Before volunteering, please ask yourself the following questions:
- I am not feeling well, have a cough, temperature or am experiencing other symptoms of COVID-19.
- In the past two weeks, I have had close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19.
- I have not been practicing physical distancing or wearing a mask, and/or have attended large gatherings.
If you answered “yes” to any of these statements, please let your JFS volunteer manager know that you will need to cancel your volunteer shift or email sheltervolunteer@jfssd.org.
Program: As part of the San Diego Rapid Relief Network, Jewish Family Service provides on-going services to help transition individuals and families who are seeking Asylum in the United States. These services are in response to the immediate needs of newly arrived migrants, it aims to help them reach their sponsors in other parts of the country. With ankle monitors and notices to appear in court, as many as 30-40 families a day are arriving in need of food, shelter, and medical care. With our partners in the SDRRN, JFS is able to meet the needs of these families and provide them multiple services to assist in their journey ahead. Based on the current COVID-19 pandemic, asylum seekers released by the government will stay in individual hotel rooms for their short stay instead of joining other families in a congregant living setting at a shelter. In partnership with the San Diego Rapid Response Network, JFS will continue to provide case management, travel assistance, nutrition services, medical screenings, and financial support for migrant families.
Goal of Position: Advocate and accompany guests to the hospital or medical appointment, ensuring guests are treated with respect and dignity while receiving medical care.
Responsibilities:
- Answer the health screening questions above.
- Sanitize vehicle surfaces before and after escorting guests.
- Wear a face mask for the duration of your shift.
- Pick up guests from their respective hotels.
- Wait with guest while they await medical care.
- Explain the process of receiving hospital care.
- Advocate for the guest with hospital staff.
- Communicate with Shelter Manager regarding any medical updates in guest condition and any other needs of the guest.
- May require long periods of waiting.
Time Commitment:
- 3 Hour Minimum
Qualifications:
- Language recommendations include Spanish, Haitian, and Russian.
Ability to function in a dynamic and stressful environment with little or no supervision, adapting to change.
