, a route changing and it now being twice as long. Complete all required paper work on the route sheets and return to the clipboard and return coolers and hot bags to proper Examples of volunteer functions listed do not include all tasks which may be found in this position. Duties and responsibilities may be added, deleted or modified at any

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Commitment to the organization’s missions and Ability to maintain confidential information regarding all aspects of client, volunteer, and agency Ability to work independently or as part of a Good organizational skills and the ability to effectively communicate with staff members, other volunteers, participants, and Ability to represent the Agency in a professional Must be able to adjust priorities to meet deadlines in a timely Comfortable working with people of varying socioeconomic backgrounds, ages, and racial Physical mobility is required for sitting, walking, bending and long bouts of standing. Must be able to lift 20 pounds.

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA):

All volunteers who have access to protected health information or personally identifiable information, are required by the HIPAA Privacy and Security Rule to receive training so that they have an understanding and knowledge of the Privacy and Security Rule that corresponds to their duties. Training on the requirements of the HIPAA Privacy and Security Rule and the policies and procedures is a prerequisite for this position. Employees and volunteers who violate the requirements of the HIPAA Privacy and Security Rule will be subject to discipline up to and including volunteer privileges.

Reports to:

Volunteer Coordinator for delivery area

Volunteer Location:

Varies throughout Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham Counties.

Base work schedule:

Non-Frozen route Monday – Friday, between 10:30am and 1:30 pm EST and  Frozen routes between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm EST.

Do you like to teach others? Do you like to help others be their healthiest and happiest selves? Are you seeking a long-term volunteer opportunity and have availability during the day? TCOA's Workshop Facilitator Opportunity may be a great fit for you (prior teaching experience recommended but not necessary.)

 

TCOA provides a number of Evidence-Based Workshops to members of the community to help with chronic pain, balance, self-care, and more! See the full list at https://www.tcoa.org/classesevidence-based-programs/. 

 

See more details below: 

 

Essential Volunteer Functions: 

(Reasonable accommodation will be provided, if necessary, for individuals with disabilities who can perform the essential job functions.)

·         Provides workshop facilitation for Tri-County Office on Aging’s Evidence Based Programs. Duties include, but are not limited to, attending training, understanding and being comfortable with the workshop material/subject matter, facilitating group discussions, and encouraging interactive discussion about the concepts and skills presented.

·         Examples of job functions listed do not include all tasks which may be found in this position. Duties and responsibilities may be added, deleted, or modified at any time. 

 

*Must go through background checks and trainings. Volunteer should be comfortable speaking in front of others.

 

Schedule: Varies. Usually Mon-Thurs between 9am-5pm.

Contact NicholsK@tcoa.org or 517-887-1487 for more information. 

If you are interested in volunteering for this opportunity you MUST submit a volunteer application at tcoa.org/volunteer.

Become a Meals on Wheels Deliverer for the Tri-County Office on Aging! 

Make a difference during your lunchtime by signing up as a driver for Meals on Wheels! Drivers deliver meals to eligible recipients throughout the Tri-County Area (drivers will determine what areas/distances work for them). As a driver, you will do more than just deliver meals - you may also be a friendly face to an individual struggling with social isolation or a regular human connection for someone unable to leave their home. 

(Groups/Companies can adopt routes for a team of volunteers to fill regularly. Become an official partner today!) 

See below for more details.

Volunteer Position: Home Delivered Meals Driver                          Revised: December 2023    

General Responsibilities:

Responsible for picking up food from designated locations and delivering to a participant’s home according to the information on a route sheet.

Essential Volunteer Functions:

(Reasonable accommodations will be provided, if necessary, for individuals with disabilities who can perform the essential job functions)

Works under the guidance of the Volunteer Coordinator of their delivery Pick up food from designated specified locations and deliver to participant’s Provide accurate and timely delivery to participants on a designated Communicate directly and immediately with office staff any concerns regarding Communicate with office any concerns about scheduling or difficulties with delivers. As an example, a route changing and it now being twice as long. Complete all required paper work on the route sheets and return to the clipboard and return coolers and hot bags to TCOA. Examples of volunteer functions listed do not include all tasks which may be found in this position. Duties and responsibilities may be added, deleted or modified at any

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Commitment to the organization’s missions and Ability to maintain confidential information regarding all aspects of client, volunteer, and agency Ability to work independently or as part of a Good organizational skills and the ability to effectively communicate with staff members, other volunteers, participants, and Ability to represent the Agency in a professional Must be able to adjust priorities to meet deadlines in a timely Comfortable working with people of varying socioeconomic backgrounds, ages, and racial Physical mobility is required for sitting, walking, bending and long bouts of standing. Must be able to lift 20 pounds.

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA):

All volunteers who have access to protected health information or personally identifiable information, are required by the HIPAA Privacy and Security Rule to receive training so that they have an understanding and knowledge of the Privacy and Security Rule that corresponds to their duties. Training on the requirements of the HIPAA Privacy and Security Rule and the policies and procedures is a prerequisite for this position. Employees and volunteers who violate the requirements of the HIPAA Privacy and Security Rule will be subject to discipline up to and including volunteer privileges.

Reports to:

Volunteer Coordinator for delivery area

Volunteer Location:

Varies throughout Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham Counties.

Base work schedule:

Non-Frozen route Monday – Friday, between 10:30am and 1:30 pm EST and  Frozen routes between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm EST.

Become a Meals on Wheels Deliverer for the Tri-County Office on Aging! 

Make a difference during your lunchtime by signing up as a driver for Meals on Wheels! Drivers deliver meals to eligible recipients throughout the Tri-County Area (drivers will determine what areas/distances work for them). As a driver, you will do more than just deliver meals - you may also be a friendly face to an individual struggling with social isolation or a regular human connection for someone unable to leave their home. 

(Groups/Companies can adopt routes for a team of volunteers to fill regularly. Become an official partner today!) 

See below for more details.

Volunteer Position: Home Delivered Meals Driver                          Revised: December 2023    

General Responsibilities:

Responsible for picking up food from designated locations and delivering to a participant’s home according to the information on a route sheet.

Essential Volunteer Functions:

(Reasonable accommodations will be provided, if necessary, for individuals with disabilities who can perform the essential job functions)

Works under the guidance of the Volunteer Coordinator of their delivery Pick up food from designated specified locations and deliver to participant’s Provide accurate and timely delivery to participants on a designated Communicate directly and immediately with office staff any concerns regarding Communicate with office any concerns about scheduling or difficulties with delivers. As an example, a route changing and it now being twice as long. Complete all required paper work on the route sheets and return to the clipboard and return coolers and hot bags to proper Examples of volunteer functions listed do not include all tasks which may be found in this position. Duties and responsibilities may be added, deleted or modified at any

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Commitment to the organization’s missions and Ability to maintain confidential information regarding all aspects of client, volunteer, and agency Ability to work independently or as part of a Good organizational skills and the ability to effectively communicate with staff members, other volunteers, participants, and Ability to represent the Agency in a professional Must be able to adjust priorities to meet deadlines in a timely Comfortable working with people of varying socioeconomic backgrounds, ages, and racial Physical mobility is required for sitting, walking, bending and long bouts of standing. Must be able to lift 20 pounds.

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA):

All volunteers who have access to protected health information or personally identifiable information, are required by the HIPAA Privacy and Security Rule to receive training so that they have an understanding and knowledge of the Privacy and Security Rule that corresponds to their duties. Training on the requirements of the HIPAA Privacy and Security Rule and the policies and procedures is a prerequisite for this position. Employees and volunteers who violate the requirements of the HIPAA Privacy and Security Rule will be subject to discipline up to and including volunteer privileges.

Reports to:

Volunteer Coordinator for delivery area

Volunteer Location:

Varies throughout Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham Counties.

Base work schedule:

Non-Frozen route Monday – Friday, between 10:30am and 1:30 pm EST and  Frozen routes between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm EST.

Become a Meals on Wheels Deliverer for the Tri-County Office on Aging! 

Make a difference during your lunchtime by signing up as a driver for Meals on Wheels! Drivers deliver meals to eligible recipients throughout the Tri-County Area (drivers will determine what areas/distances work for them). As a driver, you will do more than just deliver meals - you may also be a friendly face to an individual struggling with social isolation or a regular human connection for someone unable to leave their home. 

(Groups/Companies can adopt routes for a team of volunteers to fill regularly. Become an official partner today!) 

See below for more details.

Volunteer Position: Home Delivered Meals Driver                          Revised: December 2023    

General Responsibilities:

Responsible for picking up food from designated locations and delivering to a participant’s home according to the information on a route sheet.

Essential Volunteer Functions:

(Reasonable accommodations will be provided, if necessary, for individuals with disabilities who can perform the essential job functions)

Works under the guidance of the Volunteer Coordinator of their delivery Pick up food from designated specified locations and deliver to participant’s Provide accurate and timely delivery to participants on a designated Communicate directly and immediately with office staff any concerns regarding Communicate with office any concerns about scheduling or difficulties with delivers. As an example, a route changing and it now being twice as long. Complete all required paper work on the route sheets and return to the clipboard and return coolers and hot bags to proper Examples of volunteer functions listed do not include all tasks which may be found in this position. Duties and responsibilities may be added, deleted or modified at any

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Commitment to the organization’s missions and Ability to maintain confidential information regarding all aspects of client, volunteer, and agency Ability to work independently or as part of a Good organizational skills and the ability to effectively communicate with staff members, other volunteers, participants, and Ability to represent the Agency in a professional Must be able to adjust priorities to meet deadlines in a timely Comfortable working with people of varying socioeconomic backgrounds, ages, and racial Physical mobility is required for sitting, walking, bending and long bouts of standing. Must be able to lift 20 pounds.

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA):

All volunteers who have access to protected health information or personally identifiable information, are required by the HIPAA Privacy and Security Rule to receive training so that they have an understanding and knowledge of the Privacy and Security Rule that corresponds to their duties. Training on the requirements of the HIPAA Privacy and Security Rule and the policies and procedures is a prerequisite for this position. Employees and volunteers who violate the requirements of the HIPAA Privacy and Security Rule will be subject to discipline up to and including volunteer privileges.

Reports to:

Volunteer Coordinator for delivery area

Volunteer Location:

Varies throughout Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham Counties.

Base work schedule:

Non-Frozen route Monday – Friday, between 10:30am and 1:30 pm EST and  Frozen routes between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm EST.

Seeking volunteers for the Tri-County Office on Aging’s Dining Sites! This opportunity is all about serving others and building positive relationships with participants of TCOA’s Dining Site program, which provides nutritious meals and social/recreational activity to eligible community members.

Do you enjoy gathering around food? Making new friends? Are you comfortable serving food, and preparing and cleaning dining areas? Sign up today to be a Dining Site Volunteer!

 

See Below For More Details:

 

 

 

General Responsibilities:

Coordinates with the Community Nutrition Program Manager and the Central Kitchen to provide meals to participants at senior dining sites. Serves food and establishes positive relationships with program participants.

 

Essential Volunteer Functions:

(Reasonable accommodation will be provided, if necessary, for individuals with disabilities who can perform the essential job functions.)

Helps prepare the site for delivery of food from the Central Kitchen. Sets up food stations, greets participants, and provides a welcoming environment. Ability to collect participant information and assist with National Aging Program Information Systems (NAPIS) registration forms. May be asked to ensure that appropriate food temperatures and presentations standards during meal service. Follows procedures for proper handling of food, equipment, and donations. Maintain, complete, and return paperwork in a timely manner. Follow cleanliness guidelines throughout the meal service. Cleans the eating, serving, and cooking areas at the end of each day. Attends Nutrition meetings when scheduled. Examples of job functions listed do not include tasks which may be found in this position. Duties and responsibilities may be added, deleted, or modified at any time.

 

Working Conditions:

The work environment is similar to a food service setting. Safe work practices regarding kitchen equipment, avoiding trips/falls, food safety, and fire regulations are required. Physical mobility is required for sitting, walking, standing, bending, and lifting/holding/carrying objects of up to 40 pounds. Must be able to communicate effectively with participants, other volunteers, and vendors in person and over the telephone. Sensory requirements include exposure to various temperatures, noise levels, and lighting. Mental requirements include the ability to handle varying levels of stress.

 

Volunteer Location:

Varies throughout Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham Counties

 

Base Work Schedule:

Varies depending on location. See schedules/locations at https://www.tcoa.org/nutrition/senior-dining-sites/

Through several volunteer programs, volunteers can help TCOA fulfill its mission to promote and preserve the independence and dignity of the local aging population. 

Opportunities: 

- Driving for Meals on Wheels

- Preparing and/or serving meals for seniors

- Calling local seniors to check-in

- Assisting with Medicare/Medicaid registration

- Facilitating health and wellness workshops 

- Participating in administrative duties

We offer:

- Flexible scheduling

- Rewarding interactions and connections

- Opportunities for groups to get involved

Apply now!

- www.tcoa.org/volunteer

- Call (517) 887-1487 or email volunteer@tcoa.org

OVERVIEW

We are looking for enthusiastic people to lead the Diabetes Personal Action Toward Health (PATH) workshop in Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties. 

Diabetes PATH is a recurring six-week workshop in which trained lay leaders (this is where you come in!) help people with diabetes learn skills to manage their condition and improve their quality of life.  Topics include healthy eating, physical activity, monitoring blood sugar, managing emotions, action planning, and much more

 

QUALIFICATIONS

Is a role model for healthy behaviors Possesses good listening skills, is non-judgmental, and dependable Ideally, has some life experience with diabetes, but it is not required Has some experience with, and is comfortable speaking in front of groups Can follow a scripted manual while connecting with participants No prior teaching experience or healthcare education is required, but it is a plus

 

I'M READY! WHAT'S NEXT?

To be placed on a list to contact when a new training is scheduled, or for more information, contact Christine Histed at 517-887-1450 or histedc@tcoa.org.

To learn more about TCOA's evidence-based programs, please visit us here.