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*

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.  

 

Marketing Chair

Role and Responsibilities: The Marketing Chair will support the leadership of the Marketing & Outreach Team to promote OA services, develop new strategies for outreach and promotion, and produce content for newsletters, blogs, and social media.

Some of the key responsibilities include:  

• Lead Marketing Committee meetings in collaboration with the Media and Outreach directors. 

• Manage marketing planning, implementation, and evaluation of marketing strategies to ensure they support the goals of the Society.  

• Collaborate with the Marketing Committee to produce social media posts, blogs, and newsletters related to Alberta healthcare matters/news on a regular basis. 

• Provide advice and maintenance concerning marketing options such as Facebook, Instagram, website, LinkedIn etc. 

• Liaise and network with internal and external contacts (Other Non-Profit groups, business associations, government agencies, news and other media) to ensure the marketing strategies for the Society are healthy and successful. 

• Train and manage Marketing Committee volunteers and ensure volunteers possess the appropriate skills for the role. 

• Determine and implement all marketing tools such as image, logo, banner, website, and communication materials.  
• Stay up to date on current healthcare issues and matters surrounding patient care. 

 

Outreach Director *Calgary Only*

Role and Responsibilities: The Outreach Director will work in collaboration with the Marketing & Outreach Team to foster and maintain relationships with like-minded 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.  

 

Secretary

Role and Responsibilities: The Secretary is essential for maintaining Society records. Some of the key responsibilities include: 

• Record accurate minutes of all board meetings, distributing action items and minutes within 1 week of the meeting 

• Follow up on action items from Board and committee meetings as required  

• Maintain the annual organization directory including volunteer information and emergency contacts 

• Keep the seal and all other incorporating documents 

• Track changes to by-laws and policy, ensuring the Board of Directors is compliant with these documents

• Store records for the Society including organizational progress  

• Carry out other duties as assigned by the Board Chair