Vancouver & Area Support Group Facilitators

The Alzheimer Society of B.C. is currently recruiting volunteers to train as Support Group Facilitators.  We are recruiting for:

Monthly Support Groups
•	Caregiver Support Group Facilitators – Currently recruiting for in-person sessions in Vancouver, Richmond, and the North Shore. 
•	Virtual Caregiver Support Group Facilitators – These roles you can volunteer from your own home. Access to a computer with a strong internet connection, a headset with microphone and web camera is needed.  A private setting free from distractions and interruptions is also required. 

Bi-Weekly Support Groups 
•	Early-Stage Support Group Facilitators – Supporting those living with early-stage dementia to share their experiences and strategies for living well with dementia.  We are currently recruiting for this role in Maple Ridge. 

Support Group Facilitator Overview:
Create a safe and inclusive space for group members to share experiences and strategies in a group setting. Facilitators exhibit discretion, empathy, strong listening skills, and a belief in the capacity of peers to support one another. 

TO APPLY FOR A VOLUNTEER ROLE: 
•	Please copy and paste the link and apply directly to the Alzheimer Society: https://alzheimerbc.rosterfy.com/register

Role responsibilities: 
•	Establish a safe and welcoming environment for discussion and support by ensuring the ground rules for discussion are followed. 
•	Facilitate group discussion, ensuring everyone is included and feels empowered to participate. 
•	Provide information on programs, services, and education opportunities offered by the Alzheimer Society of B.C. 
•	Set up room and coordinate logistics (for virtual groups, this includes managing the group and basic technical support to participants via Zoom). 
•	Complete a support group report including attendance and regular debriefs with the supervisor. 

Requirements: 
•	Be at least age 19.
•	Excellent interpersonal skills. 
•	Good verbal communication skills including empathic listening skills. 
•	Personal maturity and ability to establish healthy boundaries. 
•	Cultural awareness, sensitivity, and respect for diversity. 
•	A desire to learn more about dementia, person-centred language and the resources available to people living with dementia, their families and caregivers. 
•	Knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias an asset.
•	Formal or informal experiences related to dementia is an asset. 
•	Experience with group facilitation is an asset. 
•	References, criminal record check and proof of COVID-19 vaccination status required. 

Training provided: 
The Alzheimer Society of B.C. provides an excellent and comprehensive training program to Support Group Facilitators. This includes: an orientation to the Alzheimer Society of B.C.; foundational learning about dementia; information about caregiving issues faced by families; training in group facilitation and maintaining healthy boundaries; as well as on-going mentorship opportunities. Training takes approximately 28 hours to complete over a period of 2 to 3 months and includes a mix of self-directed and supervisor-led learning. 

Commitment: 
•	Minimum one year commitment after training is complete 
•	Groups are held once a month on the same day and time; you must be available to facilitate the group you are assigned to every month 
•	Groups are 1.5 to 2 hours long.