Our volunteers are an integral part of our team and the services we provide for our clients. Becoming a volunteer contributes to your own positive health, the community you live in, and the organization and the people you’re helping to serve.
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Help: Connect with and learn about older adults, and bring hope to those who are lonely, isolated, or struggling with low income.
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Give: Our volunteers enjoy a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment for giving their time to help others.
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Grow: As a volunteer you'll have ample opportunities to develop new skills, and even explore a new career.
Volunteer With Us
Current Opportunities
Check out our current openings for volunteers. Links to apply can be found under each individual volunteer opportunity. Placements are based on interests, abilities, schedule and the availability of a suitable position.
Grocery Order Taker
**OPEN**
Intent of Program
To provide a supported shopping service to seniors who find it difficult to shop or do not have others to help them.
Duties
- Make calls from a pre-determined list of Seniors Services Society’s clients.
- Follow instructions outlined in the instructional manual.
- Input the client’s grocery order using the online shopping program.
Qualifications
- 20 Years of Age or older
- Basic computer skills.
- Ability to understand and be understood in English.
- Good Interpersonal Skills: friendly, outgoing, courteous, patient.
- Ability to work independently.
- Capacity to maintain confidentiality.
- Able to communicate in a clear and effective manner.
- Punctual and reliable.
- Detail orientated.
- Be in good physical and mental health.
Requirements
- A mandatory criminal record check
- Provide a current resume
- Provide reference checks (2 professional references-not family members)
Commitment
- Monday or Wednesday; 9:00 am – 11:00 am: On-call as needed.
- Minimum 6-month commitment
Training
- Volunteer Orientation
- Program Training provided by volunteer (1 shift)
- Additional training as required
Benefits
- Training and Orientation Session Provided
- Connecting with People
- Giving Back to the Community
- Annual Volunteer Appreciation Event
Reports To
- Supervisor Support Services
- Coordinator of Volunteer Programs
Medical Transportation Driver
**OPEN**
Intent of Program
To provide assistance and transportation for seniors to and from their medical appointments.
Duties
- Arrive at client’s home as scheduled.
- Enter client’s home to give necessary mobility assistance from home to vehicle.
- Engage in conversation with the client.
- Accompany client to the physician/specialist office to assist with mobility.
- Remain in the office until the appointment finishes.
- Drive client back home, assist with mobility, as necessary.
- Maintain and submit mileage/parking sheets.
- Report any issues/concerns to Supervisor Support Services.
- Covid-19 Protocol- disinfect the vehicle before and after usage.
Qualifications
- 20 Years of Age or older
- Competent navigator and driver
- Ability to understand and be understood in English.
- Good Interpersonal Skills: friendly, outgoing, courteous, patient.
- Ability to work independently.
- Capacity to maintain confidentiality.
- Able to communicate in a clear and effective manner.
- Punctual and reliable.
- Able to lift walker and/or foldable transport wheelchair into the trunk of the car.
- Double vaccinated (Recommended)
Requirements
- Criminal record check mandatory
- Provide a current resume
- Provide reference checks (2 professional references-not family members)
- Drivers must have a current driver’s license and abstract
- Proof of insurance with $3 million Extended Third Party Liability coverage
- Recommend at least double vaccination for COVID-19 due to interaction with elder clients
- Must have own vehicle. Clean and in good repair. Able to provide a smoke-free environment.
Commitment
- Minimum 6 months commitment
- Appointments are made Monday – Friday, 8:30 am-4:30 pm (occasional evening or Saturday)
Training
- Orientation provided
- Program Orientation provided by volunteer (1-2 shifts)
- Additional training as required
Benefits
- Mileage reimbursement
- Annual Appreciation Event
- 1-year BCAA membership
Reports To
- Supervisor Support Services (604-520-6621)
- Volunteer Coordinator (604-520-6621)
Social Outings Host/Hostess
**OPEN**
Intent of Program
Supports seniors who may be isolated or face barriers to participate in community events, dining out, shopping, recreation, live theatre, musical performances, and recreational activities.
Duties
- Assist the clients on and off the bus as needed.
- Welcome and introduce new clients.
- Collect payment/fees from the seniors when necessary.
- To act as a liaison between SSS clients and community organizations, as necessary.
- Socialize and engage in conversation with clients.
- Assist clients with their meal/beverage (e.g. cut food, help with condiments), when necessary/applicable.
- Inform the Coordinator of Volunteer and Social Programs when a client is absent.
- Assist the bus driver with walkers/wheelchairs and other tasks as required.
Qualifications
- 20 Years of Age or older
- Capable and willing to handle cash (maximum $150).
- Physically able to help clients on and off the bus.
- Ability to understand and be understood in English.
- Good Interpersonal Skills: friendly, outgoing, courteous, patient.
- Ability to work independently.
- Capacity to maintain confidentiality.
- Able to communicate in a clear and effective manner.
- Punctual and reliable.
Requirements
- A mandatory criminal record check
- Provide reference checks
Commitment
- 1-4 shifts/month for approximately 3-5 hours; Days Vary
- Minimum 6-month commitment
Training
- Volunteer Orientation
- Program Training provided by volunteer (1-2 shifts)
- Additional training as required
Benefits
- Free Coffee/Tea/Meal when applicable
- Free Admission to Events
- Annual Volunteer Appreciation Event
Reports To
- Coordinator Volunteer & Social Programs
- Bus Driver
Friendly Support Caller
**OPEN**
Intent of Program
To provide socialization, emotional support and encouragement to isolated seniors.
Duties
- From home, contact the clients via telephone.
- Engage the clients in a friendly, social conversation. Ideally up to 25 minutes long.
- Provide appointment reminders.
- Notice any health or emotional changes. Report any issues/concerns to Supervisor of Support Services. Access emergency intervention for client if needed.
- Make regular entries on tracking form to report dates/times of contact for program data collection
- Communicate regularly with the Volunteer Coordinator.
Qualifications
- 20 Years of Age or older
- Ability to understand and be understood in English
- Must be able to use the internet and communicate via email
- Good Interpersonal Skills: friendly, outgoing, courteous, patient
- Ability to work independently
- Capacity to maintain confidentiality
- Able to communicate in a clear and effective manner
- Punctual and reliable
- Comfortable dealing with emotional issues/topics while maintaining appropriate boundaries
- Ability to initiate and sustain a conversation
- Be in good physical and mental health
Requirements
- Mandatory criminal record check
- Provide a current resume
- Provide reference checks (2 professional references-not family members)
Commitment Required
- One or more mornings per week; Starting at 9:00am; Approx. 2 – 3 hours
- Minimum 6 month commitment
Benefits
- Connecting with People
- Giving Back to the Community
Training Required
- Volunteer Orientation
- Overview of role provided by volunteer (1-2 shifts)
- Additional training as required
Reports To
- Support Services Supervisor (604-520-6621)
- Volunteer Coordinator (604-520-6621)
Forms & Tax
**OPEN**
Intent of Program:
To provide assistance to seniors with completing simple income tax returns and other essential forms so they can access benefits and services they are entitled to.
Duties
Assist seniors with completing simple income tax returns.
- Old Age Security (OAS)
- Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
- Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
- Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER)
- Fair Pharmacare
- Medical Services Plan (MSP)
- Bus pass applications
- Replacement documents
- Prepare for appointments and ensure forms are completed accurately
- Refer client concerns beyond program scope to SSSBC staff
- Maintain confidentiality and follow SSSBC volunteer policies
Qualifications
- 20 years of age or older
- Previous experience completing income tax returns and government forms is required.
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Comfortable working with forms, documents and basic financial information.
- Good interpersonal skills: friendly, patients and supportive.
- Ability to work independently.
- Capacity to maintain confidentiality.
Requirements
- Criminal record check mandatory
- Provide current resume
- Provide two professional references (not family members)
Commitment
- Minimum 6 months commitment
- Shifts are 2 hours, scheduled in advance
- Appointments are currently booked:
- Tuesdays: 9:30am-11:00am and 1:30pm – 3:00pm
- Thursdays: 10:00am – 11:30am
- We are ideally looking for coverage on Thursday afternoons as the program expands.
Training
- Program orientation (policies, procedures, office equipment, forms overview)
- No training is provided for ta preparation or government forms – volunteers must have these skills prior to starting
Benefits
- Make a direct impact by helping seniors access benefits and complete tax returns
- Gain experience with client services in a supportive environment
- Annual appreciation event
Reports to
- Supervisor Support Services
- Coordinator of Volunteer Programs
To apply email paul@sssbc.ca
Questions?
Questions about a volunteer position or the application process? Reach out to us directly for more information!
