Sources Community Resource Society

Advocacy & Legal Intake Volunteer (Newton)

The Newton Resource Centre provides assistance to people in accessing the benefits and services to which they are entitled. They support individuals with applying for financial benefits, finding safe and affordable housing, and maintaining their housing. The Centre also offers legal assistance related to tenancy matters and human rights issues, helping individuals understand their rights, navigate disputes, and access appropriate advocacy and support services.

Advocacy & Legal Intake Volunteers are the first point of contact for clients seeking support.  Volunteers help to answer telephone inquiries, complete client intakes, and welcome individuals accessing appointments, workshops, and community resources. Volunteers also provide administrative assistance by maintaining client databases and satisfaction surveys, preparing files, and supporting advocates with client follow-up.

To be successful in this position, you will:

• Be 18+ years of age.
• Demonstrate an awareness and understanding of poverty and homelessness-related issues and engage with clients in an empathetic, positive and professional manner.
• Have the ability to work well with diverse client populations and relate to individuals across all socioeconomic and cultural groups.
• Have the ability to build rapport with a variety of individuals while maintaining a professional demeanour and firm professional boundaries.
• Have the ability to exercise good judgement in a demanding and continually changing work environment.
• Have the ability to work in a dynamic and energetic environment; as an individual as well as with supervision and support.
• Be flexible, detail oriented and possesses an ability to take initiative, accept direction and work effectively both independently and in a team environment.
• Knowledge of local community resources and support services is an asset.
• Be familiar with business technology; computer/technical skills and experience, including MS Office 10, internet navigation and research, and standard office equipment.
• Be willing to secure a Criminal Record Check (at no cost to Sources volunteers).  All positions have been designated by Sources Community Resource Society as requiring a Criminal Records Review prior to an applicant being employed in this capacity.  Certain police records may preclude the appointment to certain positions.

Time Commitment
One day a week: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm or 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm

Benefits of this volunteer position:
This position offers the opportunity to be a direct point of support and assistance to those individuals in the community who need it most. The demographic of clients being served often includes vulnerable and unsupported individuals in critical need of advocacy support. This position is a very real opportunity to get involved and be that point of contact for individuals as they move towards improving their current circumstances.