Position Summary:

Work in partnership with the ServiceLink Caregiver Advocate and Caregivers Network Liaison to assist caregivers in enhancing the self-sustaining regional caregiver support network for:

-     supporting one another (empathy and assistance in problem solving)
-     sharing resources (ex: respite options)
-     meeting social needs (ex: monthly coffee chats)
-     facilitating support groups
-     offering community education/training
-      providing advocacy

Volunteer opportunities include:

• Provide 1:1 supportive counseling to family caregivers.  Refer caregivers/consult with ServiceLink staff when caregiver presents with needs other than supportive counseling.
• When providing supportive counseling, volunteers must document their work with the client and submit completed documentation to the ServiceLink Caregiver Advocate.
• Assist in facilitation of network sponsored support groups.
• Assist in development of Caregiver Network newsletter.
• Assist in planning and carrying out of:  network social events, education and training programs.
• Assist in Caregiver Network public awareness events: staffing display table, speaking at a group activity.
• Attend ServiceLink sponsored and other training
• Document volunteer hours.

Qualifications:  Individual with a background in working as a family caregiver and/or working with family caregivers is preferred. 

Position Summary:  Under the direction of the ServiceLink Medicare Specialist, provide volunteer Medicare and Medicare related counseling services to older adults, adults with disabilities and their families.

• Attend SHIP trainings sponsored by ServiceLink, Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services and/or Centers for Medicaid and Medicare (CMS).
• Obtain SHIP certification within 6 months of hire.
• Utilize Medicare.gov website and 1-800-Medicare phone service to research Medicare benefits including Medicare Part D prescription program.
• Complete necessary documentation for all SHIP activities.

Opportunities include:

• Assist in providing public education on Medicare and Medicare related programs to various community groups.
• Provide 1:1 Medicare counseling services in the office, in the community of via phone.
• Assist in the development and implementation of public awareness activities relating to Medicare.

Lakes Region Community Emergency Response Team (LR-CERT) members are trained community members who provide assistance and support to local first responders in emergency events. LR-CERT members complete a 20 hour training course instructed by local responders and experts from the field. From directing traffic in floods, to helping to open or man emergency shelters, the LR-CERT is trained to provide a large spectrum of assistance to local responders. For more information on the LR-CERT program, including the Community Emergency Response training program and application, please see the Lakes Region Community Emergency Response Team page.

In the event of an emergency requiring medication, Point of Dispensing (POD) sites will be opened to dispense medication or vaccination. Volunteers will be needed to man the POD sites, check local residents in and out of the POD, serve food to staff and volunteers, run information, dispense medication, provide behavioral health assitance, set up the site and more! Both trained healthcare workers and others to provide assistance. For more information, or to register to help/register your skills, please see the Emergency Planning page.