You want to make a difference? Embrace the journey of the Canadian Red Cross (CRC) to support communities in needs. The Health Equipment Loan Program (HELP) offers mobility, independence and safety to people recovering from illness or surgery or wishing to spend their final days in their own homes. The HELP Client Services Volunteer provides administrative support like answering the phone and coordinating health equipment loans and returns.

The Health Equipment Loan Program (HELP) is looking for Client Services Volunteers for the following offices:
• Coastal Region: Campbell River, Courtenay, Duncan, Ladysmith, Nanaimo, Port Alberni, Port Alice, Port Hardy, Powell River, Salt Spring Island, and Victoria.
• Lower Mainland Region: Abbotsford, Burnaby, Chilliwack, Langley, Maple Ridge, North Vancouver, Port Coquitlam, Richmond, Surrey, Vancouver, White Rock, and Squamish.
• Southern BC Region: Kelowna, West Kelowna, Enderby, Keremeos, Lake Country, Oliver, Penticton, Princeton, Salmon Arm, Vernon, 100 Mile House, Ashcroft, Kamloops, Merritt, Castlegar, Cranbrook, Creston, Fernie, Grand Forks, Invermere, Kaslo, Nelson, Revelstoke, and Trail.
• Northern BC Region/ Yukon: Dawson Creek, Fort Nelson, Fort St. John, Kitimat, Prince George, Prince Rupert, Quesnel, Smithers, Terrace, Williams Lake, and Whitehorse.

The Health Equipment Loan Program team is looking for volunteers to be part of their mission. Because of HELP volunteers, tens of thousands of Canadians who are recovering from surgery or illness are able to access health equipment that enhances mobility and independence, allowing them to recover from the comfort of their home.

Volunteer Opportunity Conditions:

• Location: in-person at a HELP Depot in your community (sites listed above)
• Minimum age: 16 years and older.
• Minimum volunteer hours /period: The hours may vary but are generally three to four hours per week, either mornings or afternoons from Monday to Friday. Weekday evenings or Saturday shifts are available in some locations (in B.C. only). 6 month minimum commitment.
• Work is performed in an office environment and is aligned to National and Provincial Health Standards as required during COVID-19. Personal protective equipment (PPE), physical distancing and regular hand hygiene practices are required.
• This position requires a satisfactory Canadian Criminal Record Check (Ministry of Justice Check), and a Vulnerable Sector Check. These are completed during the Intake/Onboarding process with the Canadian Red Cross.

As a volunteer in this role, you will:

• Connect with clients and health care providers to verify referral requests, facilitate the loaning and returning of health equipment, make reminder calls, and assist with equipment recalls if required
• Select the appropriate medical equipment to match health professional referrals, complete minor adjustments to ensure appropriate fit for clients
• Ensure the integrity of data collection and recording of all call/ client trackers and statistical information
• Provide instruction(s) on basic equipment use and respond to client inquiries regarding equipment set-up, returns, repairs and loan extensions
• Contributes to a healthy and safe working environment
• Accept financial and equipment donations to the Canadian Red Cross, and issue tax and non-tax receipts as needed

You bring these essential talents:

• Interest and/or experience in providing exceptional customer service to Health Equipment Loan Program clients
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including working in a busy environment
• Ability to empathize with clients concerns to deliver service with compassion
• Data entry experience
• Excellent telephone manner with contact centre or multi-line phone system skills an asset
• Demonstrated understanding and compassion of the aging population, including community resource knowledge and resourcing
• Experience working with a diverse population an asset
• Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment
• Strong organization skills
• Some lifting of equipment is required. We recommend volunteers be capable of lifting up to 50lbs
• Full training is provided; however, volunteers should be comfortable with using a computer, and have good written and conversational English. Other languages are considered an asset
• Ability to work independently and to collaborate in a team environment