Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers can maximize resources and enhance the health and well being of our seniors through a variety of volunteer opportunities. From one-day group projects to ongoing client support, volunteers can truly make a difference in our community!
Invest your time, talent and expertise in volunteer opportunities that include:
Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) HelpLine
Become a member of this incredible group of volunteers who help seniors make informed health insurance decisions!
All of us must find, choose, and use health coverage wisely, but making the right choice and finding the right answers can be difficult. SHIBA is part of a statewide network of extensively trained volunteers who educate and assist consumers on health insurance options and prescription drug coverage. Under the direction of the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner, SHIBA volunteers are trained to help seniors:
• Understand health insurance and government health programs
• Access prescription drug benefits
• Evaluate and compare health policies
• Process medical billings
• Pursue claims or appeals
• Detect and report fraud
• Understand their rights and options
This year, we will recruit and train more than 100 SHIBA HelpLine volunteers to support the new prescription drug coverage referred to as Medicare “Part D”, taking effect on January 1st, 2006. Volunteers will educate and assist seniors in making informed decisions in choosing a plan that is right for them.
Volunteers undergo a screening orientation and 10 hours of training by Senior Services and the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner. Training will take a hands-on approach in the use of online computer programs to educate and assist beneficiaries. Volunteers can answer phone lines and/or assist seniors in workshops throughout Snohomish County from November 15, 2005 to May 15, 2006.
For information call James Pham, SHIBA HelpLine Coordinator - 425.290.1256
Posted: 08/22/05
Senior Peer Counseling
Be part of the solution. Improve the quality of life for seniors who are isolated and struggling with personal loss. Help seniors find hope and better solutions to their problems. We are looking for compassionate people with a passion for learning and growing. Volunteers will have the opportunity to improve their communication skills, learn about community resources for seniors and make meaningful connections with other volunteers.
• Training is free and mileage is reimbursable.
• Volunteers must be 55 and older and able to visit others in their homes.
• Volunteers can decide which locations they would like to cover within Snohomish County.
• Requirements include 40 hours of training; weekly supervision, and attendance at a monthly volunteer meeting.
• Counseling background not required.
For information call Kamilia Dunsky, Senior Peer Counseling Supervisor - 425.290.1260
Posted: 08/22/05
Senior Source Newspaper
If you are looking for a volunteer activity that meets regularly and gives you an opportunity to socialize, laugh, and meet new friends at the same time, these jobs might fit the bill. The Senior Source Newspaper is looking for volunteers to label and mail the newspaper one day a month for 4-5 hours.
Mailing Labeler
This job is easy, fun and involves sitting or standing and applying mailing labels to the newspaper.
Mailing Bundler
This job is faster paced and involves using a strapping machine to bundle the paper, place it in sacks, load sacks into the truck and assist with unloading at the post office in South Everett. Each bundle weighs up to 5 lbs., sacks weigh up to 15 lbs. each.
For information call Sharon Ostant, the Senior Source Newspaper Editor - 425.290.1277
Posted: 08/22/05
Minor Home Repair
Minor Home Repair assists more than 400 low income elderly homeowners each year by providing health and safety related repairs that they can no longer do themselves and/or afford.
Office Volunteer
If you have the following skills and enjoy working with a dedicated staff, you would make an ideal office volunteer:
• Working knowledge of general office practices and equipment such as fax, copy machine.
• Computer skills
• Ability to work with seniors
For information call Tim Mierau, Housing Director - 425.514.3181
Posted 08/22/05
