Coordinator of Volunteers

Position Summary

This is a Temporary, full-time position up to 6 months

Preference will be given to bilingual candidate English/French

Reporting to the Associate Executive Director, the Coordinator of Volunteers serves as the first point of contact for potential volunteers and facilitates the application process, pre-screening interviews, training, and placement and performance management. The Coordinator of Volunteers also assigns, coordinates and supports volunteers in a variety of positions, plans and implements volunteer engagement activities, contributes to the evaluation of program effectiveness, and maintains volunteer files and database information. The Coordinator of Volunteers performs all duties in a safe and healthy manner, in accordance with Hospice Niagara’s policies and procedures, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and all other applicable legislation.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensuring goals and objectives are developed and executed in alignment with the vision, mission, values and strategic priorities of Hospice Niagara
• Along with the other Coordinator of Volunteers both incumbents:
  • Serving as the first point of contact for general inquiries and providing information to people who are interested in volunteering
  • Facilitating the recruitment, selection and application process of new volunteers
  • Coordinating general volunteer training using Hospice Palliative Care (HPCO) curriculum
  • Facilitating post-training interviews and role assignment; ensuring role-specific training takes place in an efficient manner, following general volunteer training
  • Coordinating the schedules of ‘in-house’ volunteer roles, including Residence, Welcome Desk, Kitchen, Residence Visiting Volunteers, therapy dogs and bakers.
  • Leading the planning and execution of volunteer engagement activities and ongoing education (e.g. Retreat, Town Halls, Monthly Support Groups, etc.)
  • Problem-solving and addressing program issues related to volunteer support
  • Mentoring and training new staff, volunteers and students
  • Facilitating the annual review process with all volunteers
  • Providing input to achieve accreditation standards and ensure program standards are continuously maintained, including volunteer policies and procedures
  • Maintaining an accurate database and volunteer files
  • Providing statistical reports regarding volunteer programs and effectiveness
  • Supporting and monitoring the recording of volunteer hours for in-house volunteers
  • Providing input to program effectiveness and continuous improvement, including program accreditation
  • Providing backfill to other program staff during vacation, illness, etc.
  • Working proactively to protect the interests of the organization and mitigate risk, whenever possible; advising supervisor of issues and working with a solutions-based approach
  • Maintaining volunteer files and training records, in accordance with privacy legislation
• Raising positive community awareness of hospice palliative care and of the programs and services provided by Hospice Niagara
• Demonstrating personal initiative and participation in other aspects of working for a non-profit organization, including participating in organizational events and fundraising activities
• Represents Hospice Niagara on the CVIG (Coordinator of Volunteers Interest Group) with HPCO (Hospice Palliative Care of Ontario)
• The staff member representative on Hospice Niagara’s VAC (Volunteer Advisory Committee)
• Other duties, as assigned

Skills & Attributes

• Strong active listening, critical thinking, time management, prioritization, and event planning skills
• Highly developed compassion, empathy, confidentiality and integrity
• Demonstrated inter-personal, problem solving and conflict management skills
• Experience effectively communicating information in one-on-one and small group settings
• High degree of self-direction and self-motivation
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English (proficiency in French and other languages considered an asset)
• Strong administrative and organizational skills
• Ability to accurately document information and develop reports
• Strong dedication to the vision, mission and values of Hospice Niagara
• Proficiency in computer skills including Outlook, Microsoft Word and databases
• Occasional flexibility to work varying shifts, including days, nights, evenings, weekends, and holidays based on client, training and program needs
• Exhibit a professional, compassionate and caring approach
• Demonstrate strong active listening and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to develop relationships based on trust, compassion and empathy
• Effectively set appropriate boundaries and understand the limitations of volunteers in client care
• Demonstrate a high degree of self-direction and self-motivation
• Demonstrate a healthy adjustment to loss and exercise ongoing self-care

Academic, Training, Knowledge & Experience

• Fluency in English at a professional level or above required
• Fluency in French at a professional level or above preferred
• Diploma in Social Services, Human Resources, or related program
• Post-graduate training in Volunteer Management, Human Resources, Event Management, Customer Service, or related program (considered an asset)
• At least two years of experience building volunteer capacity within an organization and with demonstrated knowledge in volunteer recruitment, organizational development, performance management, and engagement
• Understanding of health care systems and experience working in a non-profit setting (preferred)
• Vulnerable Sector Police Check (favourable, within past 12 months)
• Fundamentals of Palliative Care (preferred, must be completed within 12 months of hire)
• First Aid/CPR (preferred, must be taken within 12 months of hire)
• Mask Fit (preferred, must be completed within 12 months of hire)
• Safe Food Handling (preferred, must be completed within 12 months of hire)