What to Expect When Volunteering with the Ontario Finnish Resthome

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705-945-9987

info@theofra.org

Volunteer with OFRA

What To Expect During The Application Process

Volunteer applications are readily available at the receptionist areas at both Mauno Kaihla Koti and Kotitalo; by calling the Manager, Program & Support Services (MPSS) , Heidi Slotegraaf at 705-945-9987, Ext. 203; or by filling out the application online below.

Completing the formal Ontario-Finnish Resthome Association (OFRA) Volunteer Application form gives our organization useful information about you, your skills, experience, and your interests. This helps us determine how we can best use your talents to benefit the residents of OFRA.

As of July 2010, provision of a negative Criminal Records Check is now mandatory for volunteers over the age of 18 years and for volunteers working in an organization with vulnerable residents. The process for obtaining your Criminal Records Check is as follows:

The Manager, Program & Support Services (MPSS) will complete and sign part of the Police Record Check Application form so that Police Services are aware of the reason for the Criminal Record Check.
Once you have finished filling in your required information, such as name, date of birth and address, you can then take the form into the Police Services Building located at 580 Second Line E (or the OPP for residents living outside city limits). The phone number for the Sault Ste. Marie Police Services Building is (705) 949-6300. You will need to provide two (2) pieces of identification; one must be government issued photo identification.
The on-duty officer will make sure you have filled in the form correctly, and you will be asked to show your proper identification. The officer will then inform you when you can return to pick up the completed Records Check. This process can take up to a week in some instances.
The cost for a Criminal check is $15, which will need to be paid when you hand in the application to the on-duty officer.
After Police Services has completed your records check, they will sign the application and return it to you. It is then your responsibility to bring the completed original form (not a photocopy) to The Ontario-Finnish Resthome Association for our records.

A confidentiality agreement/policy must also be signed by all volunteers in order to protect the privacy of our residents and staff.

Reference checks are mandatory – please use a teacher, minister, employer, etc., whenever possible – avoid any personal references. For individuals under 18 years, three (3) references must be provided in lieu of a police check.

The Interview

After obtaining your Criminal Records Check, the next step is to meet with our Manager, Program & Support Services (MPSS). This informal interview is simply an opportunity to tell us about yourself and what interests or qualifications you have that can be utilized within our organization. You will also have an opportunity to ask any questions.

Important questions that you might want to ask:

What will I be doing?
How much time is involved?
Are there any financial costs involved?
Who will supervise my work?
Will I need to report to someone?
Will I be properly trained for specific volunteer jobs?

Orientation & Training

Orientation is an important part of becoming a volunteer with The Ontario-Finnish Resthome Association. You will be shown our manual on safety practices as well as our guidelines and objectives for any of the activities in which you will be involved. We try to offer a very relaxed atmosphere, which is enjoyable and comforting to both residents and volunteers.

The MPSS, on-site Recreation Therapist/Activity Aide, or other volunteers will train you. There may be opportunities for you to participate in educational programs related to the activities in which you become involved in, in order to enhance your knowledge.

Evaluation

Evaluation is a useful way for our organization to get some feedback for improving our programs and services. The MPSS uses resident and staff feedback as well as observations to evaluate all volunteers. All volunteers must sign their name and date in the volunteer sign-in binder with each visit. There is also a section for your comments or concerns that you, as a volunteer, might encounter on your visit. The MPSS will review these comments or concerns and adjust programming where required.

Recognition

We may provide letters of reference that can be used for employment as well as applying for volunteer positions at other organizations. Letters and certificates of recognition, as well as appreciation get-togethers, are offered to volunteers at The Ontario-Finnish Resthome Association annually.

Conclusion

Volunteers are in integral part of OFRA, and we value the time and effort they provide because we see first hand how much it positively impacts our residents.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the steps to becoming an OFRA volunteer, please do not hesitate to call the Manager, Program & Support Services, Heidi Slotegraaf, at (705) 945-9987, Ext. 203, and she will gladly walk you through the process.