Description

Volunteers are needed to provide social connection to lonely and isolated veterans. Volunteers will be carefully matched to a Veteran to conduct companionship conversations via video at least once a week over a 3-month period. Duration of calls should expect to last at least 30 mins. The purpose of these personal calls is to gain a comradery and confidence bond that will encourage heartfelt chats and shared memories. Volunteers will offer their gift of time and empathetic listening to break the Veteran’s cycle of loneliness. It is anticipated that the Veteran will gain an increased sense of well being and strengthen self-worth. All volunteers who are selected to participate in the program will be registered as Veterans Affairs volunteers. Volunteers will have access to shop at the VA Canteen. **NOTE: If you do not have an aarp.org account, when you click “Apply Now” you will be asked to register before filling out the application. AARP membership is NOT required to apply or to signup for an aarp.org account.**

Key Responsibilities

Complete initial training and subsequent trainings satisfactorilyConduct a video call with matched Veteran at least once a weekInput notes from call into designated platform

Qualifications

Strong interpersonal communication skillsMust have a computer or tablet with a stable Internet connectionMust pass a fingerprint and background checkComfortable with technology and navigating email and the InternetMilitary Veteran preferred, but not requiredExperience with call center management platforms a plus

Training

Volunteers will complete a training program which includes a review of required communication skills, call tracking and management, identification and reporting of critical challenges the Veteran may be experiencing, and the importance of understanding and maintaining strict privacy and confidentiality.Each volunteer will be assigned a Program Coordinator (PC) who is an experienced Veterans Affairs staff member. The PC will be the volunteer’s main point of contact for the duration of their assignment.

Volunteer Contact: 

• Carole Ricks
• cricks@aarp.org

Location

Virtual

Time Commitment

Volunteers are expected to call their assigned Veteran at least once a week. The meeting schedule will be determined by the volunteer and their assigned Veteran. Video call duration will vary, but Volunteers are asked to allocate at least 30 mins.