Parkinson Canada Volunteer Opportunity

Support Group Facilitator

Parkinson Canada believes in a better life today for People Living with Parkinson’s, and a world without Parkinson’s tomorrow.  Canada has some of the world’s highest rates, and it is growing quickly.  People living with Parkinson’s are at the centre of everything we do at Parkinson Canada. We provide education and services, and we advocate with federal, provincial, and territorial governments on issues that matter to the Parkinson’s community in Canada. The Parkinson Research Program funds innovative research to search for better treatments and a cure.  

People living with Parkinson’s count on us to be there at every step of their Parkinson’s journey. To learn more about us, please visit www.parkinson.ca. 

The Opportunity

The Support Group Facilitator plays a critical role in the delivery of support services at community level.  Once a month, they create a confidential and welcoming in-person or virtual space, where people living with Parkinson’s and/or their care partners can share their experiences and develop supportive relationships in a group setting.  The time commitment for this opportunity is 3 – 5 hours per month.   

Your Contribution

As a Support Group Facilitator, you bring a keen desire to make a difference in the lives of people affected by Parkinson’s.  Your empathetic approach, enthusiasm for learning, and ability to facilitate discussion about issues related to Parkinson’s are key factors in ensuring that monthly support groups are safe spaces. 

What is Needed to Succeed in this Role

• Compassion and a non-judgemental approach to supporting people 
• Strong communication skills including active listening 
• Ability to facilitate discussions that put the voices of those living with and affected by Parkinson’s at the centre 
• Commitment to model inclusion and respect for diversity 
• Love of learning 
• Background in nursing, social work, or related field is an asset 
• Enthusiasm to work closely with Parkinson Canada staff 
• Ability to carry out administrative tasks and provide promotional support 
• Level of comfort or willingness to become familiar with virtual meeting technology 
• If support groups return to in-person activities, willingness to take on the logistical aspects of monthly group meetings 

Benefits for Support Group Facilitators

As a volunteer Support Group Facilitator, you will learn more about Parkinson’s and make a genuine impact in the lives of people living with Parkinson’s and their care partners.  You will meet wonderful new people and gain experience in the facilitation of groups, while contributing to the critical work of Parkinson Canada.  References are available.  

Commitment

One support group meeting per month (1-1.5 hours per month), plus 3-5 hours monthly for administrative and organizational tasks. Stability is essential for Support Groups so a commitment of at least one year is appreciated.  

How to Apply

Interested candidates should complete a Volunteer Profile, available at:

http://pcsupportgroups.parkinsoncanada.volunteerhub.com/

Resumes are strongly encouraged.  

Parkinson Canada is committed to inclusion, fairness, respect, human dignity, and equity.  We provide accessible employment and volunteer engagement practices that are in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Applications from persons with disabilities are welcomed and encouraged. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.  For questions or accommodation requests, please contact the Volunteer Engagement Manager, Graham Marshall-Coultas at 1-800-565-3000, ext. 3319 or .  

Please note that the selected candidate will be required to pass a standard Criminal Record Check.

Parkinson Canada

316 – 4211 Yonge Street

Toronto, Ontario

M2P 2A9

416-227-9700 – 1-800-565-3000