Parkinson Canada (Parkinson Canada Support Group Facilitator)

Organization Name: Parkinson Canada
Opportunity Title: Parkinson Canada Support Group Facilitator
Category: Counselling / Support / Mentoring
Commitment: Ongoing Opportunity (> 1 year)
Start Date: July 26, 2021
End Date: August 31, 2022

Email: graham.marshall-coultas@parkinson.ca
Website: http://www.parkinson.ca
Details:

• Background/police check required
• Appropriate for volunteers aged between 18 and 55
• Appropriate for volunteers aged 55 and over
• Training or orientation required

Opportunity Description:

Support Group Facilitator Parkinson Canada is the definitive voice for the Parkinson’s community in Canada. Our purpose is to transform the lives of people living with Parkinson’s. We do this through research leading to better treatments and the end of Parkinson’s, advocacy bringing the voices of Parkinson’s to the forefront and support that helps people live well with Parkinson’s through education and services. A national registered charity, Parkinson Canada operates through the generosity of donors and is an accredited organization under the Imagine Canada Standards Program. The Opportunity The Support Group Facilitator plays a critical role in the delivery of support services at community level.  Once a month, they create a confidential and welcoming virtual space, where people living with Parkinson’s and/or their care partners can share their experiences and develop supportive relationships in a group setting.  The time commitment for this opportunity is 3 – 5 hours per month. We are urgently seeking Support Group Facilitators in Halifax and on the East Coast. Parkinson Canada has suspended in-person support group activities until further notice.  At present time, all support groups are taking place virtually. Your Contribution As a Support Group Facilitator, you bring a keen desire to make a difference in the lives of people affected by Parkinson’s.  Your empathetic approach, enthusiasm for learning, and ability to facilitate discussion about issues related to Parkinson’s are key factors in ensuring that monthly support groups are safe spaces. What is Needed to Succeed in this Role Compassion and a non-judgemental approach to supporting people Strong communication skills including active listening Ability to facilitate discussions that put the voices of those living with and affected by Parkinson’s at the centre Commitment to model inclusion and respect for diversity Love of learning Background in nursing, social work, or related field is an asset Enthusiasm to work closely with Parkinson Canada staff Ability to carry out administrative tasks and provide promotional support Level of comfort or willingness to become familiar with virtual meeting technology If support groups return to in-person activities, willingness to take on the logistical aspects of monthly group meetings Benefits for Support Group Facilitators As a volunteer Support Group Facilitator, you will learn more about Parkinson’s and make a genuine impact in the lives of people living with Parkinson’s and their care partners.  You will meet wonderful new people and gain experience in the facilitation of groups, while contributing to the critical work of Parkinson Canada. Commitment One support group meeting per month 3 – 5 hours per month, including one hour meeting, administrative, and organizational time How to Apply Interested candidates should complete a Volunteer Profile, available at: https://www.parkinson.ca/listing/support-group-facilitator/ Resumes are strongly encouraged, but not required. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Parkinson Canada volunteer activities have moved online.  All activities will be carried out virtually.   Parkinson Canada is committed to inclusion, fairness, respect, human dignity, and equity.  We provide accessible employment and volunteer engagement practices that are in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Applications from persons with disabilities are welcomed and encouraged. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.  For questions or accommodation requests, please contact the Volunteer Engagement Manager, Graham Marshall-Coultas at 1-800-565-3000, ext. 3319 or graham.marshall-coultas@parkinson.ca.