Take a look at our current opportunities to volunteer with different groups and programs within Neighbourhood Link. If you are interested and qualified for a position described here, please contact us to find out more about getting involved!
We are very grateful for your interest in supporting Neighbourhood Link with your time, expertise and energy!
- Akwasti
- Community Access Programme (CAP)
- Community Dinner Volunteer
- Community Dinner Food Preparation Volunteer
- Congregate Dining
- Conversation Circle
- Friendly Visitor
- Kick-Start Youth Department
Reporting to: The Akwasti Convenor
Job Summary: This position works in the Seniors Services department assisting the Akwasti Convenor in working with frail, vulnerable seniors who wish to stay in their homes.
The volunteer hours required are 2 per week. Each position is assigned for a six month period, but can be amended upon request and with approval of the placement supervisor. A minimum 75% attendance is required.
Duties:
- Visit a senior on a weekly basis (including conversation, games, and/or outings, as per client interests) in order to develop a respectful, friendly, caring relationship.
- Maintain communication with the client in the event of any schedule changes.
- Assist the agency drivers in escorting clients to and from appointments.
- Shop with or for the client.
- Prepare light meals or snacks.
- Assist clients with activities of daily living as directed.
- Report monthly contacts, hours spent with the client, and client concerns to the Akwasti Convener.
- Follow Neighbourhood Link Support Services’ confidentiality policy and client relations policy.
- Maintain a professional attitude at all times.
Qualifications and Requirements:
- Minimum of 6 months with the volunteer program
- Understanding of aging population
- Compassion and respect for clients
- Comfortable with seniors
- Flexible
- Preparedness to experience occasional exposure to filth and contagious disease, as well as irate and abusive persons
- Preparedness to experience frequent exposure to animals, especially dogs and cats, as well as their excrement and dander
- Police Reference Check required.
Click to download:
Neighbourhood Link Akwasti Volunteer Description
(Acrobat [PDF] format, ~50K)
Community Access Programme (CAP) Volunteer
Reporting to: The Youth and Newcomer Manager and Administrative Assistant
Job Summary: This position performs reception and administrative duties and provides client assistance. Each position is assigned for a three month period, but can be extended upon request and with placement supervisor’s approval. A minimum 75% attendance is required.
Duties:
- Meet and greet all agency clients, staff and volunteers in a professional manner.
- Provide accurate information and referrals to clients and staff regarding agency programs.
- Answer incoming telephone calls, transfer calls, take messages and provide telephone assistance in a professional manner.
- Assist clients with computer usage such as formatting documents, printing, retrieving information, browsing the internet, faxing.
- Provide general clerical duties such as photocopying, faxing, printing, filing and data entry.
- Call clients to remind them about appointments.
- Ensure all clients using the CAP equipment have a Neighbourhood Link Support Services (NLSS) resource centre card.
- Issue CAP cards to those who do not have one.
- Assign clients to computers and ensure that clients sign in/out on the computers within a 45 minute period.
- Ensure that the Computer Room Policy is adhered to by all clients who use the computer room.
- Upkeep of Equipment and Supplies: Computers, printer, fax, telephone and printing paper by:
- turning on and off the CAP computers and printer when required
- reporting any computer, internet, printer and/or telephone malfunctions
- informing staff of office supplies needed
- ensuring that blank sign in/out sheets are available at the start of each shift, and that clients sign in/out when using computers, the photocopier or fax machine.
Qualifications and Requirements:
- Able to commit one 3-4 hour shift per week (morning or afternoon based on schedule)
- Good knowledge of computer operating systems and office applications
- Good command of the English language (Level 6 + Canadian Language Benchmark), excellent communication skills
- Successful completion of MS Word and Excel tests (minimum 75%); typing speed 20+ wpm
- Successful completion of the four mandatory training sessions provided by NLSS
- Must be able to conform with business etiquette and dress code in the workplace
- Sensitive to and understanding of issues, concerns and barriers that newcomers face
- Must be willing and able to work with clients from diverse cultures and backgrounds
- Team player and willing to work flexible schedule
- Ability to mentor other volunteers
- Willingness to attend training sessions and workshops
- Willingness to learn and explore other volunteer opportunities within NLSS.
Click to download:
Neighbourhood Link Community Access Programme (CAP) Volunteer Description
(Acrobat [PDF] format, ~50K)
Reporting to: The Newcomer Outreach Assistant
Job Summary: The Community Dinner Assistant works in the Youth and Newcomer Department and assists Neighbourhood Link Support Services (NLSS) staff in the set up, serving, clean up and dismantling of the Community Dinners.
The hours required are Thursdays from 4:30 pm–7:00 pm. Each volunteer is assigned for a three month period, but this period can be extended upon request and with placement supervisor’s approval. A minimum 75% attendance is required.
Duties:
- Setting up for the community dinner for 60-80 clients
- Serving dinners to clients
- Washing dishes and cleaning up kitchen area
- Wiping down and folding tablecloths and putting them away
- Folding tables/stacking chairs and putting them away
- Sweeping floors and vacuuming the carpet
- Performing duties according to food safety standards.
Qualifications and Requirements:
- Completion of Food Security Training provided by Neighbourhood Link Support Services
- Ability and willingness to follow instructions
- Physically able to do moderate lifting of 10-50lbs
- Customer service skills
- An interest in food and nutrition
- Ability to work in a team.
Click to download:
Neighbourhood Link Community Dinner Volunteer Description
(Acrobat [PDF] format, ~50K)
Community Dinner Food Preparation Volunteer
Reporting to: The Newcomer Outreach Assistant
Job Summary: This position works in the Youth and Newcomer Department and assists Neighbourhood Link Support Services (NLSS) staff in preparing for the weekly Community Dinner for 60-80 clients and cleaning up afterwards.
The hours required are Thursdays from 1:30pm-4:30pm weekly. Each position is assigned for a three month period, but may be extended upon request and with the approval of the placement supervisor. A minimum 75% attendance is required.
Duties:
- Assist with the unloading of groceries from the vehicles to the kitchen.
- Prepare hot and cold beverages.
- Assist with the cleaning, cutting and peeling of meat, fruits and vegetables according to food safety standards.
- Ensure preparation area is clean and tidy after preparation has been completed.
Qualifications and Requirements:
- Completion of Food Security Training provided by NLSS
- Basic kitchen knowledge
- Basic culinary skills
- Physically able to do moderate lifting of 10-50lbs
- Ability and willingness to follow instructions
- An interest in food and nutrition
- Ability to work in a team.
Click to download:
Neighbourhood Link Community Dinner Food Preparation Volunteer Description
(Acrobat [PDF] format, ~50K)
Reporting to: The Supportive Housing Team Leader, or other designated Neighbourhood Link Support Services (NLSS) staff member
Job Summary: The Meal Helper works within the Senior Services department for Supportive Housing and provides assistance in the set-up and preparation for, and clean-up from congregate dining in any one of three locations.
The hours required are Tuesdays from 9 am–1pm, or every second Thursday from 4 pm–8 pm, or the last Tuesday of every month from 4 pm–8 pm.
Duties:
- Wash, cut and assist in preparing fruit, vegetables and other foods as per food safety regulations and under the supervision of NLSS staff
- Set up tables and chairs
- Serve the meal to between 10-40 clients depending on location
- Clean up dishes, tables, the kitchen and dining areas after preparation and after the meal.
Qualifications and Requirements:
- Good communication skills
- Customer service skills
- Ability and willingness to follow instructions
- Ability to do light to moderate lifting of 10-30lbs
- An interest in food and nutrition
- Ability to work in a team.
Click to download:
Neighbourhood Link Congregate Dining Volunteer Description
(Acrobat [PDF] format, ~50K)
Reporting to: The Volunteer Convenor and Program Facilitator
Job Summary: The Conversation Circle Volunteer works with the Newcomer Support Services staff to assist Newcomers in becoming familiar and comfortable with the English language individually and in a group setting.
The volunteer hours are 12:30pm-2:30pm on Tuesdays or Thursdays weekly. Each position is assigned for a three month period but can be extended for an additional three months upon request and with approval of the placement supervisor. A minimum 75% attendance is required.
Duties:
- Engage and encourage participants to speak in English.
- Correct the participants’ English to improve grammar.
- Define words and concepts to widen the participants’ vocabulary and understanding of the language.
- Lead conversational groups.
- Create English learning games and facilitate game playing.
- Prepare materials based on chosen topics.
- Encourage group members to present to all participants.
- Assist staff during the program with set-up/clean-up of environment.
Qualifications and Requirements:
- Knowledge and experience in teaching/instructing small groups preferred
- Well acquainted with the Canadian culture and lifestyle
- Excellent command of the English language and communication skills
- Excellent customer service skills, committed to “client-centered” approach
- Sensitivity to and understanding of the issues, concerns and barriers facing new Canadians and the unemployed
- Must be willing and able to work with clients from diverse cultures and backgrounds
- Team player and willing to work flexible schedule
- Ability to mentor other volunteers
- Willingness to attend training sessions and workshops
- Familiarity with computer operating systems and office applications preferred.
Click to download:
Neighbourhood Link Conversation Circle Volunteer Description
(Acrobat [PDF] format, ~50K)
Reporting to: The Community Worker
Job Summary: The Friendly Visitor works within the Seniors Services department and is assigned to one to three seniors, depending on the volunteers’ availability. The position visits with seniors who live in the community of Neighbourhood Link Support Services (NLSS) and provides them with companionship.
The volunteer hours required are two hours per week; Shift times vary according to schedules of both the volunteer and the client. Each position is assigned for a six month period, but can be amended upon request and with placement supervisor’s approval. A minimum 75% attendance is required.
Duties:
- Visit assigned senior(s) on a weekly basis, including conversation, games, and/or outings as per client interests, in order to develop a respectful, friendly, caring relationship.
- Provide client with assistance as appropriate and as discussed with Community Worker.
- Maintain communication with the client in the event of any schedule changes.
- Report monthly contacts, hours spent with the client, and client concerns to the Community Worker.
- Follow NLSS’s confidentiality policy and client relations policy.
- Maintain a professional attitude at all times.
Qualifications and Requirements:
- An understanding of seniors and the aging population
- A minimum of a six-month commitment to the program
- A strong sense of responsibility and dependability
- A caring and friendly demeanor
- Respect for clients and their wishes
- Excellent communication skills
- The willingness and flexibility to coordinate and/or alter schedules to accommodate the needs of the client or agency
- A police reference check is required.
Click to download:
Neighbourhood Link Friendly Visitor Volunteer Description
(Acrobat [PDF] format, ~50K)
Reporting to: The Youth Resource Convener
Job Summary: The Kick-Start Volunteer works with the Youth department staff to assist youths aged 7-12 in the afterschool homework and recreation club with homework, recreational activities and in preparing and serving healthy snacks. Duties may vary depending on the qualifications, skills and schedule of the volunteer, and the needs of the program.
Hours of work are one day per week from 3:00pm-7:00pm with a six month commitment. Hours may vary within that time period.
Duties:
- Assist staff before and after the program with set-up/clean-up of program space, including but not limited to: washing and putting away dishes, sweeping/vacuuming, organizing and tidying books, games and cards etc.
- Prepare and serve healthy snacks and drinks.
- Assist clients with homework.
- Assist staff with implementing recreational activities (board games, computer use, physical activities).
- Attend workshops/trainings/meetings as directed.
Qualifications and Requirements:
- A Food Handling Certificate may be required for certain volunteers. Training will be provided by Neighbourhood Link Support Services when necessary.
- The knowledge and ability to relate to youths and to interact with them in a friendly and professional manner
- Excellent communication skills and command of the English language
- Excellent customer service skills, commitment to a “client-centered” approach
- Familiarity with computer operating systems and internet
- Must be willing and able to work with clients from diverse cultures and backgrounds
- Ability to work in a team
- Willingness to attend training sessions and workshops
- Knowledge of a second language in the demographic of the community and/or in French would be an asset.
- A police records check is required by all volunteers aged 18 and above.
Click to download:
Neighbourhood Link Kick-Start Youth Department Volunteer Description
(Acrobat [PDF] format, ~50K)
