Summit Housing & Outreach Programs

Our Group Leader Volunteer play a truly meaningful role in creating a warm, uplifting atmosphere within our Health and Wellness Program. By leading our social and recreational groups, Group Leader helps participants feel welcomed, included, and supported. Their leadership fosters genuine connection, encourages friendships, and creates a sense of belonging where everyone is valued and celebrated.

Responsibilities:

• Teach, lead, and support participants in recreational activities both in the office and out of the community.
• Welcome participants, help them feel comfortable, and assist them in locating program information.
• Supports individuals in learning new skills by offering encouragement, guidance, and positive role-modeling.
• Help participants connect with other group members by modelling strong social skills.
• Notify the Volunteer Coordinator when program supplies, materials, or equipment need to be restocked.
• Assists with preparing and organizing recreation spaces before group activities.
• Demonstrate respect, understanding, and the ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.
• Collaborate with agency staff, external partners, and clients as needed.
• Attend team meetings, supervision sessions, and training opportunities as requested by the Volunteer Coordinator.
• Report weekly attendance and relevant updates to the Volunteer Coordinator.

Duties:

• Represent Summit with professionalism, respect, and compassion in all interactions.
• Offer support and act as a positive mentor for individuals living with mental health challenges/addiction as they navigate their personal recovery journeys.
• Communicate promptly with the Volunteer Coordinator if you notice that a client appears uncomfortable, distressed, or in crisis. Volunteers are not expected to - and should not - provide professional counselling.
• Identify potential physical safety concerns/risk factors and notify the Volunteer Coordinator or appropriate staff member.
• Promote a positive, confidential, and supportive environment for Summit clients.
• Demonstrate respect, adaptability, flexibility, and a cooperative spirit when working with others.
• Understand personal and professional boundaries and always maintain confidentiality.

Requirements and qualifications:

• Criminal Reference Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening is required.
• Knowledge or understanding of mental health and/or addiction-related challenges, whether through personal experience, education, or supporting others.
• Comfort communicating in English, additional language/s is considered as an asset.
• Effective communication skills, with the ability to engage respectfully and clearly.
• Group facilitation or presentation skills are considered an asset.
• Ability to build positive, trusting, and supportive relationships with service users.
• Problems-solving skills and a collaborative mindset.
• Motivation to support individuals who may be experiencing disadvantages, marginalization, or vulnerability.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion and creating safe, welcoming spaces for all.
• Awareness of basic health & safety practices in a community or workplace setting.
• Lived experience with mental health/addiction is considered an asset.
• Experience supporting, or participating in, consumer/survivor-led programs is considered an asset.

Shifts

The role requires scheduled but flexible shifts, approximately four hours of availability per month, and a minimum of six-month commitment.

Working Conditions

Group Leader Volunteers may support individuals who occasionally experiencing emotional distress or heightened behaviours, and must remain calm, communicate respectfully, and follow safety procedures as needed.

Summit Housing & Outreach Programs is committed to fostering an equitable and inclusive environment. We welcome applications from racialized individuals, members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities, and individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. Accommodations are available throughout the selection process upon request.