Coordinator of Volunteers (Bilingual - French/English)

Position Summary

Reporting to the Senior Director, the Coordinator of Volunteers (Bilingual – French/English) 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 (Bilingual – French/English) 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 (Bilingual – French/English) 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

• Bilingual fluency in French and English at a professional level or above
• 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)