ACT Volunteer Role Description

Support Group Facilitator

(Not currently recruiting)




Programme


Group Programs

Supervisor


Group Programs Coordinator

ACT's
Mission Statement


The AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT) develops and delivers innovative programs and services that promote the dignity, health and well-being of individuals and communities living with, affected by and at risk for HIV/AIDS..




Purpose


-To co-facilitate a 10 week support group ( or ongoing support groups ) for service users referred by ACT counsellors or case managers who are infected and affected by HIV/AIDS, on a range of issues.
- To assist in the development of support group programming initiatives.

Benefits


- Extensive training in support group facilitation
- Opportunities to participate in the development of programming initiatives for HIV/AIDS communities
- Occasional opportunities to participate in conferences or events

Time Commitment


3 hours per week
for 8 + months

Duties


The Volunteer will:
- participate in introductory and ongoing facilitator training.
- keep the Support Group Co-ordinator informed of availability to facilitate groups.
- in conjunction with a co-facilitator, carry out the tasks of starting up new support groups which include meeting with the co-facilitator to discuss style/approach/facilitation goals, developing the focus and potential content of the group, reviewing referrals with the support group co-ordinator, contacting potential participants, and meeting with participants for one-to-one interviews before the group commences.
- carry out the tasks involved in co-facilitating a support group as defined within ACT's model of group facilitation.
- arrange for guest speakers for group when appropriate.
- complete and submit session summary reports for each group meeting in a timely manner.
- relay information and items of interest provided by Support Group Co-ordinator and other ACT personnel to support group participants (i.e. free tickets, upcoming events, etc.).
- conduct a support group evaluation with group participants at the end of each short-term group, and on a regular basis in ongoing groups.
- participate in regular supervision with the Support Group Co-ordinator.
- ensure Support Group Co-ordinator is promptly informed of any problems or concerns arising in group or in the facilitation relationship.
- participate in the development of new support group programming via working groups and/or other consultative processes.
- other tasks as offered by the Support Group Co-ordinator (i.e., writing articles on groups, assisting with training, contacting other program volunteers with event info., etc.)

Personal Qualities
and Skills


Required Qualities & Skills:
- possesses sufficient personal resources/support system to successfully engage in the challenges associated with direct service to our clientele.
- some experience in group work or counselling an asset, but not required.
- knowledge of the psychosocial issues related to HIV/AIDS or relationship to communities impacted by HIV/AIDS.
- ability to work co-operatively with others.
- fully committed to a 'client-centered' approach to group facilitation.
- willing to make a commitment of at least one year to the support group program.


Training
Requirements


Volunteer Core Skills Training, Program-Specific Training, On-the-job Training with Supervisor and/or other Volunteers



For more information about or to apply for this role, contact:
Program Volunteer Resources Manager
AIDS Committee of Toronto
399 Church Street, 4th floor
Toronto, M5B 2J6

phone: (416) 340-2437