Opportunities From: Connect Central Oregon

What is Meals on Wheels? Meals on Wheels is a nationwide network of community-based, non-profit programs dedicated to providing older adults who are 60 years old or older and either home-bound or have difficulty shopping/cooking a nutritious meal, a friendly visit and a quick safety check.

What will I be doing when I volunteer? The volunteer job is delivering meals and friendly greetings to home-bound older adults. Most typically, this involves picking up meals at a central location and delivering them along a predetermined route directly to the homes of several older adults in the area. Most deliveries are done between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Once you are done, you return the delivery packaging items, report to the site coordinator and get back on your way.

SHIBA Counselors provide confidential and objective health insurance counseling to people with Medicare in person and by phone. Counselors provide individual health insurance information, counseling, and assistance according to the Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) guidelines. Prospective volunteers are caring and respectful with good interpersonal skills, are able to handle complex information, have computer proficiency in email and the internet, have organizational skills, reliable transportation, and no conflict of interest. Counselors are especially needed in Madras, Redmond, La Pine and Prineville. We guide you through the training process.

 

For more information and to apply online go to https://healthcare.oregon.gov/shiba/volunteers/Pages/volunteer.aspx

SHIBA Program Coordinator: Tia Linschied, Program Manager tlinschied@councilonaging.org

What is Caring Connections? The Caring Connections Program matches volunteers with seniors who would appreciate a weekly phone call and camaraderie.

What does volunteering for Caring Connections entail?

Call assigned seniors at least once a week Can volunteer from home We provide training Volunteers do need to pass a background check Valid email address

What is Caring Connections? The Caring Connections Program matches volunteers with seniors who would appreciate a weekly phone call and camaraderie.

What does volunteering for Caring Connections entail?

Call assigned seniors at least once a week Can volunteer from home We provide training Volunteers do need to pass a background check Valid email address

What is Caring Connections? The Caring Connections Program matches volunteers with seniors who would appreciate a weekly phone call and camaraderie.

What does volunteering for Caring Connections entail?

Call assigned seniors at least once a week Can volunteer from home We provide training Volunteers do need to pass a background check Valid email address

What is Caring Connections? The Caring Connections Program matches volunteers with seniors who would appreciate a weekly phone call and camaraderie.

What does volunteering for Caring Connections entail?

Call assigned seniors at least once a week Can volunteer from home We provide training Volunteers do need to pass a background check Valid email address

Position Summary 

The Advisory Council is made up of representatives from Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson Counties. We encourage all ages to participate. Advisory Council members may serve up to two 3-year terms.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following:

Gain knowledge and understanding of the Council on Aging of Central Oregon's Older Americans Act programs and services for those 60 and older, caregivers, and critical partners/service providers   Assist with development and review of every 4 year Agency Area Plan and annual updates Serve as the “eyes and ears” of local seniors and their caregivers in your tri-county community Review and comment on COA policies, programs, and actions that affect seniors Attend monthly Advisory Council meetings. Meetings are held the second Monday of each month beginning at 10:00 a.m. Meetings are in person/on ZOOM Serve on at least one task force. Council members may also participate in special task forces and joint committees with the Board of Directors The option to represent the Agency at public forums and local government meetings, workshops or outreach events Provide written updates to the Advisory Council on local happenings in your town/area

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

A connection to those who are 60 and older in your community Ability to communicate effectively with COA staff and seniors Basic computer skills including the ability to use virtual meeting tools and email  Sensitivity and tolerance of different views Resident of the county being represented, and/or employment in that county Willingness to work with older adults and/or senior citizen organizations Be willing to accept a 3-year term 

Selection Process

Applications are available upon request Applicants will be invited to attend a meeting  Completed applications are reviewed and voted on by the Advisory Council and Board of Directors  Applicants are notified once the process is completed 

Other

Must pass a background check Training is provided

The Council on Aging of Central Oregon is a 501(c)(3) organization committed to helping older adults age at home and in the community with safety, independence, dignity, and well-being. We also serve adult children and other unpaid caregivers supporting older loved ones and friends as they navigate the pathways of later life.

Our Board of Directors comprises tri-county leaders from government, non-profit and for-profit sectors who share this mission and are committed to creating age-friendly communities in Central Oregon. Council on Aging board members engage deeply in governance, strategic planning, and fundraising roles, and as advocates and ambassadors, securing the partnerships and resources necessary for us to expand our abilities and the impact we make locally.

We are seeking passionate people with extensive finance, legal, donor relations, healthcare, advocacy, transportation, policy development, or administration experience and the desire to serve older adults in Central Oregon. Terms are for three years. Previous board experience is desirable but not necessary if you are willing to participate actively in monthly meetings (held in Bend from 4 to 6 p.m.), committee meetings, and community events.

If this sounds like a good opportunity, please send a letter of interest to board@councilonaging.org. We’ll follow-up with a formal application for qualified candidates.

You can help meet immediate needs of aging adults in Central Oregon.

The Council on Aging of Central Oregon is looking for your help! Central Oregon has among the highest growth rate in the nation. Residents over the age of 60 are in need of dedicated, caring individuals to help promote and support the mission of the Council on Aging. Just a few hours of your time could greatly impact the lives of the aging in our community.

Be that support and join the volunteer team at the Council on Aging. Find out more information by calling 541.678.5483 or emailing mmcclure@councilonaging.org