Job Details

Support Group Facilitators lead or co-lead a support group for family members and caregivers seeking assistance, emotional support and information on all topics related to Alzheimer's disease: caregiving from diagnosis through the continuum of care, legal issues, research and advocacy information and opportunities. The Association offers support groups for family caregivers, as well as specialized groups (e.g., early stage group, frontotemporal lobe dementia caregiver group).

PURPOSE

The purpose of the Alzheimer's Association support groups is to provide emotional, social, and/or educational support to group members.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Follow expectations and recommendations of the Support Group Facilitator Manual, including participation in initial and ongoing training, record keeping, and regular meetings with Alzheimer's Association staff

Arrange for speakers/presenters for the support group as needed

Encourage participants to provide assistance and emotional support to one another

Present pertinent Alzheimer's Association materials and information to group members

Inform the Alzheimer's Association in advance of any changes in Support Group Facilitators, time or location of group meetings

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience with dementia as a family member or health care professional preferred

Ability to be empathetic and separate personal needs from group needs

Strong listening skills and effective communication skills

Ability to redirect and facilitate discussion as well as fulfill the duties and responsibilities as described in the Support Group Facilitator agreement

Ability to create and maintain a safe environment where participant thoughts and feelings are valued and group members are treated with fairness, equity, and respect

Commitment to promote the mission and services of the Alzheimer's Association

Willingness to act as an extension of the Alzheimer's Association and to put other responsibilities and obligations aside when acting in this role

Punctual and dependable

TIME COMMITMENT

Monthly 3-hour shift, depending upon the specific support group assigned

A commitment of at least one year is expected

TRAINING

Training will be provided to all Support Group Facilitator volunteers.

LOCATION

Santa Rosa and San Rafael, CA

BACKGROUND CHECK

Interns, volunteers and contractors are required to pass a background check before work commences. The Alzheimer's Association believes that engaging qualified individuals in our mission contributes to the overall strategic success of the organization. Background checks are valuable in promoting a safe work environment for Association employees, interns, volunteers, contractors, donors and clients.