Employment/Volunteers » Volunteer Opportunities

Some reasons for becoming a volunteer:

• To be part of a team environment
• To feel rewarded
• To gain personal self-satisfaction by assisting people with developmental disabilities
• To gain leadership skills
• To grow professionally and personally
• To expand future job opportunities

Recruitment and Sreening

Howe Sound Rehabilitation Services Society offers many volunteer opportunities in our Residential and Day Programs. Howe Sound is a member of Volunteer Vancouver and through them Howe Sound advertises volunteer positions on their website, sends out weekly press releases in local newspapers and the talking yellow pages. Howe Sound Rehabilitation Services Society distributes information about the organization and volunteer opportunities to local colleges and universities as well as community centres and volunteer centres. Every effort is made to recruit dedicated and qualified volunteers.

Prior to becoming a volunteer with Howe Sound Rehabilitation Services Society volunteers must provide a clear criminal record search and a completed application form at the first interview. During the interview process a series of questions and scenarios are asked focusing on competency, suitability and personality.

Training provided for volunteers

Information about the services that Howe Sound Rehabilitation Services Society offers:

1. The scope and purpose of each program and the goals to be achieved.
2. Its mission statement: To provide adults with disabilities the rights of self-determination, human dignity and freedom of choice within a safe and secure environment.
3. Personnel structure
4. Facilities
5. Information about Policy and Procedures, Individual Care Plans and Community Resources
6. Discussion about the individuals we serve
7. Discussion about volunteer rights and their roles and responsibilities
8. Discussion about the importance of community inclusion and participation
9. Behaviour Management
10. Ethics of Touch
11. Food Safety
12. Program Planning
13. Individual Service Plans
14. Health and Safety

Lend a helping hand...

Here are some specific areas where volunteers can lend a helping hand:

• Day program aid/activity aid
• One to one buddy/Leisure buddy
• Fund raising volunteer
• Special events volunteer
• Volunteer visitor
• Recreation leader
• Swim Program Assistant
• Meal preparation assistant
• Music therapy
• Office administration volunteer