Training

Q: What is the course like?

A: Through videos and exercises, you will learn rapidly! Much of this material was originally designed for a comprehensive training to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). You'll hear these CNA references in the material. Worry not! Volunteer Surge worked rapidly to adapt this program to prepare you as efficiently as possible for the immediate crisis, so you will find yourself learning more than you may need to know immediately. So while you may not plan to become a CNA, you'll retain information extra information that may be helpful to you, your friends, and family in the future!

Q: Now that training is available, can I start taking it anytime? 

A: Yes! You can begin the online course anytime. You can finish it in one sitting, or over days. The sooner you begin, the sooner you can finish and start helping people!

Volunteering

Q: What are qualifications needed to volunteer?

A: A willing heart and desire to serve. (and a computer/internet for your training!)

Q: Can I take one course (TeleSupport Training) and then the other (Onsite Training)?

A: Sure- however, you’d be doubling your effort and likely re-learn some of the same material. You can’t skip around in the training, so you wouldn’t be able to bypass the repeated information.

Q: How can State Governments, Hospital Systems, Health Departments and other social service agencies with volunteer needs be included in the Volunteer Surge System?

A: To learn how your organization can qualify to use this System, please click here, and contact Jonathan Dariyanani, CEO, Volunteer Surge at jonathan@volunteersurge.org at your earliest.

Q: I'm a little nervous about the process... Will I really know how to help people once I finish the training?

A: Yes! The training is designed to enable you to help. You'll be led with a checklist and the steps will be clear.

Q: Will there be a need for multilingual support? If so, what languages are needed?

A: Yes! We’re still gathering data on what other languages will be needed.

Q: Is there an age limit to participate onsite as a Community Health Worker?

A: Most agencies require volunteers to be 18 or older. There is no upper age limit!

Q: What would I be doing as an Onsite Community Health Worker?

A: You will assist with a huge variety of tasks, from staffing test centers, delivering meals, visting homebound seniors, taking vital signs, etc. Opportunities are dependent on the needs of your area.

Q: What would I be doing as a TeleSupport?

A: You will be providing telephone support to homebound seniors and vulnerable people. Primarily, you’ll be preventing the negative effects of social isolation by being a friend, but with some light medical triage-flagging problems for follow-up by doctors and nurses. Opportunities are dependent on the needs of your area.

Q: Will I be assigned to help people from a certain part of the country as a TeleSupport worker? 

A: You can either pick a region (if it is available) or just be assigned as needs arise!

Q: Will I have to volunteer at all hours of the day? Can I pick my schedule?

A: Your schedule and availability are entirely up to you. Help out one hour a day, or six!

q: I am a Health Care Agency - how can we ask for Volunteers on Volunteer Surge?

A: If you are a State Government, Hospital System, Health Department or other social service agency, or know of one, please contact the CEO of Volunteer Surge, Jonathan Dariyanani at jonathan@volunteersurge.org. For more information, click here.

Q: I am a Health Care Practitioner (trained/retired/active doctor, nurse, mental health, dentist, eye, etc.) - how can I help as a Volunteer?

A: You are all welcomed as volunteers. After registering on Volunteer Surge as a trained healthcare professionals, you will be redirected to a specific volunteer path.