Immigrants Services Society of BC (ISSofBC) Tri-Cities
Settlement–Volunteer Programs

Every year, ISSofBC helps eligible newcomer individuals file their tax returns. Newcomer individuals must have filed their taxes at least three of the five years before they apply for citizenship, but for most of them, filing their taxes can be overwhelming and complex. As a Volunteer Tax Preparer, you can help ease their burden by providing basic tax preparation services, for free.

The Tax Clinic Program is a collaboration between ISSofBC and CRA’s Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP).

Key Duties & Responsibilities

 Volunteers for this position must:

• Prepare taxes for clients with a modest income and simple tax situation
• File tax returns electronically using CRA-CVIPT approved software
• Keep taxpayer information secure and confidential
• Undergo volunteer training related to Tax Clinics
• Present schedule with time available for the months of March, and April 2025
• Have filed their taxes with the CRA in the previous years
• Be comfortable with computers
• Be available to provide support in-person
• Never charge for services

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Attitudes

• Computer skills – you possess a strong knowledge in using computers/laptops along with the CRA-CVITP approved software.
• Respect – You are expected to respect the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Therefore, you must respect all CVITP participants regardless of their race, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, or religion.

• Professional – you have the proven ability to build and maintain positive and professional relationships with service users/clients, staff, and other volunteers
• Empathy – you are a good listener, patient and empathetic toward the newcomer participants
• Initiative – being proactive and having the ability to assess the situation and take necessary actions will help you excel in your placement.

• Commitment – as a volunteer, you display strong personal commitment to successfully complete your assignment and fulfill all your work shifts.

Requirements

• Completion of information session
• Successful Volunteer interview
• Completed CVITP registration
• Completed EFILE and REPID Registration
• Successful vulnerable sector Police Information Checks or Criminal Record Checks
• Attendance in all CVITP and ISSofBC Mandatory Training sessions (in-person and online)

Risk Assessment, Support, and Supervision

This volunteer position is medium risk. Volunteers at this position will require supervision at regular intervals. Support is always available whenever necessary.

Time Frame / Level of Commitment

• Volunteers must be available to attend training (February 2025)
• Volunteers for this position must commit to at least 10 tax clinic sessions from March to April 2025
• Potential volunteers must be available on Saturdays for at least 5 hours in-person
• Possible placement extension upon agreement
• Period of volunteering – Short-term to long-term

Application Process and Screening Measures

• Interested volunteers must fill out the application (upon invitation)
• Once the application form is complete, the potential volunteer will undergo an in-person interview
• Potential Volunteers must be willing to travel to the Tri-Cities offices for the orientation and training
• The potential volunteer must successfully pass the vulnerable sector Police Information Checks through the RCMP, or the Criminal Records Check through the BC Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General
• Once we have received your information and have reviewed it for appropriate qualifications, we will be in touch with you to inform you of your status. The volunteer screening and training process may take several weeks.
• Note that due to strict selection and matching criteria, the volunteer application process may take time to complete
• Volunteer applicants must be eligible to do volunteer work in Canada. We thank all volunteer applicants; however, only those shortlisted will be contacted for further consideration

Contact

For questions and clarifications, please contact: Volunteer.tricities@issbc.org

This opportunity is in partnership with the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) and the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)

**Please review the requirement prior to filling out the volunteer application form. Thank you.

About ISSofBC Entrepreneurship Programs

ISSofBC’s Entrepreneurship Programs offer comprehensive support to newcomer entrepreneurs, guiding them through business idea development, creating robust business plans, navigating registration processes, exploring funding options, and overcoming business challenges.

Through personalized guidance from business advisors and targeted workshops, participants gain valuable skills, and access to mentors. In addition, they build essential connections to successfully launch and grow their ventures. Further, our programs provide online learning opportunities and business mentorship to enhance entrepreneurial success.

As a Volunteer Photographer at ISSofBC Entrepreneurship Programs:

You’ll have the opportunity to positively impact immigrants and refugees improving their businesses in British Columbia. Empower our entrepreneur clients by helping them present their products professionally, boosting their confidence and business prospects.

By volunteering, you will gain exposure to diverse entrepreneurial ventures, expand your portfolio, and make a meaningful impact empowering immigrant entrepreneurs to thrive in their new communities.

Upon request, we can provide a reference letter or testimonial based on your performance and commitment to the program.

Assignment Title:    Volunteer Photographer (Skills-based volunteering)

Location of Assignment:   ISSofBC Welcome Centre–Surrey  301-10334 152A St. Surrey BC V3R 7P8

Delivery:        This is an in-person opportunity/ Microvolunteering

Position Summary:

We seek a talented and passionate volunteer photographer to support entrepreneur clients within ISSofBC’s entrepreneurship programs.

As a volunteer photographer, you will play a vital role in helping clients showcase their products through captivating imagery and optimizing photos for web platforms. Your skills will significantly contribute to our clients’ business success and journey towards self-sufficiency.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with entrepreneur clients to understand their products and branding requirements.
• Conduct product photography sessions to capture high-quality images that highlight each product’s uniqueness.
• Utilize post-processing techniques to enhance photo visual appeal.
• Optimize photos for web usage, ensuring fast loading times and excellent visual representation.
• Assist clients in building a compelling online presence through appealing product galleries on websites and social media.
• Provide guidance on photography and visual storytelling to enhance clients’ marketing efforts.
• May be asked to photograph program-related events.

Essential Skills & Knowledge:

• Collaborate with entrepreneur clients to understand their products and branding requirements.
• Conduct product photography sessions to capture high-quality images that highlight each product’s uniqueness.
• Utilize post-processing techniques to enhance photo visual appeal.
• Optimize photos for web usage, ensuring fast loading times and excellent visual representation.
• Assist clients in building a compelling online presence through appealing product galleries on websites and social media.
• Provide guidance on photography and visual storytelling to enhance clients’ marketing efforts.
• May be asked to photograph program-related events.

Education/Training Background:

Formal education in photography is not required, but having relevant training, certifications, or workshops in photography and photo editing would be beneficial.

Assets:

• Genuine passion for photography and desire to impact entrepreneur clients positively.
• Previous experience with diverse communities and culturally sensitive approach.
• Familiarity with challenges entrepreneurs face in marketing their products.
• Proficiency in photo editing software and tools for post-processing.

 Time Commitment:

Approximately 1-3 hours per week for 6 months

Application Process and Screening Measures

1. Email us

You must send an email to leo.cabasag@issbc.org to express your interest in the volunteer role.

2. Attend the Volunteer Information Session

Upon invitation, you must attend the General Volunteer Information Session (ISSofBC Langley Office).

3. Complete Police Information Checks

You must successfully pass the vulnerable sector Police Information Checks through the RCMP, or the Criminal Records Check through the BC Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General.

4. Register with our system and complete the application

We will send an invitation link.  You will need to create a username and password. Fill out and complete the online application form.

5. Attend Screening Interview

You must be willing to travel to the Surrey office to meet the Entrepreneurship Program Team for an interview. In some cases, meeting through an online platform will suffice.

Service Standard

It will take at least 5 business days to contact you once we receive your application. The volunteer screening process generally takes 3 to 5 weeks to complete. We will process volunteer applications upon recommendation of the program.

About ISSofBC Entrepreneurship Programs

ISSofBC’s Entrepreneurship Programs offer comprehensive support to newcomer entrepreneurs, guiding them through business idea development, creating robust business plans, navigating registration processes, exploring funding options, and overcoming business challenges. Through personalized guidance from business advisors and targeted workshops, participants gain valuable skills, and access to mentors. In addition, they build essential connections to successfully launch and grow their ventures. Further, our programs provide online learning opportunities and business mentorship to enhance entrepreneurial success.

As a Volunteer Business Plan Writer at ISSofBC Entrepreneurship Programs:

You’ll have the opportunity to make a positive impact helping immigrants and refugees to develop their business ideas here in British Columbia.

As a Business Plan Writer, you get to work with newcomer entrepreneurs by transforming their innovative visions into solid business plans, guiding them towards success in their new ventures.

In the process, you will gain the accomplishment of positively impacting the lives of newcomer entrepreneurs, while honing your own business acumen and mentorship skills in a diverse and dynamic environment.

Upon request, we can provide a reference letter or testimonial based on your performance and commitment to the program.

Assignment Title:    Volunteer Business Plan Writer (Skills-based volunteering)

Location of Assignment:   ISSofBC Welcome Centre–Surrey  301-10334 152A St. Surrey BC V3R 7P8

Delivery:        This is an in-person and remote volunteering opportunity

Microvolunteering

Position Summary:

We are seeking a talented and passionate volunteer business writer to support entrepreneur clients within ISSofBC’s entrepreneurship programs. As a volunteer business writer, you will play a crucial role in helping clients articulate their business concepts clearly through compelling written content. You will play a crucial role in assisting our entrepreneur clients in developing comprehensive business plans, translating their visions into tangible strategies, and guiding them towards a successful business venture.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with entrepreneur clients to understand their business concepts, goals, and target audiences.
• Create engaging written content such as business plans, marketing materials, reports, and proposals.
• Ensure content aligns with clients’ brand identities and effectively communicates their unique value propositions.
• Conduct research and gather information to support content creation and business development efforts.
• Assist clients in refining their messaging and storytelling to enhance their business communications.
• Provide guidance and tips on business writing and effective communication strategies to clients.
• May be asked to support our entrepreneurship programs in writing clients’ success stories, and conduct interview sessions

Essential Skills & Knowledge:

• Strong proficiency in business writing, including the ability to convey complex business ideas clearly and persuasively.
• Experience in creating business plans, marketing materials, and other business-related content.
• Excellent research skills to gather and analyze information relevant to clients’ businesses.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with clients from diverse backgrounds.
• Attention to detail and ability to adapt writing style to match clients’ needs and objectives.
• Ability to adapt to different business ideas and industries, tailoring business writing accordingly.
• Patience and empathy to work with newcomers and individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Education/Training Background:

An ideal candidate may possess a degree or relevant certification in Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Finance, or a related field. However, we also welcome individuals with substantial experience and expertise in business writing.

Assets:

• A genuine passion for writing and a desire to make a positive impact on the lives of entrepreneur clients.
• Previous experience working with diverse communities and a culturally sensitive approach.
• Familiarity with business concepts and industries, particularly in relation to entrepreneurial ventures.
• Proficiency in editing and proofreading to ensure high-quality written deliverables.
• Previous experience in writing business blogs.

As a Volunteer Business Plan Writer at ISSofBC Entrepreneurship Program:

• You’ll have the opportunity to make a positive impact helping immigrants and refugees to improve and promote their business ideas here in BC.
• You’ll gain experience in video editing and the non-profit sector.

Time Commitment:

Approximately 1-3 hours per week for 6 months

Application Process and Screening Measures

1. Email us

You must send an email to leo.cabasag@issbc.org to express your interest in the volunteer role.

2. Attend the Volunteer Information Session

Upon invitation, you must attend the General Volunteer Information Session (ISSofBC Langley Office).

3. Complete Police Information Checks

You must successfully pass the vulnerable sector Police Information Checks through the RCMP, or the Criminal Records Check through the BC Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General.

4. Register with our system and complete the application

We will send an invitation link.  You will need to create a username and password. Fill out and complete the online application form.

5. Attend Screening Interview

You must be willing to travel to the Surrey office to meet the Entrepreneurship Program Team for an interview. In some cases, meeting through an online platform will suffice.

Service Standard

It will take at least 5 business days to contact you once we receive your application. The volunteer screening process generally takes 3 to 5 weeks to complete. We will process volunteer applications upon recommendation of the program.

About ISSofBC Entrepreneurship Programs

ISSofBC’s Entrepreneurship Programs offer comprehensive support to newcomer entrepreneurs, guiding them through business idea development, creating robust business plans, navigating registration processes, exploring funding options, and overcoming business challenges. Through personalized guidance from business advisors and targeted workshops, participants gain valuable skills, and access to mentors. In addition, they build essential connections to successfully launch and grow their ventures. Further, our programs provide online learning opportunities and business mentorship to enhance entrepreneurial success.

As a Volunteer Videographer at ISSofBC Entrepreneurship Programs:

You’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by visually documenting the journeys of immigrants and refugees improving their businesses in British Columbia. Empower our entrepreneur clients to showcase their ventures professionally, boosting their confidence and business prospects.

By volunteering with us, you will gain exposure to diverse entrepreneurial ventures, expand your portfolio, and contribute significantly to empowering immigrant entrepreneurs to thrive in their new communities.

Upon request, we can provide a reference letter or testimonial based on your performance and commitment to the program.

 Assignment Title:  Volunteer Videographer (Skills-based volunteering)

 Location of Assignment: ISSofBC Welcome Centre–Surrey  301-10334 152A St. Surrey BC V3R 7P8

 Delivery:       This is an in-person and remote volunteering opportunity

Position Summary:

We are seeking a talented and passionate volunteer videographer to support entrepreneur clients within ISSofBC’s entrepreneurship programs. As a volunteer videographer, you will play a crucial role in capturing compelling visual stories that highlight the successes and challenges faced by our clients. Your responsibilities will include recording videos for clients’ businesses, and compellingly showcasing their products/services. Your skills will significantly contribute to our clients’ business success and journey towards self-sufficiency.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with entrepreneur clients to understand their business stories, goals, and target audiences.
• Capture high-quality video footage of clients’ business operations, products, and entrepreneurial journeys.
• Edit and produce engaging video content, including business profiles, success stories, and promotional videos.
• Ensure video content aligns with clients’ brand identities and effectively communicates their unique value propositions.
• Conduct interviews with clients and stakeholders to gather testimonials and insights for video storytelling.
• Support our entrepreneurship programs by documenting program-related events and activities through video.

Essential Skills & Knowledge:

• Proficiency in videography techniques, including camera operation, lighting, and audio recording.
• Experience in video editing and post-production using editing software.
• Ability to tell compelling stories through video, capturing the essence of clients’ entrepreneurial experiences.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with clients from diverse backgrounds.
• Attention to detail and ability to adapt video style to match clients’ needs and objectives.

Education/Training Background:

While formal education in videography is not mandatory, any relevant training, experience, certifications, or workshops in videography, video editing, or related fields would be advantageous.

Assets:

• A genuine passion for videography and storytelling, with a desire to make a positive impact on the lives of entrepreneur clients.
• Previous experience working with diverse communities and a culturally sensitive approach.
• Familiarity with video editing software and tools for post-production.
• Understanding of business concepts and industries, particularly with entrepreneurial ventures.

As a Volunteer Videographer at ISSofBC Entrepreneurship Program:

• You’ll have the opportunity to make a positive impact helping immigrants and refugees to improve and promote their business ideas here in BC.
• You’ll gain experience in video editing and the non-profit sector.

 Time Commitment:

Approximately 1-3 hours per week for 6 months

Application Process and Screening Measures

• Email us: 

You must send an email to leo.cabasag@issbc.org to express your interest in the volunteer role.

2. Attend the Volunteer Information Session

Upon invitation, you must attend the General Volunteer Information Session (ISSofBC Langley Office).

3. Complete Police Information Checks

You must successfully pass the vulnerable sector Police Information Checks through the RCMP, or the Criminal Records Check through the BC Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General.

4. Register with our system and complete the application

We will send an invitation link.  You will need to create a username and password. Fill out and complete the online application form.

5. Attend Screening Interview

You must be willing to travel to the Surrey office to meet the Entrepreneurship Program Team for an interview. In some cases, meeting through an online platform will suffice.

Service Standard

It will take at least 5 business days to contact you once we receive your application. The volunteer screening process generally takes 3 to 5 weeks to complete. We will process volunteer applications upon recommendation of the program.

Settlement Mentor, Settlement Volunteer Program

Location: ISSofBC – Burnaby

The Organization:The Immigrant Services Society of BC (ISSofBC) is one of the largest immigrant-serving agencies in Canada, with a national and international reputation in the field of migrant issues and services for immigrants and refugees. Since 1972 we’ve been providing a variety of support services for immigrants and refugees to help them get settled, find careers and learn all they need to know about starting their new lives in Canada. Through our dedicated staff, volunteers and community partners, we provide settlement, education and employment services for over 20,000 clients every year.

The Role: Facilitation – Volunteer Mentor, Settlement

ISSofBC Volunteers play a key role in achieving the organization’s mission, “helping newcomers build a future in Canada.” Volunteers support newcomer immigrants to smoothly settle and integrate into Canadian society in many different aspects of the settlement process. One of the ways is to help newcomers learn more about Canadian culture and heritage and to help improve their communication skills and confidence in their settlement journey into Canadian society, living in BC and becoming an active member of their local community.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Support newcomers to Canada in their initial settlement and be a resource for connecting them to the community
• Provide orientation, cultural awareness and creating a conducive environment for successful integration into Canadian society and Canadian culture

 Qualifications

 Knowledge

• Familiarity/experience in group facilitation
• Familiarity with online video communication platforms/conferencing apps such as Zoom and Telegram
• Good command of the English language and communication skills
• Advanced English level – Canadian Language Benchmark or CLB 5 or higher
• Cross-cultural experience or commitment to learn about others’ culture

Skills, Abilities, and Attitudes

• Ability to converse with people from various backgrounds and levels of English – Canadian Language Benchmark Basic CLB 1-4 and Intermediate CLB 5-8
• Ability to exchange ideas with participants through communication, active listening, and non-verbal cues
• Proven ability to build and maintain positive and professional relationships with participants, staff, and other volunteers
• Good listener, flexible, patient, and empathetic towards the newcomer participants
• Creative and innovative
• Adaptable and open to changing methods and plans of the sessions
• Excellent interpersonal skills and can function well in a diverse cultural atmosphere
• Demonstrates a genuine interest in learning more about newcomer experiences

 Other requirements

• Volunteers for this role must be at least 18 years old
• Completion of the volunteer information session
• Completion of training sessions, observe other online/in-person conversation circle sessions
• If working online, access to a computer or laptop device
• Access to a stable internet connection
• Successful volunteers must submit proof of vaccination (COVID-19)
• Successful vulnerable sector criminal record check (CRC)

Boundaries and Expectations

• Always respect confidentiality
• Respect participants decisions
• Maintain professional relationships (exchanging of phone numbers is discouraged, engaging participants on social networking sites should be avoided)
• Focus on the present, not the past, unless participants share 

 Training

 Volunteers for this position are required to complete the following:

• Online Volunteer Orientation, Understanding Settlement, and Integration process

 Benefits

 Volunteers will have the opportunity to:

• Access specific training for the role.
• Learn more about the migration, settlement, and integration process
• Request for Volunteer Confirmation Letter
• Increase cultural competency and learn different perspectives in the lens of newcomer immigrants
• Enhance facilitation skills
• Add Canadian experience to resume (or close the gap)

 Time Frame / Level of Commitment

• Volunteers for this position must commit to at least three months
• Possible placement extension upon agreement
• Period of volunteering – Short-term to long-term

 Application Process and Screening Measures

• Interested volunteers must fill out the online application
• Once the application form is complete, the potential volunteer will undergo an in-person interview (following ISSofBC COVID-19 safety protocols)
• Potential volunteers must be willing to travel to the Burnaby office
• The potential volunteer must successfully pass the vulnerable sector Police Information Checks through the RCMP, or the Criminal Records Check through the BC Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General
• It will take at least 5 business days for us to contact you once your application has been received. The volunteer screening process generally takes 3 to 4 weeks to complete

Frequency of the recruitment for the position

Ongoing, quarterly.

Staff Contact

For questions and clarifications, please contact:

Fatoumata Niane
Coordinator, Volunteer Programs
Telephone Number:  604-395-8000 Ext. 1633
Email address:  fatoumata.niane@issbc.org