Opportunities From: Jewish Family Service of San Diego

The Community Need

Many older adults in our community, especially those aged 60 and over, no longer drive and face significant challenges in getting to medical appointments, personal errands, and social activities. Without reliable transportation, they risk becoming isolated, leading to declines in both mental and physical health.  San Diego is experiencing a demographic shift that is expected to continue.  By 2050, more people in San Diego County will be over the age of 60 than under the age of 18.  This trend places increasing demands on services that support older adults, and can delay client enrollment for the On the Go program.

How You Can Help

We’re looking for volunteers to help us connect over the phone with older adults who are waiting to enroll in the On the Go program. You can play a vital role by helping new riders enroll in OTG by:

Provide information about the On the Go program. Help determine if they meet eligibility criteria for enrollment. Answer questions and offer guidance throughout the enrollment process.

In addition, we welcome assistance with various office projects that help keep our program running smoothly behind the scenes.

 

Volunteer Impact

By reducing the time older adults wait for services, you can have a direct impact on reducing isolation and improving the quality of life for seniors in San Diego County. You’ll also help free up valuable staff time which ultimately allows JFS to serve more seniors more efficiently.

 

Time Commitment

Schedule is flexible.You can volunteer any day Monday through Friday.Shifts are 2-3 hours in length, between 9:00am – 4:00pm.

Once a sufficient amount of new clients have been enrolled, OTG staff may decide to pause enrolling new clients to ensure we can continue to provide rides for all enrolled clients.

 

Things to Consider

To be successful in this volunteer role, it’s best if you are able to use a computer and headset, and feel comfortable talking on the phone and communicating clearly with older adults.  It’s helpful if you’re detail-oriented with the ability to take accurate notes and input information carefully.  Training will be provided by the OTG staff, and you will work in the office with the OTG team during each shift.

 

Qualifications

Interview with program staffBackground CheckHIPAA training

Location:

The On the Go office at the CARS Building, 4669 Murphy Canyon Road, Ste. 108, San Diego, CA 92123. 

 

 

Program:

On the Go, Rides and Smiles offers one-way trips to older adults who no longer drive. Provide rides at convenient times in your schedule. On this one-way ride, volunteers donate their time and energy while infusing dignity and independence into the lives of these older adults who still value connection to community—without changing your plans! Rides are offered seven days a week from 7:00am to 7:00pm. Overall, On the Go is more than just a ride: it is about fueling a sense of connection, independence, and mobility that defines aging well.

Goal of Position:

Volunteer drivers utilize their personal vehicles to provide these rides for older adults. This safe and reliable transportation enables older adults to attend medical appointments, meet shopping needs, visit a spouse in a nursing home, take a class, attend religious services, and more! Volunteers are able to provide safe and reliable transportation, ensuring that these adults remain active, healthy, and connected to their community.

Responsibilities:

Provide at least 2 rides per month Accept rides that work best for you using an award winning web-based scheduling system Provide friendly conversation during transport Maintain a clean, upkept vehicle and observe “rules of the road”

Qualifications/Requirements:

Possess your own vehicle Have valid insurance coverage for the vehicle driving client’s Have a current driver’s license Attend a general volunteer orientation Attend driver training Must be able to pass a background check Must complete HIPAA 3 training Enjoy driving and meeting new people Be comfortable with JFS submitting a request for driving records

Time Commitment:

Volunteers can self-select rides that work with their personal schedule Volunteers are required to give at least 2 rides a month Minimum 6 month commitment