Support Group Facilitator (Cedar Valley Area)

Summary:

Right now, millions of Americans face the devastation of Alzheimer’s. This disease is robbing us of our families, our futures and our finances. At the Alzheimer’s Association, our network of more than 75 chapters is working relentlessly to advance world-class research, ensure access to gold-standard care and support, and engage mission-driven volunteers who make it happen.

Support Group Facilitators create a safe, open environment where people share their feelings, thoughts and experiences in a combined effort to better cope with and manage the shared problems of dementia. The goal of Alzheimer's Association support groups is to provide emotional, social and/or educational support to group members. As facilitators, individuals may be responsible for general caregiver, adult children, spouse, gender-specific or language-specific groups.                                                                                          

Key Activities:

• Follow expectations and recommendations of the Caregiver Support Group Facilitator Manual, including participation in initial & ongoing training and submission of all required documentation to Chapter.
• Set up, arrange and prepare the room before and after each group.
• Coordinate any speakers/presenters with local chapter staff.
• Encourage participants to provide assistance and emotional support to one another.
• Present pertinent Association materials and information to group members.
• Connect members of the community with additional Association services by proactively making referrals to Alzheimer's Association programs & free 24/7 Helpline. 

Qualifications:

• Ability to be empathic and separate personal needs from group needs.
• Strong listening and effective communication skills.
• Ability to redirect and facilitate discussion as well as fulfill the duties and responsibilities as described in the Facilitator Agreement.
• Ability to create and maintain a safe environment where participants’ thoughts and feelings are valued and group members are treated with fairness, equity and respect.
• Commitment to promote the mission and services of the Association and willingness to act as an extension of the Association.
• Experience with dementia as a family member or health care professional preferred.

Commitment Expected:

• Support Group Facilitators commit to a 1-year term delivering a monthly group. Terms are renewable upon successful completion of annual goal-setting conversation with your staff partner.
• Orientation includes: online general volunteer orientation (1 hour) + program volunteer orientation  (1 hour) + self-study or in-person role training with staff partner (~4 hours).
• Support Group facilitators must observe 1 group in the community led by a staff or mentor plus review facilitation skills with a staff partner prior to deployment in the community.
• Background checks are required as part of the volunteer selection process.
• Comply with Alzheimer’s Association volunteer policies and procedures.
• Participate in initial training and ongoing education about Alzheimer’s, dementia and the Alzheimer's Association.

Benefits to the Volunteer:

• Perfect your active listening and group management technique.
• Serve your local community and people you care about.
• Increase your knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
• Be recognized in your community as a leader and resource for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
• Build your resume and skill set.
• Join a network of other volunteers, Alzheimer's Association staff and professionals and caregivers in the aging field.