Volunteers at the Children's Aid Society of London and Middlesex (CASLM) are valued contributors who make a positive difference towards our collective work in child welfare for those we serve and the community at large.
CURRENT NEEDED ROLES
- Friendly Visitors
- Homework Helpers
- Volunteer Drivers
- Special Event / Request Volunteer
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
- For child-facing roles, previous experience, including those with special/additional needs, is an asset.
- One full year (not school year) volunteer commitment minimally
- A Vulnerable Sector Screening Police Check for volunteering with us is required as part of the application process. Approved volunteers are reimbursed the fee.
- For those who speak English as a second language, they must have achieved a Benchmark Level 6 in speaking, reading and listening as determined by the Canadian Department of Immigration and Citizenship.
To apply link to our volunteer application, complete including signing the last page and send via [email protected], mail or deliver to our office during business hours Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
ROLE DESCRIPTIONS:
Friendly Visitors spend individual time with a child or youth in a one-to-one setting in the community and act as a positive role model who provides friendship and socialization. The expectation of this role is to meet with a child/youth twice a month for a minimum of two hours per visit. Monthly reports are required
Homework Helpers help children with difficulties in various school subject areas in a one-to-one setting where extra attention may be required. The expectation is to meet once a week for one hour at a child/youth’s home, school or nearby library. Virtual meetings may be arranged. Monthly reports are required.
Volunteer Drives is one of the longest established volunteer services at our agency. It aims at providing consistent volunteer transportation for children, youth and from time to time, their families both within and outside of the London & Middlesex area. Volunteers provide their availability to drive and are reimbursed mileage. Tracking and submitting mileage monthly and use of own vehicle is required.
Special Events/Requests assist CASLM staff in advance of, during and after, various events that take place during the year. These events include the Holiday Giving Campaign, Retirement Parties, Youth in Care Day and any new events that will take place in the future. Volunteers will provide administrative support as well as help with the physical set up, assisting during the event and with the cleaning up after the event.
At times, a Special Request is made by a staff member that requires a volunteer with a specific skill set that falls out of the realm of the other volunteer roles. The role of the volunteer will be determined by the type of special request that needs to be carried out and the skill set of the current group of volunteers. (i.e. Baby snuggler at the hospital, taxes, meals, doulas, childcare assistant etc.). The role of the Child Care Assistant Volunteer is to provide child minding for children while their caregivers attend a program or group session facilitated by agency staff. These sessions may take place at the agency or out in the community.
CASLM VOLUNTEERS:
- are considered valuable members of CASLM and experience volunteering as members of a diverse team.
- have their skills matched with available volunteer opportunities.
- receive a clear description of the expectations and the needs of children, youth and families, particularly in relation to assignments.
- connected to staff and social workers for the necessary contact, support to enable them to work effectively as part of the team.
- attend training to improve your knowledge and skills.
- can be provided with a letter of reference from CASLM on request after at least one year of volunteering.
“I really liked feeling I could make a small difference in the lives of children” - CASLM Volunteer
“I really liked feeling I could make a small difference in the lives of children” - CASLM Volunteer
Read more testimonials here.