Volunteering with us

Volunteers make a huge contribution to our work helping immigrants and refugees build new lives in Canada. Our volunteer program provides many opportunities for dedicated individuals to contribute their time and talents to a wide and interesting variety of activities that support newcomers in their settlement journey.

Current Opportunities

Tech Support Volunteers for Seniors

Langley/Online and In-person

Immigrants Services Society of BC (ISSofBC) Langley

Settlement–Volunteer Programs

 

There are various meaningful volunteers opportunities that ISSofBC offers, and this include volunteering with older adults (seniors). Volunteering is a wonderful way to make a positive impact on the overall well-being of newcomer seniors in the community. If you would like to work with senior individuals, then this opportunity is for you.

 

Assignment Title:  Tech Support Volunteers for Seniors

Location of  Assignment:  ISSofBC Langley 20430 Fraser Hwy, Langley, BC V3A 4G2

Delivery:  In-person and Online (Hybrid)

 

We are looking for dedicated TECH SUPPORT VOLUNTEER FOR SENIORS who can journey with newcomer older adults and provide them with digital literary support.

As a TECH SUPPORT VOLUNTER FOR SENIORS, your role is very critical in helping older adults to:

  • Discover and build their digital literacy skills
  • Get connected with older adults in the community
  • Identify digital dangers, and practice online safety
  • Participate in community field trips
  • Exchange ideas, information and other resources

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Provide one-on-one digital literacy tutorials to older adults using available curriculum
  • Educate older adults with A-Zed of digital and technology terms
  • Teach older adults with digital skills to navigate the digital world, access community services, and connect with friends & families
  • Help set up and customize older adults’ electronic devices with preferred applications (i.e., Zoom, Telegram, Whatsapp.)
  • Maintain confidentiality and security of all client information
  • Accompany older adults in the schedule community field trips
  • Assist in recruitment of seniors who may benefit from this program
  • Enters volunteer hours on the specified volunteer database system

Requirements:

If you have CLB 5 or higher and you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident you can be qualified to become a volunteers. As a volunteer, you will be matched with a compatible newcomer older adults.

Other requirements:

  • Excellent command of the English language and communication skills
  • Cross-cultural experience or commitment to learn about others culture; loves to be working with older adults
  • Has an excellent knowledge in using and navigating digital and technology platforms
  • Good listener, flexible, patient, empathetic towards older adults
  • 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 mandatory orientation and curriculum training

Level of Commitment:

  • Volunteers for this role must be willing to undergo and attend the mandatory orientation and curriculum delivery training June 27, June 29 and Aug 3, 2023
  • Potential volunteers must be available twice (2x) a week (2 hours per meeting) starting July 2023
  • the program can extend post upon agreement
  • Period of support – 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 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

For questions and clarifications, please use the volunteer form.

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

Settlement Mentors

Langley/In-person

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.

Assignment Title: Settlement Mentors
Location of Assignment: ISSofBC Langley  20430 Fraser Hwy, Langley, BC V3A 4G2
Delivery: In-person

 

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
Office Admin Support Volunteer

Langley/In-Person

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.

Assignment Title: Office Admin Support Volunteer
Location of Assignment: ISSofBC Langley  20430 Fraser Hwy, Langley, BC V3A 4G2
Delivery: In-person

Purpose

Volunteers for this position support ISSofBC by performing a wide variety of clerical duties, mostly reception. As a volunteer, you will gain experience in an office environment. You can use your volunteer experience to integrate yourself into the community, meet new people; and build your resume and increase your chances of finding paid work opportunities.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

  • Provides reception, clerical, and administrative support to ISSofBC programs
  • Organizes, arranges, and maintains inventory of office supplies in the storage room
  • Answers telephone and electronic enquiries and relay telephone calls and messages
  • Greets visitors, partners and clients, ascertain nature of business and direct visitors to appropriate settlement workers
  • Sorts and files documents according to established filing systems
  • Provides interpretation services between clients and settlement workers, whenever applicable
  • Provides general information to clients and the public regarding ISSofBC, its programs and services, whenever necessary
  • Enters volunteer hours on the specified volunteer database system.
  • Maintains confidentiality and privacy of clients who visits the office
  • Participates in orientation, ongoing training sessions, weekly check-ins, exit interviews, and volunteer recognition
  • Operates photocopy machine, whenever necessary

 

Qualifications

Knowledge

  • Excellent command of the English language and communication skills
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Office 365 email platform
  • Advanced English level – Canadian Language Benchmark or CLB 9 or higher
  • Familiarity/experience in office admin support
  • Cross-cultural experience or commitment to learn about others culture

 

Skills, Abilities, and Attitudes

  • Service oriented
  • Ability to converse with people from various backgrounds and levels of English-speaking skills
  • Working knowledge of ISSofBC as well as community programs, services and resources
  • Proven ability to share ISSofBC program and services to walk-in clients, whenever necessary
  • Proven ability to build and maintain positive and professional relationships with clients, partners, visitors, staff, and other volunteers
  • Active listener and patient
  • Flexible, is open to change and new information; rapidly adapts to new information, or changing conditions
  • Attention to details, double-checks the accuracy of information and work product to provide accurate and consistent work.
  • 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 another volunteer 

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

Boundaries and Expectations

  • Always respect confidentiality
  • Respect clients, partners and visitors
  • Maintain professional relationship (exchanging of phone numbers is discouraged, engaging clients on social networking sites should be avoided)

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:

  • General Volunteer Orientation Session
  • Office Orientation and Telephone Etiquette in the workplace

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 office administrative skills
  • Add Canadian experience to resume (or close the gap)

 

Time Frame / Level of Commitment

  • Volunteers must commit to at least 2 months and requires you to come in for several hours a week.
  • Potential volunteers must be available 3 times per week for a minimum of 5 hours from August 8, 2023 to September 15, 2023
  • Possible placement extension upon agreement
  • Period of volunteering – Medium 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 ISSofBC 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.
  • 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

Twice a year

For questions and clarifications, please use the volunteer form.

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

Special Events Volunteer

Langley/In-Person

Immigrants Services Society of BC (ISSofBC) Surrey and Langley Offices
Settlement–Volunteer Programs

Special Events provide opportunities for residents, partners and individuals to enjoy, participate and volunteer. ISSofBC supports this community effort by participating as an exhibitor to help raise awareness and build stronger relationships in the community.

Assignment Title:  Special Events Volunteer

  • Langley Community Day Festival 2023
  • Langley Global Fest 2023
Type of Assignment:  Various Roles
Location of Assignment:  ISSofBC Langley 20430 Fraser Hwy, Langley, BC V3A 4G2
Duration: 
  • Saturday, June 10, 2023   9:30 AM to 4:00 PM                  
  • Saturday, July 22, 2023   9:30 AM to 7:30 PM
Delivery:   In-Person

 

 

Purpose

ISSofBC will need ideal volunteers to help carry out various volunteer roles for these special events. Volunteers ensure that ISSofBC booth visitors have memorable and positive event experience.

Role Description  Shifts
Set-up/Tear Down Crew
  • Responsible for setting up and taking down booth and all tables, chairs, tents, signs…etc. for the event.
  • Ensures that tables and chairs are arranged according to set-up requirements
  • Ensures that all ISSofBC materials, marketing paraphernalia and equipment are loaded into the staff car after the event
  • Volunteers should be physically fit and able to put things together if required to get the booth set for the event
0/4
Photographer
  • Responsible for capturing memorable moments and highlights of the event (Volunteer for this role must have their own camera to use)
0/2
Face Painting
  • Responsible for unpacking and repacking face paint materials
  • Helps in setting-up the table and chairs for face-painting activity
  • Draws and paints variety of images onto children’s face
  • Fulfills safety and hygienic requirements to ensure Children’s health
  • Ensure that services are provided in order of arrival (first come, first served basis)  
0/6
Spin-a-Wheel
  • Responsible for setting-up/tearing down the spinning wheel Tool
  • Reviews questions/answers for each category
  • Oversees the operation of the game
  • Provides consolation/prizes after each turn
0/2
Tent Activity Coordinator / Information Team  
  • Helps the Volunteer Program coordinator run the activity
  • Assists children in participation
  • Records and monitors volunteer shifts
  • Responds to volunteer needs and inquiries
  • Coordinates concerns with Volunteer Programs Coordinator
  • Helps manage line-ups and traffic flow in our activity tent
  • Provides booth visitors access to ISSofBC information 
0/3
Button Pin Maker
  • Responsible for unpacking and repacking button pin materials
  • Suggests or draws button designs upon request.
  • Responsible for assembling buttons using the button pin maker after each child has drawn their own design on the Paper
  • Makes sure that workstation are clean
0/4
Flag Games
  • Responsible for checking the flag design against flag names and that all answers are accurate
  • Provides consolation or prizes after each turn
  • Ensures all flag pieces are complete at the end of the shift
0/2
Floater
  • Maintains the ability to perform event activities as needed.
  • Floaters will be assigned and fill volunteer roles when needed
  • Serves as a substitute for a volunteer who is taking a break
  • An ideal floater must have comprehensive knowledge of event operations and activities
0/4

Other requirements

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

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.

Orientation

Volunteers for this position are required to complete the following:

  • Volunteer Training and Orientation Prior to the event

Benefits

Volunteers will have the opportunity to:

  • Learn more about the Langley Community
  • Network with other service providers
  • Request for Volunteer Confirmation Letter
  • Increase cultural competency and learn different perspectives in the lens of newcomer immigrants
  • Add Canadian experience to resume (or close the gap)

Time Frame / Level of Commitment

  • Volunteers for this position must be available on the event day
  • Potential volunteers must be available for a minimum of 5 hours
  • This position is needs-driven, and volunteer placement is one-off volunteer opportunity
  • Volunteer placement extension is not guaranteed
  • Period of volunteering – short-term (one-off)

Application Process and Screening Measures

  • Attend information session
  • Complete Criminal Records Check
  • Register with our system and compete the online application form
  • Attending 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

Volunteer positions listed above are open until filled.

For questions and clarifications, please use the volunteer form.

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

 

 

Business Writer for ISSofBC Ignite Program

About the Ignite program:
The program helps newcomer clients launch and grow their businesses by facilitating one-on-one support from a business advisor. Ignite guides clients through developing their business plans, registering their businesses, exploring funding, and lending options, and finding distinct, feasible, and strategic solutions to achieve entrepreneurial success.

Assignment Title: Volunteer Business Writer
Location of Assignment: ISSofBC Welcome Centre–Surrey
301-10334 152A
Surrey BC V3R 7P8
Delivery: This is a remote volunteering opportunity(Microvolunteering / Remote volunteering)
Vaccination Policy Effective December 9th, 2022, ISSofBC is suspending our Covid-19 Mandatory Vaccination Policy.

 

Position Summary:
The Volunteer Business Writer will support Ignite program customers, participating in the development of the business brand and creating content to promote the client’s company. The Volunteer Business Writer may help clients with business plan writing such as editing and reviewing draft business plans, interviewing clients and compiling their stories to create engaging content for their websites in the form of blogs or articles.

Responsibilities:

  • Assesses client’s needs and participates in business content creation
  • Collaborates with client to brainstorm writing topics and objectives
  • Helps develop ideas for business blogs and articles
  • Proof-reads and edit client’s business plans, offer constructive feedback and suggestions.
  • Identifies customers’ needs and gaps in client’s business content and recommend new topics

Time Commitment:

  • Approximately 1-3 hours per week.
  • This is an unpaid volunteer position.

Essential Skills & Knowledge:

  • Self-driven and innovative
  • Strong organizational skills and reliable work habits.
  • Ability to learn and adapt to new technology and content development platforms.
  • Ability to understand the client’s need and work accordingly
  • The ability to work as part of a team.
  • The ability to prioritize tasks and shift priorities as necessary.

Assets:

  • A background in English, Marketing, Communications, Media Relations, Public Relations, or Journalism
  • Knowledge of web content creation

As a Business Writer at Ignite Program:

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

Frequency of the recruitment for the position

Ongoing

Staff Contact

For inquiries and information about volunteer position, please contact:

Leo Cabasag
Coordinator, Volunteer Programs – Settlement
Email Address: leo.cabasag@issbc.org

We will process volunteer applications upon recommendation of the Spark and Ignite program.

Interpreter

Surrey and Langley/Online or In-Person

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.

Videographer

About the Ignite program:

Launch and grow your business with one-on-one help from a business advisor, guiding you through developing your business plan, registering your business, exploring funding options and, and helping you address your challenges and needs.

 

Assignment Title: Volunteer Videographer
Location of Assignment: ISSofBC Welcome Centre–Surrey
301-10334 152A St.
Surrey BC V3R 7P8
Delivery: This is a remote volunteering opportunity
(Microvolunteering / Remote volunteering)
Vaccination Policy: Effective December 9th, 2022, ISSofBC is suspending our Covid-19 Mandatory Vaccination Policy.

 

Position Summary:

The Videographer will support Ignite program clients by participating in the development of the business brand and creating compelling videos to promote the client’s business, products, and services. The Videographer may interview clients and compile their stories to create engaging video content for their business websites and social channels.

Responsibilities:

  • Understand client’s needs and participate in business content creation for promotional videos
  • Collaborate with client to brainstorm video topics and objectives
  • Assemble recorded footage into a finished project that matches client’s business vision
  • Support clients to improve their brand, offer constructive feedback and suggestions.
  • Identify customers’ needs and gaps in client’s business content and recommend new strategies

Time Commitment:

  • Approximately 1-3 hours per week.
  • This is an unpaid volunteer position.

Essential Skills & Knowledge:

  • Demonstrate story telling and creative thinking abilities with excellent eye for detail
  • Strong organizational skills and reliable work habits.
  • Ability to learn and adapt to new technologies and video development platforms.
  • Ability to understand the client’s needs and work accordingly
  • The ability to work as part of a team.
  • The ability to prioritize tasks and shift priorities as necessary.

Assets:

  • A background in Film Studies, Cinematography, Marketing, Communications and Media Studies, Graphic Design, Photography, Public Relations, or Journalism
  • Some experience with digital technology and editing software packages such as Avid Media Composer, Lightworks, Premiere, After Effects, Final Cut etc.
  • Knowledge of web content creation

As a Volunteer Videographer at Ignite 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.

Application Process and Screening Measures

  • Interested volunteers, upon invitation, must attend the General Information Session and 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 Surrey 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

Staff Contact

For inquiries and information about volunteer position, please contact:

Leo Cabasag
Coordinator, Volunteer Programs – Settlement
Email Address: leo.cabasag@issbc.org

We will process volunteer applications upon recommendation of the program

Settlement Mentor

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.

Location of Assignment: ISSofBC Burnaby
207-7355 Canada Way
Burnaby, BC V3N 4Z6
Delivery: Online or In-Person
COVID-19 Information: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ISSofBC is currently adapting the ‘hybrid (online/hybrid) volunteering model’. Volunteers will have the option to share their time and skills remotely, over the internet and in-person.
Vaccination Policy: Please refer to our mandatory volunteer policies.

 

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

Volunteers in Action

Learn about some of our volunteers creating a supportive environment for newcomers to Canada of all backgrounds.

You can join if you:

  • are a Canadian citizen or immigrant,
  • are willing to commit a minimum of three months of your time,
  • successfully complete a criminal record check, and,
  • attend an orientation session and additional training as needed.

A criminal record check is required due to the nature of our work with vulnerable populations. Applications may take time to complete and we thank you for your patience!

As a volunteer you will:

  • practice and use your skills and knowledge in a variety of areas,
  • gain new experience,
  • obtain a reference,
  • build your networks and connections within the community,
  • make new friends and learn about other cultures, countries/languages, and,
  • participate in free workshops.

Check out current volunteer opportunities.

Thank you everyone for being a part of our team!

Dignity

We believe that every person has the basic, natural right to be treated with dignity.

Inclusivity

We believe that an inclusive society is a strong society; by promoting acceptance and mutual respect, we are helping build immigrants’ futures while also building a stronger future for Canada.

Welcoming

We are committed to creating a welcoming, hospitable environment for immigrants that facilitates their integration in Canada.

Acceptance

We believe that each individual’s path to integration and self-sufficiency must be based on a recognition and acceptance of that person’s unique needs and aspirations.

Volunteer Form

Have questions, submit your questions and we’ll get back to you shortly.

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