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!
- Community Dinner Volunteer
- Community Dinner Food Preparation Volunteer
- Computer Support Volunteer
- Congregate Dining Volunteer
- Conversation Circle Volunteer
- Friendly Visitor Volunteer
- Intensive Case Management Volunteer
- Kick-Start Youth Department Volunteer
- Development and Marketing Department Volunteer
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 Employment Counsellor Facilitator
Job Summary: The Computer Support Volunteer works in the Employment Services Department and supports clients by providing them with information, assisting them in the operation of office equipment and assigning them to computers in the Resource and Information Centre.
The volunteer hours required are two hours per week; Shift times vary according to schedules of both the volunteer and the department. The Computer Support Volunteer is assigned for a three month period, but can be amended upon request and with approval.
Duties:
- Assist clients in accessing resources and operating office equipment such as photocopier, scanner, fax machine etc.
- Assist clients in saving, retrieving, troubleshooting, scanning and printing documents
- Assist clients in searching job related resources using the Internet
- Assist clients in formatting résumé and cover letters
- Assist clients in completing on-line job applications
- Provide information on Labour Market Trends
- Provide clients with information about the programs at Neighbourhood Link Support Services
- Communicate issues and client concerns to Resource and Information Centre staff
- Assist in facilitating workshops and perform community outreach as required
- Assist in the orientation or mentoring of other volunteers as required
- Maintain client confidentiality and adhere to Neighbourhood Link Support Services policies and procedures
Qualifications and Requirements:
- Excellent customer service skills, committed to “client-centered” approach
- Good knowledge of computer operating systems and office applications
- Good command of the English language (Level 5 Canadian Language Benchmark)
- Willingness to attend training sessions and workshops as required
- Ability and willingness to maintain a professional attitude and demeanor at all times
- Ability to work in a team and willing to work a flexible schedule
- Sensitivity to and understanding of issues and barriers facing clients from diverse cultures and backgrounds, the unemployed and new Canadians
- Knowledge of a second language in the demographic of the community would be an asset
Click to download:
Computer Support Volunteer Description
(Acrobat [PDF] format)
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)
Intensive Case Management Volunteer
Reporting to: The Intensive Case Management Convenor
Job Summary: This position works in the Seniors Services department assisting the Intensive Case Management 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 Intensive Case Management Volunteer Description
(Acrobat [PDF] format, ~50K)
Kick-Start Youth Department Volunteer
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)
Development and Marketing Assistant Volunteer
Reporting to: Development and Marketing Manager
Job Summary: This volunteer position will include researching potential funding opportunities, data entry, and strategic communications.
Duties:
- Review and update information on Neighbourhood Link’s website including events and programs for the monthly calendars
- Monitor and update Neighbourhood Link’s social media sites such as on Facebook and Twitter, including writing tweets and status updates
- Assist in the development of new sources of funding by researching and recommending potential foundations and corporations who align with the mission statement and goals of Neighbourhood Link Support Services
- Draft funding proposals with potential funders and corporations under the direction of the Marketing and Development Manager
- Maintain client confidentiality and adhere to Neighbourhood Link’s policies and procedures
- Perform other duties, appropriate to the position, as required
Qualifications and Requirements:
- Strong interpersonal and networking skills
- Excellent oral and written skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a team environment
- Demonstrated ability to build, maintain relationships and effectively liaise with a diverse range of contacts in a professional manner
- Strong sensitivity and commitment to cultural, racial, ethnic and socioeconomic diversity
- Flexible
- Ability to plan, organize and work independently
- Working knowledge of computer software applications
- Related post-secondary education and/or experience
- Three or more years of related professional experience
Click to download:
Neighbourhood Link Development and Marketing Assistant Volunteer Description
(Acrobat [PDF] format)
