Program:
Throughout Jewish Family Service’s history, we've remained focused on our responsibility to the Jewish community, while also serving the greater community. Through the Center for Jewish Care, we provide critical services to the Jewish community including Holocaust Survivors. In addition to connecting Jewish clients to critical resources, we also strive to bring joy and community connection to those we serve through the delivery of holiday packages, including Rosh Hashanah, Shabbat, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Purim, Passover, and more.
Goal of Position:
The Serving our Survivors (SOS) program is looking for volunteer drivers in Orange County, CA. Volunteer drivers utilize their personal vehicles to provide rides for Holocaust Survivors. This safe and reliable transportation enables older adults to attend medical appointments, meet their shopping needs, visit a spouse in a nursing home, take a class, attend social events and religious services. Volunteers are able to provide safe and reliable transportation, ensuring that these adults remain active, healthy, and connected to their community. Volunteers may also be contacted as needed to make deliveries of holiday or special event packages for both expected, unexpected or emergency deliveries. Using their own personal vehicles for their shift to pick up pre-assembled packages and delivery items, receive their route, and deliver to JFS clients' homes.
Responsibilities:
- Volunteer drivers are needed to drive Holocaust survivors living in Orange County, CA to appointments, shopping trips, social engagements and any other place they need to go.
- Volunteers will wait in the vehicle or in the waiting room depending on the preference of the Holocaust Survivor.
- When delivering a package, If the client or caregiver does not answer the door and take the package, volunteer driver must attempt to leave voicemail, notify a neighbor, or contact apartment manager.
- No package should be left if there is no contact through voicemail, apartment manager, nor neighbor at time of delivery.
- If package was not delivered, volunteer driver must contact the JFS number provided on route sheet to advise of outcome. Driver will return package(s) to JFS at the end of route.
- At the end of each shift, volunteers must either return to the Volunteer Engagement Coordinator or properly destroy (I.e., shred or burn) route sheets per HIPAA guidelines.
- At the end of the shift, volunteers are expected to call, text or email their JFS contact to confirm completion of the route and report any additional comments about clients.
- All passengers under 18 helping deliver holiday packages must be under the supervision of a vetted volunteer driver (i.e., parent/guardian) at all times.
- All passengers over the age of 18 must: complete a LiveScan background check, sign HIPAA Level 3 training, review JFS Volunteer Handbook and sign required waivers, and adhere to all safety precautions.
Qualifications/Requirements:
- Must be 25+ to comply with JFS insurance policy.
- Complete a LiveScan background check.
- DMV Check
- Must be able to drive own personal vehicle to fulfill this volunteer role. Mileage reimbursement is available.
- Sign Mileage Reimbursement Opt-In/Opt-Out form annually.
- Submit driver’s license and provide proof of insurance.
- Review and sign HIPAA Level 3 Training agreeing to maintain confidentiality around client information, including name, address, and appointment location.
- Sign volunteer waiver.
Time Commitment As needed driving opportunities. Staff will contact volunteers in advance to schedule times and routes.
Masks are required to be worn for this opportunity. For more information on our safety protocols, please visit our JFS Safety page here.
