Volunteer

Immigrants Services Society of BC (ISSofBC) 

Settlement–Volunteer Programs 

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 the English language. 

Assignment Title:    English Conversation Circle (ECC) Facilitator

Location of Assignment:         ISSofBC Langley   20430 Fraser Hwy  Langley, BC V3A 4G2   And/or   20399 Douglas Crescent Langley BC V3A 4B3 (Fraser Valley Regional Library Inside Timms Community Centre)

Delivery:       In-Person

Purpose 

English Conversation Circle (ECC) is an informal, unstructured learning environment where newcomers to Canada can meet and interact with others (virtual/in-person); practice speaking and listening; improve conversation skills in various situations and settings. Volunteer facilitators for this program do not need to be qualified teachers—but enjoy connecting and talking with people from different backgrounds and support newcomers improve their communication skills and self-confidence.  

Volunteer facilitators will provide a group of 5-10 participants and engage them to learn more about day-to-day conversation skills, Canadian values and heritage, and basic information on different themes and topics. 

Key Duties & Responsibilities 

• Researches and prepares materials, topics/themes, simple session plans for upcoming circles 
• Facilitates the creation of community agreements 
• Conducts and delivers small group activities and games to facilitate English learning 
• Facilitates learning by engaging and encouraging participants to speak English 
• Provides support in defining words and concepts to increase/improve participants’ vocabulary 
• Provides participants with encouragement, guidance, and constructive feedback. 
• Guides the participants to speak English with confidence 
• Creates a safe and welcoming space where everyone feels empowered and can participate equally in the conversation 
• If doing online, assists with the online ‘lobby’ management (screening and admitting participants) 
• Enters volunteer hours on the specified volunteer database system. 
• Maintains confidentiality and privacy of participants 
• Participates in orientation, ongoing training sessions, weekly check-ins, exit interviews, and volunteer recognition 

Qualifications  

Knowledge 

• Familiarity/experience in group facilitation 
• Familiarity with online video communication platforms/conferencing apps such as Zoom and Telegram 
• Excellent command of the English language and communication skills 
• Advanced English level – Canadian Language Benchmark or CLB 9 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, 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 
• Ability to work independently or with a co-facilitator

Other requirements 

• Volunteers for this role must be at least 18 years old 
• Completion of volunteer information session 
• Completion of training sessions, observe other online/in-person conversation circle sessions 
• Access to a computer or laptop device 

Boundaries and Expectations 

• Always respect confidentiality 
• Respect participants decisions 
• Maintain professional relationship (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 
• Avoid sensitive topics (politics, religion, issues that are sexual in nature)

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.  

Training  

Volunteers for this position are required to complete the following: 

• Online Volunteer Orientation, Understanding Settlement, and Integration process 
• Online English Conversation Circle Facilitator Training

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 or equivalent to 12 meeting sessions. 
• Potential volunteers must be available at least once a week for 2-3 hours, from April 2024 – June 2024 and July 2024 through September 2024 
• Weekday or Weekend (In-person) 
• Possible placement extension upon agreement  
• Period of volunteering – Short-term to long-term

Application Process and Screening Measures 

• Attend information session 
• Complete Criminal Records Check 
• Register with our system and compete the online application form 
• Attend screening interview. (potential Volunteers must be willing to travel to Langley offices) 
• Attend 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. 
• 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

Frequency of the recruitment for the position  

Quarterly. 

Staff Contact 

For questions and clarifications, please contact: 

 Leo Cabasag   |Coordinator, Volunteer Programs 

Telephone Number: 604-351-4519   

Email address: leo.cabasag@issbc.org 

Immigrants Services Society of BC (ISSofBC) Langley

Settlement–Volunteer Programs

ISSofBC Volunteers play a key role in achieving the organization’s mission, “helping newcomers build a future in Canada.” Without volunteers, ISSofBC would simply not be able to function and deliver its program and services crucial to supporting newcomer clients.

We are looking for dedicated SETTLEMENT MENTORS who can journey with newcomer immigrants and provide support as they settle here in Canada.

As a volunteer Settlement Mentor, you will provide newcomers with friendship, cultural awareness and orientation, and tips on networking and accessing community resources. Aside from helping them set realistic goals and creating an environment for their successful integration in Canada, you will also enjoy many rewarding benefits, which include:

• Learning new skills
• Develop a deeper understanding of newcomer issues and their aspirations
• Learning new a culture
• Win newcomer friends

Settlement Mentors can help by:

• Offering tech & social support, and introduction to the community
• Practicing conversation in English
• Exchange ideas, information and other resources
• Introducing their mentees to people and places in the community (ex. parks, community centers and other places of interest)
• Sharing experiences on how to get a driver’s licences or look for jobs

Requirements:

If you have CLB 5 or higher and you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who has lived in Canada for more than 3 years, you can be qualified to become a Settlement Mentor. As a volunteer, you will be matched with a compatible newcomer based on various factors like interests, age and needs.

Other requirements:

• Excellent command of the English language and communication skills
• Cross-cultural experience or commitment to learn about others culture
• Good listener, flexible, patient, empathetic towards others
• Excellent Interpersonal skills
• Able to converse with people from various backgrounds and levels of English
• Proven ability to build and maintain positive and professional relationships with guests, staff, and other volunteers
• Completion of Settlement Mentoring Training

Application Process and Screening Measures

• Attend information session
• Complete Criminal Records Check
• Register with our system and compete the online application form
• Attend screening interview. (potential Volunteers must be willing to travel to Langley office)
• Attend 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

Level of Commitment:

• This position is needs-driven, and volunteer placement will be on a regular or on-call basis. Immediate placement is not guaranteed.
• Potential volunteers must be available at least once a week for 2 hours for 4 months
• the program can extend post upon agreement
• Period of support – Short-term to long-term

Immigrants Services Society of BC (ISSofBC) Surrey and Langley Offices

Settlement–Volunteer Programs

Clients who are new to Canada who have limited or low language (English) proficiency would often require language interpreting accommodations so that they can better understand the services provided to them. Most clients would prefer receiving information in their own language and communicating using their first language somehow provides them with the fluidity to express themselves better. Without enough interpreting support, miscommunication and language barriers are likely to happen.

Assignment Title:   Volunteer Language Interpreter

Location of Assignment:

• ISSofBC Langley 20430 Fraser Hwy Langley, BC V3A 4G2
• ISSofBC Welcome Centre-Surrey 10334 152A St Surrey BC V3R 7P8

Delivery: Online or In-Person

Purpose

Whenever available, volunteer interpreter (paraprofessional) services may be arranged to assist the client with their interpreting needs.

The role of an interpreter is to provide ‘on the spot’ support to both clients and Settlement Workers/Case Managers/Service Providers to convey spoken words from one language to another. Volunteer Interpreters are responsible for listening, understanding and interpreting spoken language to another targeted language and vice-versa.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Acts as language assistant
• Facilitate effective communication between two parties that do not speak a similar language by converting one spoken or written language to another.
• Provides interpreting support to clients, settlement workers and case managers
• Provides accurate interpretation of concepts and ideas between two languages to increase/improve clients’ understanding
• Facilitate communication for clients with limited or low language English proficiency
• Creates a safe and welcoming space where clients feel empowered and can make sound judgments and decisions with the online ‘lobby’ management (screening and admitting participants)
• Enters volunteer hours on the specified volunteer database system.
• Maintains confidentiality and privacy of participants
• Participates in orientation, ongoing training sessions, weekly check-ins, exit interviews, and volunteer recognition

Qualifications

Knowledge

• Fluency in English and at least one other identified language: Arabic, Farsi, Dari, Mandarin, Pashto, Russian, Spanish and Ukrainian
• Familiarity with various interpreting techniques and modes
• Advanced English level – Canadian Language Benchmark or CLB 9 or higher Familiarity/experience in group facilitation
• Confidence in public speaking
• Cross-cultural experience or commitment to learn about others culture
• Familiarity with online video communication platforms/conferencing apps such as Zoom and Telegram

Skills, Abilities, and Attitudes

• 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 clients, staff, and other volunteers
• Courteous, good listener, tactful, flexible, patient, empathetic towards newcomer clients
• Excellent interpersonal skills and can function well in a diverse cultural atmosphere
• Demonstrates a genuine interest in learning more about newcomer experiences
• Ability to work independently or with a co-interpreter

Other requirements

• Volunteers for this role must be at least 18 years old
• Completion of volunteer information session
• Completion of volunteer interpreter training sessions

Boundaries and Expectations

• Always respect confidentiality
• Promotes accuracy
• Maintains professional conduct
• Practices fairness
• Exercises Role Boundaries

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.

Training

Volunteers for this position are required to complete the following:

• Online Volunteer Orientation, Understanding Settlement, and Integration process
• Volunteer Interpreter Training
• Ongoing feedback and coaching

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 Interpreting 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 or equivalent to 12 Interpreting sessions
• Potential volunteers must be available at least once a week for 2-3 hours.
• This is an on-going volunteer position
• This position is needs-driven, and volunteer placement will be on a regular, on-call or case-based and as needed
• Possible placement extension upon agreement
• Period of volunteering – Short-term to long-term

Application Process and Screening Measures

• Attend information session
• Complete Criminal Records Check
• Register with our system and compete the online application form
• Attend screening interview. (potential Volunteers must be willing to travel to the Surrey or Langley offices)
• Attend 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.
• 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

Frequency of the recruitment for the position

• Ongoing, quarterly.

For questions and clarifications, please use the volunteer form.

Together with your message, please indicate the current opportunity you wish to apply for.

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