Open Arms Patient Advocacy Society requires at least a one to two year commitment depending on the role. The amount of time you give is entirely dependent on your desire to make a difference; this may be a few hours a week, fortnight, or month! However, we expect all volunteers to be able to commit to a minimum of 5-10 hours per month to the Society.

Learn about the volunteer roles we’re looking for below, and apply using the form at the bottom of this page.

CURRENT OPENINGS

Advocate – Edmonton Only *daytime availability preferred

Role and Responsibilities: Advocates are the heart and soul of Open Arms. The role of an advocate is to work with clients to achieve their desired goals, which will look different depending on the individual client’s needs. Advocates typically have at least 3 clients at a time, but the workload may vary depending on how many cases the organization receives each month. Advocates are also responsible for providing a written update to the Advocacy Chairs each month, prior to the monthly advocacy meeting.  

Some of the duties of an advocate may include: 

• Guiding clients on how to obtain any necessary medical records, information, or documentation.

• Providing resources and programs to clients to meet their goals. 

• Attending medical appointments with the client (depending on scheduling; we understand this is a volunteer position!) 

• Assisting the client in taking notes, drafting questions, or sending emails to healthcare professionals. 

• Facilitating open and respectful communication between clients and their healthcare providers. 

• Supporting the client in becoming their own advocate and having a voice. 

• Charting all interactions in SharePoint between the advocate, client and healthcare professionals.  

• Attending all training sessions and workshops to improve skills as an advocate.  

Vice Chair

Roles and Responsibilities: The Vice Chair of the Board will work with the Board Chair to support and sustain the work of Open Arms and provide governance leadership and strategic support. This position requires prior experience working with a Board and/or non-profit governance. Some of the key responsibilities include:   

• Supporting the facilitation of board, committee, and other strategy meetings with the Board Chair. 

• Overseeing Society affairs, including the annual budget, auditing and other financial reports, and ensuring all legal and fiduciary responsibilities are met. 

• Assisting with strategic and succession planning, periodically consulting with board members on their roles, and helping board members assess their performance and strategize for the future.  

• Supporting the recruitment of new directors and volunteers. 
• Supervising the affairs of the Board and ensuring policies and procedures are in accordance with the Bylaws and Objectives of the society. 
• Serving as a spokesperson for the Society, promoting our services and representing the organization to media, external groups, healthcare officials, and the community in a positive manner. 

Outreach Director – Edmonton Only 

Roles & Responsibilities: The Outreach Director will work in collaboration with the Marketing Chairs, Outreach Director, and Marketing & Outreach Team to foster and maintain relationships with likeminded organizations and individuals. Some of the key responsibilities include:  

• Attend Marketing & Outreach Committee meetings and collaborate/brainstorm new marketing and outreach initiatives to promote the Society. 

• Develop and maintain relationships with likeminded organizations and individuals to increase the exposure of the Society AND create the potential for collaboration. 

• Serve as a key contact/liaison between the Society and external organizations.  

• Lead outreach initiatives such as booths at conferences or fairs in collaboration with the Board Chair and Marketing & Outreach volunteers.  

• Stay up to date on current healthcare issues and matters surrounding patient care.