Meals on Wheels Job Description
MEALS ON WHEELS is one of the volunteer programs provided by VCH Home Care Services on the Sunshine Coast, BC.
MEALS ON WHEELS is a volunteer community service that delivers a nutritious meal to the home. The goal is to help maintain or improve the health of individuals, who are elderly, disabled or temporarily incapacitated. Meals on Wheels is a means of supplementing the diet with a balanced meal. This service not only assists with the maintenance of an adequate diet but also provides the client with an opportunity for social contact. The meals are provided up to three times a week in the Sechelt area and four times a week in the Gibsons / Roberts Creek area.
MEALS ON WHEELS can be ordered on a short-term basis, with or without other community services (e.g. Long-Term Care, Adult Day Care, Home Nursing Care, Community Health Workers), and are normally referred directly to the program.
The cost to the client reflects the cost of the food and packaging and is currently $7.70 per meal. The meals are prepared in Sechelt Hospital kitchen by qualified workers and consist of a soup, main course, dessert and (salad – once per week). Volunteers who deliver the meals receive their assignments from the Volunteer Programs Coordinator. They pick up the meals at the Sechelt Hospital, which are provided in several boxes, and then set out on their route. This program would not, and could not, exist without the volunteers.
- Casual Volunteer Positions needed; flexible scheduling based on Volunteer Availability and Routes available
DRIVER’S TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES
Delivery days for Sechelt and HMB are Mondays, Weds and Fridays from 3pm to 6pm
Delivery days for RC and Gibsons are Tues, Wed, Thursday and Friday from 9.30 am to 1pm
Key Responsibilities
• Pick up prepared meals from the designated Meals on Wheels site
• Safely deliver meals to seniors’ homes along an assigned route
• Provide brief, friendly interaction and a wellness check during deliveries
• Follow food safety, delivery, and confidentiality guidelines
• Report any client concerns or delivery issues to program staff
• Maintain a respectful, compassionate, and professional manner always
Report promptly any concerns/changes you note about your clients to the Coordinator.
•Maintain a record of your volunteer days and travel mileage, compensation is given for km once a year.
•If you are unable to drive as scheduled, please call the Coordinator at 604-885-8517
•If a driver does not show up for their shift, contact the Coordinator.
•If you cannot deliver meals due to weather conditions, the Coordinator will contact the clients to inform them of meal cancellations.
•Never, never pick up a client who has fallen and cannot get up unassisted. Call911 and wait until ambulance comes. Call office to report.
Qualifications & Requirements
•Special interest in frail, elderly and handicapped persons
•Patience, ability to listen, maturity and tact
•Good communication skills
•Physical ability to carry out duties of the position
•Friendly, patient, and respectful when working with seniors
•Comfortable following established procedures and schedules
•Enjoys contributing to community health and well-being
•Valid driver’s licence and access to a reliable vehicle
•Current vehicle insurance and a clean driving record/abstract
•Ability to lift and carry meal containers (up to approximately 10–15 lbs)
•Strong communication and interpersonal skills
•Dependable, punctual, and comfortable working independently
•Completion of required VCH volunteer screening (e.g., criminal record check, online courses, interview, references, orientation)
Benefits of Volunteering
• Make a meaningful difference in the lives of seniors
• Gain experience working within a healthcare and community setting
• Be part of a supportive volunteer team
• Flexible scheduling and mileage reimbursement
To Apply Please Contact VCH Volunteer Coordinator at
604-885-8517 or email scvolunteer@vch.ca for more information and task requirements