Volunteers

ReConnect Program

The Council on Aging-Orange County is a private, nonprofit corporation, serving older adults in Orange County since 1973.  The Council mission is to promote the independence, health, and dignity of older adults through compassion, education, and advocacy.
The ReConnect Program is a countywide prevention program that benefits adults 26+ who are isolated and may be displaying symptoms of depression or other mental health issues.  The program’s goal is to help individuals sustain emotional well-being through consistent exposure to reinforced healthy life patterns, education, and support groups.

P.A.L.           
             
Position Description: Partners for Active Living “P.A.L” are volunteers, who provide program participants with a supportive companion who can help them develop their social skills in a encouraging environment.   

 Volunteer Responsibilities:

• Provide weekly visits to assigned participants to help them increase socialization and reintegrate into community activities.
• Document visits and community activities to submit in monthly report.
• Attend volunteer meetings and in-services.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Ability to develop a sense of trust and rapport with ReConnect participant
• Demonstrate good active listening skills, and social skills
• Sensitivity toward isolated adults
• Have access to transportation or a telephone
• Be fingerprinted through the Department of Justice (free of charge)
• Obtain a DMV report
• Minimum of 60 hours of Volunteer commitment per year

Schedule:  Flexible.

ReConnect-Socialization Services Intern

Position Description:
The internship program is an opportunity available to College and University students participating in Service Learning activities, or who want to gain relevant professional experience. The curriculum focuses on a direct services approach to provide first-hand knowledge of the significant elements involved in the services delivery to isolated individuals.

Major Responsibilities:

• Direct Client Service: Organize, schedule, and conduct weekly activities with assigned clients.
• Outreach and Volunteer Recruitment: Network and promote the ReConnect program within the local community. Participate in volunteer fairs, special events, volunteer recruitment exhibitions and trainings.
• Administrative Support: Document participant’s activities and visits, and conduct telephone assistance to monitor clients.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Knowledge of Microsoft software and Internet research.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills
• Self-motivated and self–starter
• Sensitivity toward isolated adults and older adults
• Professional demeanor
• Have access to transportation and a telephone
• Complete training and attend in-service meetings
• Be fingerprinted through the Department of Justice (free of charges)
• Present a clean DMV report
• Minimum 60 total hours of volunteer commitment

Schedule and Supervision:

The opportunity offers a flexible schedule during the week. The intern will report to and be supervised by, the ReConnect Staff and receive a Certificate upon completion.

For more information please contact
Jena Chomchavalit at (714) 479-0107 Ext. 260, jchomchavalit@coaoc.org