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Community Services Workers are the first face people see when they come into our drop-in Community Services Office (CSO).
At the CSO, we support individuals in our community by providing essential services such as locating and contacting safe and affordable housing providers, serving as a mailing address for individuals with no fixed address, assisting with employment searches and job readiness skills, providing information about addiction services and residential treatment programs, connecting with mental health supports, and accessing health resources.
We also serve as a community hub, where people can come and have coffee or a snack, use computers, phones, or washrooms, and access other programs. One of our foundational objectives is to simply create a warm and welcoming place for people who are experiencing hardships in life.
The CSO is primarily staffed by volunteers, and the position is a front-line community services role. Many of our volunteers come to work with us because they are interested in gaining experience in the fields of social work, criminology, psychology, or other human services; this position is a great introduction to working in the community with a wide demographic, including people who might be homeless, use substances, have mental health concerns, be involved in the criminal justice system, have developmental disabilities, and/or other challenges.
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Why should you volunteer for this opportunity?
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Our volunteers have said that the most valuable part of their experience is the relationships they've built with our service users. As well, there is a great opportunity to build skills in advocacy, learn more about community resources, and develop emotional support skills, all of which are vital in the human services field. Training opportunities are also available. Many of our volunteers move into paid positions with the agency, and we are always expanding our employment opportunities.
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The initial sign-up information will be posted in our Event Comments on Meetup, and will be conducted all online. All future events will be organized by the organization during and after your application process.
Volunteer Type, Application Steps, Length of Volunteering:
1. Long-Term
2. Volunteer Application, Criminal Record Check (2-4 weeks), Reference Checks
3. 6 months minimum, 12+ months preferred (optional to continue longer)
*Events will be conducted online in the Event Comments, and no Zoom link is required. As soon as the application information is posted in the comments at the stated day and time, please immediately fill out the organization's volunteer application. Have your resume, contact details, references, and schedule information available in advance for the event.
