Language Assessment and Referral Services

With five locations across Toronto, the YMCA Language Assessment and Referral Centres (CLARS) support immigrants who require English or French language assessment. These tests are based on nationally recognized standards that measures speaking, listening, reading and writing which are administered by Certified Language Assessors in order to place learners in government-funded language programs. Assessment Centre Assistants partner with staff to support the day-to-day operations of the CLARS program.

CLARS can be found at the following centres:

• The Barrett YMCA Centre for Newcomers to Canada
• Lansing Square YMCA Immigrant Services
• Etobicoke YMCA Employment and Immigrant Services
• North York YMCA Employment and Immigrant Services
• Scarborough Milner YMCA Employment and Immigrant Services

Time Commitment:

• Minimum two hours a week for three months during centre hours Monday – Friday.

Qualifications:

• Minimum age 15.
• Volunteers 18 years of age or older will need to provide a Vulnerable Sector Screening from their local police service before their first day of volunteering and every three years on the anniversary of their first day of volunteering.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Strong ability to relate with diverse clientele.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality; be sensitive to client’s/member’s needs.
• Basic knowledge of computer skills and office equipment.
• Intermediate to advance English language skills.
• Knowledge of second language is an asset.
• Ability to work and multi-task within a team setting in a fast-paced environment.
• Acceptance and adherence to YMCA values and local centre’s policies and procedures.