Opportunities From: United Way of Kaw Valley

Community Village Lawrence is looking for energized committee members to serve on our Volunteer Committee. As a grassroots, totally volunteer-run organization, our volunteers are the lifeblood of our organization, and CVL's Volunteer Committee members play a pivotal role in enabling the organization to serve the community through recruiting and training volunteers, as well as developing creative new ideas for volunteer recognition and engagement.

Duties and Responsibilities: Attend and participate in regular committee meetings, usually monthly. Complete tasks and attend events as required by the committee, examples of which could include: reaching out to potential volunteers, collecting feedback from current volunteers, developing ideas for volunteer recognition, managing social media and volunteer communication, or planning volunteer get-togethers and mixers.

Use your many skills around the house to help older adults age in their homes! Community Village Lawrence (CVL) is looking for individuals willing to assist CVL members with simple household tasks, to include services such as laundry, light housekeeping, organizing, and/or basic handyman services. Do as much or as little as you are able to do; this volunteer opportunity has something for everyone!

Your time spent will contribute directly to improving CVL members’ quality of life and maintaining their independence. Help with even the simplest of tasks can make a big difference for someone! As a volunteer, you will get the chance to meet new people and be a part of a growing, grassroots initiative to support seniors “aging in place.”

Duties and Responsibilities: Provide assistance around the house for members on an as-needed basis. Volunteers can set their own schedule and respond to requests from members on an as-needed basis. Participate in all required trainings and background checks.

Summary of Qualifications

Health Support Volunteers (HSV) (medical note-taker) should have an interest in serving older adults in a medical setting. HSVs should be willing to provide exceptional customer service, including employing the use of active listening skills, diplomacy, tact, and patience. 

Note-taking requires organizational skills, attention to detail, familiarity and some understanding of the medical appointment environment. Volunteer medical note-takers should have normal hearing and eyesight, and should be able to walk unattended.

The Role of a Note-taker

Note-takers are recorders of the communication transactions that occur between the medical provider and the member.  

In their role, note-takers accompany members to various appointments and act as another pair of ears. Note-takers meet with the member prior to accompanying them to an appointment, and help to prepare them for the medical visit. The preparation is called a pre-visit conversation and helps to empower the member to act on their own behalf while in the medical appointment. The note-taker responsibility focuses on the communication transactions between the medical practitioner and the member.

Medical note-takers record what they hear. Note-takers use their listening skills and ask for clarification when appropriate. The challenge for note-takers is to stay in the listening and recording role and not crossover to the role of a medical advocate. 

Health Support Volunteers are NOT medical advocates. Medical advocates play a more time-consuming, comprehensive role with the member and spend a great deal of time getting to know the member’s medical situation and needs. Advocates research and gather information and help the member to make the best decision possible. As a result of gathering information, advocates advise the member and act on their behalf with doctors, hospitals, insurance companies, medical supply vendors, etc.  The advocacy role may include going to medical appointments and recording notes, similar to the role of the note-taker, however, the advocate’s role and relationship is a deeper one and is often used when the member needs an intervention to support their interests.