Job Description

The mission of the Commonwealth Corps service internship program is to engage Massachusetts residents of all ages, backgrounds, and identities in direct service to strengthen communities, address critical needs, and increase volunteerism. Through hands-on experience, Commonwealth Corps members gain professional skills and valuable knowledge while positively impacting diverse communities in our state. The Massachusetts Service Alliance (MSA) is a private, nonprofit agency that oversees the program and supports host site partners and members to find success throughout the program year. The two Commonwealth Corps members with FriendshipWorks will serve 10.5 months in a full-time capacity. They will join a diverse corps of members across Massachusetts who share a common desire to discover their passion and build their network in the service to their communities and the Commonwealth. FriendshipWorks' mission is to reduce social isolation, enhance quality of life and preserve the dignity of elders in Boston and Brookline. We accomplish this mission by recruiting and training volunteers of all ages, faiths, and backgrounds who provide friendship, advocacy, education, assistance, and emotional support to isolated older adults. FriendshipWorks operates six programs throughout Greater Boston. Friendly Visiting, Medical Escort, Friendly Helping, and three programs that foster connection in congregate settings – PetPals, MusicWorks and Relaxing through the Arts. We have staff who speak both English and Spanish. The Commonwealth Corps members at FriendshipWorks will be responsible for helping rejuvenate and grow the Medical Escort Program under the supervision of the Medical Escort Coordinator. Their service will include escorting elders to medical appointments; outreach; volunteer recruitment and training; and reporting on outcomes of the program. About the Medical Escort Program: The Medical Escort program provides ‘door-to-door- service to elders where volunteers accompany elders to and from medical appointments, providing personalized support before, during, and after the visit. Escorts provide a friendly ear and company, may help navigate hospitals and scheduling appointments, or even take notes during a visit at an elder’s request. Escorts provide a critical role for some elders who may otherwise feel alone, stressed, or anxious about their medical visit. (Elders arrange transportation for themselves and the escort, usually via The Ride, Senior Shuttle or other service.) What You’ll Do:

Essential Responsibilities:

• Complete a minimum of 1,500 hours of service, serving through June 25, 2022. • Attend all required Commonwealth Corps trainings and service events held by MSA (minimum of 6 total, post orientation) and FriendshipWorks, including a new member orientation on August 16 & 17, 2021. • Participate in a minimum of 1 hour (full-time members) of MSA-related activities each week (in person or virtually). • Be a spokesperson for all FriendshipWorks programs. • Provide direct service to Elders as an escort to Medical Appointments. • Accompany the elder from the appointment and safely back into their home, at times stopping to pick up medications when needed. • Provide physical and emotional support to the elder, and advocate for the elder as necessary. • Conduct ongoing outreach in the community about the Medical Escort Program. • Recruit volunteers to support the Medical Escort Program. • Maintain strong communication with supervisor.

Report completed escorts / successes or difficulties in duties assigned.

Marginal Responsibilities:

• Participate in training of new volunteers • Aid in testing of new software scheduling program

Who You Are:

You must be:

• A Massachusetts resident (see guidelines here) with legal authorization to work in the United States • 18 years of age at minimum, however we typically have members ranging from 18 – 70+ years old • Excited to give back to your community and help others • Interested in developing your skills and gaining new professional experience and knowledge • Able to balance service internship commitments with personal commitments in a sustainable way • Open to trying new things and giving feedback • Eager to care for older adults and possess sensitivity in assessing the needs of elders. • Able to serve independently, but also as part of a team. • Comfortable being around people and having conversations. • Able to set healthy boundaries. • Passionate about community outreach and engagement. • Comfortable traveling on public transportation in Boston/ Brookline. • Committed to FriendshipWorks’ mission and volunteer-driven model • Bilingual in Spanish and English (for at least one of the two members selected)

It would also be great if you:

• Are interested in human service or social work • Have experience with community engagement • Are proficient in Microsoft products and/or Salesforce • Are knowledgeable of Boston neighborhoods • Speak a language other than English -- multi-lingual candidates encouraged to apply

What You'll Get:

• Are interested in human service or social work • Have experience with community engagement • Are proficient in Microsoft products and/or Salesforce • Are knowledgeable of Boston neighborhoods • Speak a language other than English -- multi-lingual candidates encouraged to apply

Please note that receipt of these stipends/benefits may impact an individual’s eligibility for certain public benefits. Term of Service:

• Position Start Date: August 16, 2021 • Position End Date: June 25, 2022 • Service commitment will average 38-40 full-time hours per week. Most weeks, members’ service will be M-F between the hours of 8 AM – 4 PM, but some early morning flexibility may be needed to escort medical appointments. Potential for 2-6 weekend commitments over the course of the 10.5 months for outreach with two weeks notice and discussion with member.

Accepted members will be required to undergo a criminal history check. FriendshipWorks will recruit and select persons in all positions to ensure a diverse and inclusive climate without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, color, political affiliation, creed, national origin, marital status, or any other status as protected by federal, state, and local laws. FriendshipWorks welcomes applications from individuals with disabilities and will make reasonable accommodations for interviews and for service upon request.

Company Description

FriendshipWorks' mission is to reduce social isolation, enhance quality of life and preserve the dignity of elders in Boston and Brookline. We accomplish this mission by recruiting and training volunteers of all ages, faiths, and backgrounds who provide friendship, advocacy, education, assistance, and emotional support to isolated older adults. FriendshipWorks operates six programs throughout Greater Boston. One of the cornerstones of our work is our Friendly Visiting program that connects elders one-on-one in their homes with volunteers who provide company, friendship, and support. Friendly visiting matching is provided in all of Boston’s neighborhoods, Brookline, Newton, Cambridge, and Somerville. Other core programs include Medical Escort and Friendly Helping. We also operate three programs that foster connection in congregate settings – PetPals, MusicWorks and Relaxing through the Arts. We currently have staff for Friendly Visiting, Friendly Helping and Medical Escorts who speak both English and Spanish.