Opportunities From: Jewish Family Service of San Diego

Program:

Throughout Jewish Family Service’s 100+ year 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 the elderly, single parents, Holocaust Survivors, and Jewish individuals and families during their most challenging times. 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:

Center for Jewish Care Volunteer Drivers provide home deliveries of holiday packages to Jewish Community members in need on a Quarterly basis. Volunteers may also be contacted as needed for unexpected or emergency deliveries. Using their own personal vehicles, Volunteer Drivers report to the JFS Joan and Irwin Jacob’s Campus at 8804 Balboa Ave, San Diego, CA 92123 to pick up pre-assembled packages and delivery items, receive their route, and deliver to JFS clients' homes.

 

Responsibilities:

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 will 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 are asked to either return to JFS or properly destroy (I.e., shred or burn) route sheets per HIPAA guidelines. At the end of the shift, volunteers are asked 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.

Qualifications/Requirements:

Be at least 25+ years for driver role. Minors can accompany as passengers with parent or legal guardian. Complete a background check (if 18 years or older). Drive personal vehicle. Mileage reimbursement is available. Submit driver’s license and provide proof of insurance. Review and sign HIPAA training agreeing to maintain confidentiality around client information, including name, address, and appointment location. Review JFS Volunteer Handbook and sign required waivers.

 

Time Commitment: Quarterly and as needed driving opportunities. Staff will contact volunteers in advance to schedule times and routes.

 

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.

 

Program

The Friendly Visitor Program matches Holocaust Survivors with volunteers who provide enriching social visits. The program seeks to foster meaningful relationships between volunteers and Survivors. It also aims to enhance the individuals’ connection to the community.

Goal of Position

By providing a social element to the lives of clients, volunteers are making a tangible impact. These older adults need a connection to the community and friendly visitors provide just that! Both clients and volunteers benefit greatly from the relationships that they develop through these warm visits.

Responsibilities

Visit client as often as possible. Report monthly hours and case notes to volunteer engagement coordinator Report any noticeable changes to client’s behavior, appearance, or demeanor to program coordinator Read and respond to email messages from volunteer engagement coordinator

Qualifications/Requirements

This volunteer position is ideal for individuals who find it is easy to engage in conversations, enjoy the company of older adults, and who are comfortable with issues of older adulthood such as declining health and frailty Must be able to pass a background check Must attend volunteer orientation and program interview Complete HIPAA training Must be over 18 years of age Volunteers must be able to provide their own transportation to seniors’ homes Possess a valid CA driver’s license and current proof of insurance if they wish to transport client DMV check Must be willing to adhere to a strict confidentiality agreement Complete a one-hour Volunteer Orientation/Training with Program Coordinator before the first solo visit with the older adult

Time Commitment

This position requires a minimum of a six-month commitment. Scheduling of visiting hours is at the discretion of the volunteer and client(s)

Program:

Jewish BIGPals matches children 2nd grade through high school from Jewish single parent or non-traditional families with a Jewish mentor from the community. Jewish BIGPals support the children they are matched with in facing life transitions and helping them develop positive self-images, new behaviors, coping skills, and a strengthened Jewish identity. Volunteers and Little Pal families make a one-year commitment and meet twice per month.

Goal of Position:

To provide companionship, friendship, and life-enriching experiences to children from single-parent and non-traditional homes and to help them achieve their full potential through a 1:1 mentoring relationship.

Benefits:

Serving as a positive role-model in the life of someone who needs it the most Helping to enrich the lives of children or teens from single-parent or non-traditional homes Personal satisfaction in performing the act of Tikkun Olam - helping to repair the world

Tasks/responsibilities:

Meet with a child or teen in a 1:1 setting at least two times per month Participate in fun and engaging esteem-building activities with child or teen Maintain open communication with Program Coordinator Provide regular updates regarding activities with Little Pal through monthly Survey Monkey

Qualifications:

Must identify Jewish and reside in San Diego County Must show stability in personal life, relationships, and work history Must be reliable, responsible, flexible, patient, and non-judgmental Must enjoy interacting and spending time with children 2nd grade through high school

Requirements:

Must be able to provide own transportation Participate in a screening interview Must have Current California Driver's License and Valid Proof of Auto Insurance Must be at least 25 years of age and under 80 years of age (over 80 years must obtain doctors note) in order to be able to drive on behalf of JFS Complete volunteer application at jfssd.org/volapp Attend an in-person interview Attend Big Pal Training prior to being matched Participate in supervision meeting with Big Pal, Little Pal, Parent, & Program Coordinator Have and maintain a clean criminal history and driving record 

Time Commitment:

One year* Two outings per month recommended Scheduling is flexible

*The commitment is one year but many of our matches have lasted for several years (up to 11 years).

Worksite/Department:

There is no specified worksite for this opportunity. Big Pals are with their little pals all throughout San Diego County.

Immediate Supervisor: Jewish BIG Pals Program Coordinator

For more information on our safety protocols, please visit our JFS Safety page here.