RETIRED AND SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
Program Director: Cecilia Salaz

The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) offers older adults a meaningful life through volunteer service that is responsive to community needs. RSVP provides for persons age 55 and over to serve on a regular basis in a variety of settings throughout their communities. RSVP functions under the auspices of the Pima Council on Aging which provides funding support and technical assistance.

RSVP volunteers serve through a variety of organizations, agencies, and institutions designated as volunteer stations. The stations include law enforcement agencies, schools, nursing homes, libraries, day-care centers, hospitals, economic development agencies, and other community service organizations.

RSVP volunteers receive a brief orientation from the RSVP project on their role in the community. After placement, the volunteers receive in-service instruction and supervision. RSVP volunteers serve without compensation, but may be reimbursed for such expenses as transportation. Accident and liability insurance is provided to volunteers as a secondary coverage while on assignment. Contact Cecilia at 790-0504.

AMBASSADOR PROGRAM
AMBASSADOR is a grassroots, education, information & referral, and advocacy program for seniors and those who assist them. Volunteer Ambassadors are assigned to senior residential communities (apartments, manufactured/mobile homes and RV parks, residential facilities and subdivisions which, solely or primarily, are composed of senior residents), neighborhood associations, faith communities or other groups with common interests. They create a single contact for residents to PCOA. Through this outreach, PCOA's resources and services are better known among the population 55 years and older, thereby improving access to services when they are needed. Ambassadors attend assigned group meetings as necessary, distribute literature, provide articles for newsletters and arrange for speakers & programs. Their primary role is to make referrals to appropriate staff at PCOA and other community agencies in order to connect with needed services or information..

For more information contact Joan Nevin, Outreach Coordinator, at 790-0504 or jnevin@pcoa.org.

PCOA VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Medicare/Health Insurance Assistance Counseling
The Medicare/Health Insurance Assistance Counseling Program provides information, counseling and assistance to Medicare beneficiaries, to their families and to caregivers. Volunteers assist with Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans (HMO's, PFFS, PPO's POS), Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), Medigap, appeals, disability and long-term care insurance. Interested volunteers should CALL FOR AN INTERVIEW with Lydia Baker at 790-0504. If accepted for the program, interested volunteers must complete 24 hours of initial training; in addition, volunteers must complete 16 hours of mentoring, and 10 hours of inservice annually.

Counselors need to have a sensitive and caring attitude, and a desire to help. They should be willing to learn complex Medicare information and continue to educate themselves on changes in the system. Communication skills are a must. Volunteers are needed to assist clients over the phone and in person at our offices located at 8467 E. Broadway. If you are interested CALL LYDIA BAKER at 790-0504 and make an appointment for an interview.


Long Term Care Advocacy Program

Any retired (or semi-retired) social worker, social agency director, public fiduciary, registered nurse, teacher, minister (or similar helping profession) willing to make a commitment to undergo a training program and invest a minimum of three hours per week for at least six months is eligible. The prospective Advocate undergoes a training course resulting in certification by the Arizona State Ombudsman's office,and continues to receive in-service training. Advocates are supervised by an experienced MSW (Master in Social Work) Coordinator. Contact Sam Arcus at 790-0504.

Personal Budgeting Assistance
Assist project clients to establish a budget plan for payment of regular monthly bills, balancing their checkbooks, filing health insurance forms, and applying for various subsidy programs. These services are provided through a monthly visit to the client's home or occasionally in a scheduled office interview. PCOA provides initial pre-service orientation and training, as well as ongoing team meetings for in-service training and information on community resources. Volunteers are usually assigned one or two clients, and are responsible for having an appointment with each client once or twice a month. For more information call PCOA at 790-0504.