The YMCA was created by young people trying to navigate their way in a new city, far from family, friends, and a familiar way of life. Welcoming and engaging newcomers has remained an important part of the YMCA movement, with Y’s around the world providing individuals and families the integration support they need to better transition into their new communities.
YMCA International Services is a unique center of the YMCA of Greater Houston that delivers client-centered programs to refugees, immigrants, and other vulnerable populations to advance their economic independence, social integration, and civic participation. The Y helps newcomers restore hope, build stability, create opportunity and change futures. YMCA International Services is continuously recognized as a leader in the Houston immigrant community.
Our clients are refugees and recent immigrants, so many have a hard time knowing what to do in order to navigate their way through our healthcare system. Our clients often struggle with the process of scheduling a doctor appointment, getting their prescriptions filled, getting lab work done, etc. A few of our clients suffer from poor health literacy skills. Health literacy is the ability to read, understand, and effectively use basic medical instructions and information. YMCA International Services is currently seeking community volunteers, nursing students, or pharmacy technicians to help educate our clients on certain aspects of our health care system.
A few duties of the Health System Volunteer Navigator will include showing clients how to refill a prescription over the phone and/or accompany the client to pick up their medication. You will show client’s how to state one’s name and DOB in order to pick up the medicine. If necessary, show bus route if the pharmacy is too far from home. Training will be provided.
As a Health System Volunteer Navigator, you will be giving our clients the ability to see their doctor, order their prescriptions, and learn how to use public transportation all on their own. Self-sufficiency is key for our clients and you will be a huge part of their path to that goal. Volunteer with YMCA International Services to make an impact on the lives of refugees and newly arrived immigrants.
Location: 6300 Westpark Dr., Suite 600 & offsite
Key Responsibilites:
-Will work closely with clients
-communicate well with doctors, nurses, and pharmacists
-keep summaries and/or reports of doctor appointments they assist with
Health System Volunteer Navigator will report to Preferred Communities Coordinator
Time Commitment: Typically, volunteers will spend 2-4 hours with our clients. Volunteers can come in once a week or once every two weeks.
Qualifications: Familiar with public transportation and healthcare system(e.g. scheduling a doctor appointment or ordering a prescription over the phone)
Support: Preferred Communities Coordinator will provide training and assistance to the volunteer when needed.
If you have any questions about this volunteer position or our organization please send us an email.
miguel.nunez@ymcahouston.org
