Volunteer Position: Pathways to Growth Literacy & Workshop Volunteer
Program Area: Developmental Disability Support
Reports To: Program Manager / Volunteer Coordinator
Position Type: Volunteer
Locations:
- Brampton: 7700 Hurontario St., Unit 307B
- Mississauga: 1525 Cuthbert Ave.
- Time Commitment:
- 22.5 hours per weekPosition Schedule
- Mondays: 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- Tuesdays: 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
- Wednesdays: 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
- Thursdays: 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Position Overview We are seeking a compassionate, dependable, and enthusiastic Pathways to Growth Literacy & Workshop Volunteer to support our literacy, educational, workshop, and life skills programming for individuals with developmental disabilities.
The volunteer will help create a welcoming, respectful, inclusive, and supportive learning environment while assisting participants in developing literacy, academic, communication, technology, independence, and everyday life skills.
This position is ideal for someone who enjoys working with people, is patient and encouraging, and is passionate about creating meaningful learning opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Key Responsibilities
- Support participants with literacy and educational upgrading in:
- English
- Reading and comprehension
- Math
- Science
- Geography
- History
- Computer and digital literacy
- Basic research and study skills
- Assist participants with individualized learning activities under the direction of program staff.
- Provide one-on-one and small-group learning support as required.
- Assist with planning, preparing, and facilitating educational activities and learning exercises.
- Assist with facilitating and running virtual workshops and online learning sessions.
- Support participants in developing practical computer and technology skills.
- Help participants build everyday life skills, including:
- Personal organization and time management
- Following routines and schedules
- Basic money management and budgeting
- Grocery shopping and meal planning
- Communication and social skills
- Community safety and awareness
- Using technology for everyday tasks
- Problem-solving and decision-making
- Encourage participants to develop confidence, independence, self-advocacy, and positive communication skills.
- Provide positive reinforcement and celebrate participant progress and achievements.
- Help prepare worksheets, learning materials, activities, games, and other educational resources.
- Maintain a positive, respectful, patient, and inclusive learning environment.
- Build positive and professional relationships with participants while maintaining appropriate boundaries.
- Follow all organizational policies, confidentiality requirements, health and safety procedures, and program guidelines.
- Communicate participant concerns, challenges, or observations to program staff.
- Perform other program-related duties as assigned by the Program Manager or Program Coordinator.
Required Qualifications
- Genuine interest in supporting individuals with developmental disabilities.
- Patient, compassionate, respectful, and encouraging approach.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work effectively with individuals with diverse learning styles and abilities.
- Dependable and able to commit to the required volunteer schedule.
- Ability to follow direction and work collaboratively with program staff.
- Comfortable supporting both in-person and virtual programming.
- Valid Vulnerable Sector Check required.
- Valid First Aid certification/training required.
Experience & Preferred Skills Relevant experience is considered an asset,
particularly experience in:
- Developmental disability services
- Education or tutoring
- Literacy or academic support
- Recreation or community programming
- Social services
- Mentoring or coaching
- Facilitating workshops or group activities
- Working with individuals with diverse learning needs
Additional preferred skills include:
- Experience tutoring or mentoring individuals with developmental disabilities.
- Knowledge of person-centred and individualized learning approaches.
- Ability to explain concepts clearly and adapt instructions to different learning needs.
- Creativity in developing engaging educational and life skills activities.
- Strong computer and digital literacy skills.
- Experience facilitating virtual workshops or online programs.
- First Aid Level C certification is an asset.
Training & Support Volunteers will receive orientation and ongoing guidance from program staff. Training and orientation may include:
- Developmental disability awareness
- Person-centred support
- Inclusive communication strategies
- Supporting different learning styles
- Professional boundaries
- Confidentiality and privacy
- Safeguarding and participant safety
- Program policies and procedures
- Virtual workshop and technology procedures
Impact of the Role Volunteers are an significant part of the Pathways to Growth program. Through their time, encouragement, and support, volunteers help participants strengthen academic and practical skills, build confidence, develop greater independence, participate more fully in their communities, and achieve their personal learning goals.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to send resume to:
Tanija Talbot
Program Manager
Email:
[email protected]
Please include your relevant experience, availability, and confirmation that you hold a valid Vulnerable Sector Check and First Aid certification.
Pay: $0.01 per hour
Work Location: In person
📌 Devlopemental Disabilties Literacy Volunteer (Mississauga)
🏢 The Learning Place
📍 Mississauga