Volunteer/Internship Opportunities
Senior Companion Program:
Senior Companions are sixty years of age or older, and have an ability to relate and interact well with persons of varied social, economic, racial and ethnic backgrounds. Their duties are similar to those of a Friendly Visitor Volunteer.
How many hours a week do Senior Companions volunteer?
Senior Companions volunteer for 20-hours a week. This includes client visits, meetings, travel and paperwork.
Do Senior Companions receive monetary reimbursement?
Senior Companions receive a tax-free stipend of $2.55 an hour. They are also reimbursed for meals and mileage.
Do I need a car?
It is important to have access to a vehicle.
Is there any training involved?
Senior Companions receive an initial orientation training, a week-long training during the first year of service and monthly in-service meetings.
Who is eligible to be a Senior Companion?
Senior Companions must be at least 60 years of age and must meet income eligibility requirements.
What benefits do Senior Companions receive?
Senior Companions receive modest tax-free stipends, reimbursement for transportation, meals during service, annual physical exams and accident and liability insurance while on duty.
Money management Bill Payer Volunteer:
Elder Services Money Management Program Bill Payer Volunteers assist elders once each month to help with bill paying, checkbook reconciliations, sorting and reading mail for clients, as well as mailing monthly bills.
What is the time commitment?
Typically Bill Payer volunteers visit their client once a month for one or two hours. Since most of our Bill Payer Volunteers are professional working individuals these visits are typically in the evening or on weekends. Volunteers are required to submit monthly paperwork documenting their visit, this paperwork is often easily completed during the visit.
Do I need a car?
It is important to have access to a vehicle.
Is there any training/supervision involved?
Money Management Bill Payer Volunteers receive initial training and ongoing monitoring during their assignment. As well semi-annual volunteer meetings are held, to accommodate the volunteers typically these meetings are in the early evening.
Who is eligible to be a Money Management Bill Payer Volunteer?
Although many of our Bill Payer Volunteers come to us with business or banking backgrounds, potential volunteers only need knowledge of managing basic household finances and overseeing a checking account- writing checks, maintaining register and account reconciliation. Per state regulations all potential volunteers must go through an initial screening process including C.O.R.I. background check.
Student Intern Program:
Is there any training involved?
A four hour orientation program is provided which includes a history of Elder Services of Worcester Area, descriptions of services provided and review of the agency’s policies and procedures. The Student Intern is also encouraged to visit local community agencies that specialize in servicing elders.
Do I need a car?
Having a car is useful, but not necessary, if you would like to participate in the program. Public transportation can also be utilized.
How many hours do I need to commit to the program?
On average each Student Intern spends 8-10 hours per week working at Elder Services of Worcester, however this can vary depending on each college’s academic requirements.
Could this internship lead to a job at Elder Services of Worcester Area?
The Student Intern position provides an individual with a great deal of on the job training which has resulted in many of our Interns gaining the insight and knowledge that they need to successfully complete the program and go on to serve as Case Managers at Elder Services of Worcester Area. The internship program provides the student with insight on elder issues and information on local community resources and allows the student to meet individuals that currently work within the elder network.
For more information about Volunteer and Internship opportunities at Elder Services of Worcester Area, please refer to our Join Us section.
