The Humane Education Program is an excellent way to connect with youth in our community and teach them about empathy, compassion and responsible pet ownership by focusing on the human-animal bond. Annually, more than 4000 youth participate in the Humane Education Program – building skills in social and emotional development.

Based on Humane Education Volunteers’ skill set and chosen course / club, they may support this important GTHS program at our Collingwood Animal Centre and/or in the community and/or virtually. The majority of our programming takes place onsite at our Animal Centre.

Description
Reporting to and supporting the Humane Education Specialist, Humane Education Volunteers assist and engage youth aged between 7-17 enrolled in a range of GTHS after-school programs. The youth age group supported will depend on the course / club the HE Volunteer selects.

Time Commitment
An eight week commitment is ideal (usually consecutive weeks, excluding Statutory Holidays). Specified shift times include arrival 15 minutes before and ending approximately 15 minutes after the club / program session time.

Roles and Responsibilities
Roles and responsibilities will depend on the club / program selected, and may include:

- Assisting the Humane Education Specialist to run the program
- Helping to create a fun, encouraging learning workplace
- Live videoing and explanation of Animal Centre activities (tour, Q&A;)
- Making animal related crafts
- Engaging, supervising and working with children to direct their activities
- Ensuring animals are being handled compassionately
- Answering questions that arise

Qualifications

- 18 years of age or older
- Access to transportation
- Vulnerable Sector Police Check




- Teaching experience of any kind is an asset
- Enjoy craft making (relevant if signing up to support the After School Club or Craft Club)
- Comfortable working within a team and independently
- Excellent communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Passionate and patient
- Interested in helping youth learn and develop skills
- Ability to engage with students and at-risk youth in a professional and informed manner
- Follow GTHS Confidentiality Policy and maintain strict confidentiality about students’ background and/or personal information
- Willingness to learn about animal welfare
- Ability to promote compassion and empathy for all living things
- Committed to the vision, mission and values of the GTHS

Working Conditions: A current Vulnerable Sector Police Check must be supplied and Customer Service training must be completed before commencing any HE Volunteer duties. As appropriate, HE Volunteers must be trained by a Dog Care Coordinator or designate and complete the ‘Fear Free Shelter Program’ before handling any GTHS dogs.

Impact the youth of today who will be the pet owners and animal care workers of the future. If you’re confident around children, and are looking for ways to support community members AND get your ‘cat fix’ – look no further!

Please apply today to assist on an ‘as needed’ basis with animal centre tours and/or to provide coverage when a scheduled volunteer is unable to assist with our youth programming.

Alternatively, we’d appreciate your assistance one Friday a month when our ”Parents’ Night Out’ session(s) take place.

Please visit www.gths.ca/volunteer to learn more. Thank you.

Benefits:

- Flexible schedule

Work Location: In person

📌 Volunteer: Humane Education (Barrie)
🏢 Georgian Triangle Humane Society Volunteering
📍 Barrie