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Service to the Armed Forces (SAF): Hospital Programs Detroit VA Compassionate Contact Corps Volunteer

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Service to the Armed Forces (SAF): Hospital Programs Detroit VA Compassionate Contact Corps Volunteer

This is a community-based assignment where the volunteer will utilize a quiet, private area to provide weekly virtual conversations (using phone, tablet, computer) with homebound Veterans or inpatients who are seeking to make a connection outside of their current environment and/or to provide support and communication to the Veteran’s caregiver. Volunteers will be trained and matched with veterans for 1:1 socialization. These are friendly visits with no medical or home-care duties.

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Locations

John D. Dingell Detroit VA Medical Center

Key Responsibilities

  • Provide quality 1:1 social interaction, engaging Veterans in meaningful conversations
  • Schedule and participate in regular telephone or video visits which may consist of conversing with the Veteran/Caregiver for a mutually agreed upon time frame (generally but not limited to 15-30 minutes) to convey support and concern
  • Immediately report any problems, or concerns conveyed by the Veteran and/or caregiver to the local VA Compassionate Contact Corps Coordinator who works as the liaison to the Veteran’s primary care team

Qualifications

Required

  • Current Red Cross volunteer,
  • Comfortable having conversations virtually using platforms such as Zoom, Facetime, etc. or by phone
  • Sensitive to the needs of Veterans/Caregivers in stressful situations
  • Empathetic and compassionate listener
  • Ability to maintain privacy and confidentiality as mandated by HIPAA
  • Must be willing to communicate regularly with the local Compassionate Contact Corps Coordinator
  • Good people skills, excellent communication/listening skills
  • Excellent phone proficiency such as a clear voice, good listening skills and compassion
  • Emotionally mature, positive and service-oriented
  • Ability to work independently
  • Volunteer to provide own means (phone/computer) of communication

Must be over the age of 18

Training

  • American Red Cross Orientation
  • VA Onboarding
  • VAVS Orientation
  • Compassionate Contact Corps Orientation
  • Job specific orientations to include: HIPAA, Suicide Prevention, Customer Service Training/Telephone Visitor Orientation

Development Opportunities

Volunteer gets the opportunity to build 1:1 connection with one of our nation’s heroes

Length of Appointment

To be determined by VA

Time Commitment

TRAINING- VA On-boarding includes finger printing and background check which must be completed at the VA facility during business hours. Virtual training for the position will also be completed during business hours.

Once on-boarding is complete, contact with Veterans will take place at least once per week and may occur more as mutually agreed upon by volunteer and Veteran. 15-30 minutes per visit at the Volunteer's convenience. 

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