Volunteer Opportunities
You Can Make A Difference
AACOG's Alamo and Bexar Area Agencies on Aging are seeking volunteers who wish to assist seniors age 60 or older and their caregivers with information about benefits and services available to them. Assistance can be provided at the AACOG offices or locations in Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Comal, Frio, Gillespie, Guadalupe, Karnes, Kendall, Kerr, McMullen, Medina, and Wilson Counties.
Requirements
Must be over 18 years of age and have reliable transportation; be able to work well with the senior population and persons with disabilities; be able to maintain effective working relationships with agency employees, service providers and the general public. Some positions below may require proficiency in both oral and written communication, and ability to use standard office equipment and computer. No prior experience required, but must be willing to attend provided orientation and training. Expected time commitment is a minimum of 2 to 4 hours per week. Alamo and Bexar Area Agency on Aging programs require at least a 1 year or more commitment after completing the provided training. Listed below are several volunteer positions that are available for the person that wishes to contribute to assisting and enriching the lives of seniors in the AACOG service area.
Alamo Area Agency on Aging Volunteer Opportunities
Positions Available in Atascosa, Bandera, Comal, Frio, Gillespie, Guadalupe, Karnes, Kendall, Kerr, McMullen, Medina, and Wilson Counties:
Information, Referral, and Assistance
After orientation and training, volunteers will be able to assist callers with information about the services of the agency or provide additional referrals to agency partners.
Learn more about what Information, Referral, and Assistance staff and volunteers do
Apply to become an Information, Referral, and Assistance Volunteer
Benefits Counselor
After orientation and training, volunteers will be able to assist at the agency's main location or will be assigned to a community location. Training is 25 hours for Benefits Counselor I, and 30 hours for Benefits Counselor II. Training is done individually and at the volunteer's own pace.
Learn more about what Benefits Counselor staff and volunteers do
Learn more about services Benefits Counselors provide
Apply to become a Benefits Counselor Volunteer
Health and Wellness Coaches
Volunteer Coaches teach seniors evidence based classes at local senior centers, churches and community centers. Training, materials and technical support are provided for those interested in coaching. Classes are offered in Falls Prevention, Chronic Disease Self Management and Diabetes Self Management. Our goal is teach seniors and their caregivers timely and accurate information and skills that insure a more active, comfortable and independent lifestyle.
Learn more about our Health and Wellness Programs
Apply to become a Health and Wellness Volunteer
Long-Term Care Ombudsman
After orientation and training, Volunteer Ombudsmen will advocate for residents in nursing homes and assisting living communities in the Alamo Region. While in the long-term care community, the Volunteer Ombudsman will talk with residents, family members, and staff to identify any concerns. Volunteers will also provide information about resident rights and help identify additional resources. Our goal is to achieve the best possible quality of life for residents in long-term care communities. No experience needed; the training is provided by the Texas Health & Human Services Commission at no cost.
Learn more about what Ombudsman/Advocates do
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Application
Contact the Ombudsman team for more information at: alamo.ombudsman@aacog.com
AmeriCorps Senior Volunteers
After a background check and 20 hours of pre-service training, volunteers will be matched with a beneficiary or a Veteran in their neighborhood. Volunteer hours range from 20 to 40 hours per week, and volunteers may have more than one beneficiary. Volunteers receive 24 training hours per year with other volunteers. Some of the activities you may do with a beneficiary include errands, sorting mail, reading, chatting, taking walks, cooking, or other activities that both enjoy.
Please contact Kelley Gallant at kgallant@aacog.com or Darlene Hope-Jackson at DHope-Jackson@aacog.com with any questions you may have or if you need an application mailed.
Bexar Area Agency on Aging Opportunities
Volunteer positions available in San Antonio and Bexar County:
After orientation and training, volunteers will be able to assist callers with information about the services of the agency or provide additional referrals to agency partners.
Learn more about what Information, Referral, and Assistance staff and volunteers do
Apply to become an Information, Referral, and Assistance Volunteer
After orientation and training, volunteers will be able to assist at the agency's main location or will be assigned to a community location, such as a senior center, for a minimum of four hours per week. Training is 25 hours for Benefits Counselor I, and 30 hours for Benefits Counselor II, followed by a certification exam within 30 days of course completion. Complete Benefits Counselor I and II courses are offered in 3-4 day segments at AACOG in spring or fall. Training also may be completed individually at the volunteer's own pace with staff supervision. Anyone who has previously completed Benefits Counselor training elsewhere is encouraged to volunteer.
Learn more about what Benefits Counselor staff and volunteers do
Apply to become a Benefits Counselor Volunteer
Community Volunteer Program
The Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) program trains professionals and Medicare beneficiaries to recognize and report health care fraud. This program empowers seniors by increasing their understanding of the health care system and Medicaid rules to help them protect themselves and other seniors from Medicare and Medicaid fraud and abuse. After receiving training which empowers interested persons, particularly older adults, participants will be able, if they wish, to provide information, short presentations and /or host group activities in English and/or Spanish for Medicare beneficiaries to Protect, Detect, and Report Medicare fraud and financial exploitation throughout their communities.
Apply to become a SMP Volunteer
Or for more information, email Sheena Smith or Teresa Banda.
After orientation and training, volunteer Ombudsman will advocate for residents in nursing homes in Bexar County. Volunteers agree to donate at least two (2) hours per week visiting nursing homes. While in the home, the volunteer will talk with residents, family members, and staff to identify any complaints or problem areas. Volunteers will also provide information about rights and procedures and help identify additional resources in or out of the facility. Our goal is to achieve the best possible quality of life for residents in long-term care facilities. No experience needed; the training is provided by the Texas Health & Human Services Commission.
Learn more about what Ombudsman/Advocates do
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Application
Contact the Ombudsman team for more information at: bexar.ombudsman@aacog.com
Information, Referral, and Assistance
After orientation and training, volunteers will be able to assist callers with information about the services of the agency or provide additional referrals to agency partners.
Learn more about what Information, Referral, and Assistance staff and volunteers do
Apply to become an Information, Referral, and Assistance Volunteer
Benefits Counselor
After orientation and training, volunteers will be able to assist at the agency's main location or will be assigned to a community location, such as a senior center, for a minimum of four hours per week. Training is 25 hours for Benefits Counselor I, and 30 hours for Benefits Counselor II, followed by a certification exam within 30 days of course completion. Complete Benefits Counselor I and II courses are offered in 3-4 day segments at AACOG in spring or fall. Training also may be completed individually at the volunteer's own pace with staff supervision. Anyone who has previously completed Benefits Counselor training elsewhere is encouraged to volunteer.
Learn more about what Benefits Counselor staff and volunteers do
Apply to become a Benefits Counselor Volunteer
Community Volunteer Program
Volunteers deliver food boxes, can assist with mowing lawns, transportation, friendly visits, and reassurance phone calls. All volunteers are required to be over the age of 18, complete a Pre/Post Service Survey, and pass a background check. This program can assist with helping volunteers fulfill community service hours.
Please contact Kelley Gallant at kgallant@aacog.com with questions.
Senior Medicare Patrol
Apply to become a SMP Volunteer
Or for more information, email Sheena Smith or Teresa Banda.
Long-Term Care Ombudsman
After orientation and training, volunteer Ombudsman will advocate for residents in nursing homes in Bexar County. Volunteers agree to donate at least two (2) hours per week visiting nursing homes. While in the home, the volunteer will talk with residents, family members, and staff to identify any complaints or problem areas. Volunteers will also provide information about rights and procedures and help identify additional resources in or out of the facility. Our goal is to achieve the best possible quality of life for residents in long-term care facilities. No experience needed; the training is provided by the Texas Health & Human Services Commission.
Learn more about what Ombudsman/Advocates do
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Application
Contact the Ombudsman team for more information at: bexar.ombudsman@aacog.com