Rainbow Refugee

Commitment: At least 2 days per week (Mondays or Fridays)
Time: Between 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Minimum Commitment: 3 months
Type: In-person (some triage tasks may be hybrid)

Position Overview

This volunteer role combines front-line reception with administrative support related to our overseas triage process. Volunteers contribute to creating a welcoming, respectful, and organized environment for LGBTQI+ refugees and newcomers. You will greet visitors, assist with basic inquiries, and provide logistical support. During quieter office times, you will also assist in reviewing and organizing sponsorship applications from individuals located outside of Canada.

Front Desk Responsibilities

• Greet visitors in a warm and inclusive manner

• Respond to general inquiries and manage the guest sign-in process

• Refer individuals to appropriate staff or team members

• Maintain a clean and calm front desk environment

• Provide basic administrative support as needed

• Support triage tasks during slow office periods

Triage Support Responsibilities

As part of your role, you will also help process initial inquiries and applications from individuals seeking sponsorship from outside of Canada.

• Initial Case Assessment: Review and assess sponsorship applications for eligibility

• Documentation Review: Ensure all required materials are complete and accurate

• Applicant Communication: Request missing information or clarify unclear submissions in a respectful and compassionate manner

• Referrals: Refer applicants to appropriate staff, volunteers, or external agencies when necessary

• Follow-up: Provide updates to applicants regarding the status of their inquiries or cases

• Record Keeping: Maintain accurate notes and tracking in the organization’s system

• Collaboration: Coordinate with staff and other volunteers to ensure consistency and continuity of support

Qualifications

• Must be at least 19 years of age

• Reliable, detail-oriented, and organized

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

• Comfortable working in a multicultural, LGBTQI+-inclusive environment

• Able to use digital tools and manage online records

• Capable of maintaining confidentiality and appropriate boundaries

• Willingness to receive and apply feedback

• Proficient in spoken and written English

• Able to work independently while collaborating as part of a team

• Willing to participate in ongoing training and comply with Rainbow Refugee’s protocols and values

Work Environment and Emotional Readiness

This role is based in an office where staff may be responding to sensitive or high-stress situations, including calls involving trauma, grief, displacement, or urgent safety concerns. While volunteers are not expected to handle crisis situations directly, it is important to be aware that such conversations may occur within the shared office space.

Given the nature of the work, we ask that individuals who are currently navigating their own refugee claim process or who are experiencing active grief or recent personal loss consider applying at a later time. This is to ensure that volunteers are emotionally ready to engage in this role and are able to prioritize their own well-being.

Support and Training

Volunteers will receive training and orientation from the Volunteer Coordinator, along with ongoing support and supervision throughout their time in the role.