So, you want to be a volunteer?

Recruiting Volunteers

• The Application Form:
  First, complete the Volunteer Application Form. A copy may be printed from this website and faxed or delivered to the office. Youth volunteers require their parent's/guardian's signature on the application. Volunteers are recruited without regard to gender, handicap, age, race, sexual orientation, or any other condition. All applicants are required to give consent for a criminal record check as part of the screening process.
• Interviewing:
  All volunteers will be interviewed prior to being appointed to a position. The interview will be relaxed and informal. It will determine the needs and reason why you are volunteering, review your qualifications and commitment to fulfill the requirements of the position. This will be an opportunity for us to answer any questions you might have about the position. The timing of the interview will be set through consultation with the applicant.
• Placement:
  In placing a volunteer, attention will be paid to the interests and capabilities of the volunteer and to the requirements of both the volunteer and the program supervisor.

Once you're approved

• Orientation:
  All volunteers will receive a general orientation of the Oak Avenue Neighbourhood Hub and the activity for which they have been recruited. As well as a specific orientation on the purposes and requirements of the position for which you have been approved.
• Training and Support:
  Volunteers will receive on the job training to give them the necessary information and skills required for the task. The timing and type of training will be flexible, according to each task. Volunteers will be linked to an assigned staff member who will be responsible for your direct support. Our staff will be available for consultation and to give assistance where needed. Support will be provided on meeting volunteer expectations, time, and resources.
• Timesheets:
  Individual volunteers may be responsible for the accurate completion and timely submission of timesheets, where applicable.
• Re-assignment: Volunteers who are re-assigned to a new position will be interviewed for that position. You will receive all appropriate orientation and training for that position before beginning the new task. In addition, any screening procedures appropriate for the specific position will have to be completed, even if the volunteer had already been assigned to another task for a period of time.
• Feedback: Volunteers will receive periodic feedback to review their work. The feedback session is an opportunity both for volunteers and the Hub staff to jointly discuss performance, suggest any changes in the work style, seek suggestions, convey appreciation, and find an alternate process which might help to improve both the volunteer and Hub.
• Evaluation: As part of the development strategy of the Hub, upon completion of their assignment, volunteers will receive documents for self-evaluation and evaluation by their supervisor.
• Recognition: An annual volunteer recognition event is held to highlight and reward the contribution of volunteers to Oak Avenue Neighbourhood Hub. Volunteers will be consulted and involved in the development of an appropriate format for this event.

All staff are encouraged to recognize volunteer service on a regular basis. These methods of informal recognition range from appreciation, consultation, and seeking participation of volunteers in decision-making, to giving the volunteer increased responsibility, and taking interest in their needs and ideas.

Upon the completion of the assigned task a letter of reference may be provided to the volunteer for at least 20 hours of accumulated services.