Adult Companion

Job Title:  Adult Companion

Department:  Volunteer Services

Reports To:  Program Director

SUMMARY

 Aitkin County CARE takes pride in being the leader in providing quality care and transportation to the residents of Aitkin County.

This position provides our older community members with a person to talk to, do things with. This essential service has the potential to help someone escape from social isolation or loneliness.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.  Other duties may be assigned.

 Promote the Mission, Vision and Strategy of Aitkin County CARE:

• Mission – To enhance and promote the independence, dignity, value, and wellbeing of older and disabled adults and those who care for them.
• Vision – To be the leader in providing innovative and quality services to older and disabled adults in Aitkin county.
• Strategy – Partner with local government, business, nonprofits and the community we serve to become a “Community for a Lifetime”.

1. Driving maybe expected.

2. Drivers are expected to practice open communication with program director.

3. Drivers are expected to demonstrate respect, compassion and empathy towards their clients and others.

4. Drivers are expected to track milage.

5. Drivers are expected to sign and follow the Confidentiality Agreement.

6. Drivers are expected to follow direction and work well on their own.  

7. Drivers must be flexible.

8. Volunteers must pass a background check.

QUALIFICATIONS 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must have a Minnesota Driver’s License, and be able to pass a background check and have a clear driving record.  Applicant must have an insured vehicle in working order.  Applicant must have a cell phone.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE 

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) 

LANGUAGE SKILLS 

• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.
• Ability to write simple correspondence.  
• Ability to record information effectively and accurately on Ride Vouchers.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS 

• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.  

REASONING ABILITY 

• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.  
• Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS  

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms.  The employee frequently is required to talk and hear.  
• The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; lift and push; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.  
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

THE DO’S AND DON’TS OF A VOLUNTEER MEALS ON WHEELS DRIVER

Do’s

• Be on time.
• Help reduce client’s social isolation by listening and talking with them.
• Be compassionate towards their needs.
• Have fun enjoying each other’s company.

Don’ts

• Give client the Route information sheet.
• Do not enter client’s home without identifying yourself.
• Manage clients’ money or cash.
• Accept personal gifts from clients.
• Accept cash or reimbursement from client.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT  

Please read and understand the above job description and confirm you are able to perform the essential functions for the position of Driver for Meals on Wheels.