VOLUNTEER SUPPORT GROUP FACILITATOR POSITION DESCRIPTION

Position Title: Volunteer Support Group Facilitator

Goal of the Position: The facilitator for a caregiver support group will open up the discussion among caregivers and build a strong sense of group sharing by listening to the concerns of others in the group, articulating feelings, summarizing and encouraging other members to do the same. The facilitator is genuinely attentive to the needs of the group and believes in the value and benefit of the group process by successfully utilizing group facilitation techniques.

Responsibilities:

  • Understand, communicate, and promote the purpose and value of an Alzheimer’s Association caregivers’ support group.
  • Convey knowledge about Alzheimer’s disease, its symptoms and current research developments.
  • Hold meetings, as scheduled.
  • Post signs with arrows to direct people to the meeting room on the day of the meeting.
  • Promote monthly meetings with chapter-approved flyers and resources.
  • Set the tone for appropriate behavior of the group through empathy, humor, and openness.
  • Acknowledge the support group’s affiliation with the Alzheimer’s Association and provide ample opportunity for group members to have access to resources and other services available through the chapter.
  • Moderate sharing during group discussion to keep the group within appropriate limits.
  • Assess when a group member needs more help than the group can provide and refer that person to the appropriate staff at the chapter.
  • Communicate with the chapter regularly by submitting monthly attendance sheets in a timely manner, and requesting literature/brochures and any other information needed by group members from the chapter’s family service assistant.

Qualifications:

  • Compassion for families of Alzheimer’s patients
  • Good listening skills
  • Ability to suspend judgment while trying to understand from the caregiver’s point of view
  • Excellent verbal communication skills
  • Ability to use humor while showing genuine care and compassion for the caregiver
  • Willingness to accept and abide by chapter policies including completion of an application, signing a Conflict of Interest Statement, a Confidentiality Agreement, Support Group Affiliation Agreement, and Attendance Policy.
  • Dependability and reliability

Time Commitment:

  • Three hours per month preparation for and follow-up of meetings, facilitation of meetings, and completion and submission of attendance reports
  • Attendance at trainings as required

Supervision: Support Group Coordinator

Benefits for Volunteer:

  • Satisfaction in the support given to caregivers
  • Opportunity to gain valuable job experience and to learn about Alzheimer’s disease by networking with other professionals/caregivers in the field of aging
  • Increased awareness and understanding of aging issues and related resources

Contact:

Erin Ferris, RN

Greater East Ohio Alzheimer's Association

Family Service/Support Group Coordinator

408 Ninth St. SW

Canton, Ohio 44707

1-800-272-3900

330-966-7343 Phone

330-966-7757 Fax

Rev. 1/10