Volunteer at CFS
Are you interested in giving back to your community by helping to ensure high-quality mental health services are available when needed for everyone? CFS is interested in recruiting skilled volunteers who come from diverse backgrounds to assist on our Board of Directors and other executive committees, in our office and with events and fundraising. We embrace equity, diversity and inclusion in our work and throughout our organization.
Other Ways To Support CFS
Donate
Making a donation online, in person or over the phone is easy and secure. Receipting is automatic for gifts $20+.
Sponsor
Let’s create a win-win by aligning our brands!
Fundraise
Join one of our initiatives – or create your own!
Why Volunteer with Us?
CFS values our volunteers so much, we just added three categories of volunteer appreciation to our annual Hopeful Heart Awards. Will you earn a nomination next time?
A formal volunteer program.
We match our volunteers to the opportunities that have meaning to them – then provide them with a job description, a letter of engagement, onboarding and ongoing support and supervision.
Our impact is significant.
Our team believes mental health is for everyone. Last year in Simcoe County, we served more than 3,500 unique clients with 11,061 service hours. Client survey respondents gave us a 95% satisfaction rate.
Volunteer Onboarding Process
Click on the icons below to review our process.
Apply
Agreement
Volunteer
Evaluation
1
Application
We value our volunteers because they’re the best! We know that from the start, because our rigorous application process requires an application form, a cover letter/resume, police check and reference checks. Sound like a lot? Not to worry, we make this one-time process easy.
2
Agreement
At the end of your application process, we’ll both sign a letter of agreement that ensures our expectations are the same. Then your onboarding process begins with the training you’ll need to excel. We can’t wait to meet you!
3
Volunteer
We know this is the fun part – and you’ll get there fast. Throughout your time at CFS, you’ll have a team of support. Our dedication to creating Safer Spaces in our work environment environment extends to our volunteers. Have questions or need help? We’re never far away.
4
Checking In & Evaluation!
We’ll be checking in with you at regular intervals during your tenure with CFS – and will ask you to complete a short engagement survey if you decide to move on. This ensures we’re attending to your needs on an ongoing basis, and that our volunteer program is always improving!
Client Rights & Responsibilities
At CFS Counselling + Wellbeing, we foster a culture of mutual respect and inclusivity, where everyone feels safe and valued. We do not tolerate discriminatory or aggressive behaviors and expect all clients, staff, volunteers, and partners to contribute to this positive environment. I understand that a failure to uphold this culture of respect may result in termination of services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Thank you for considering CFS as your (or one of your) charities of choice!
We’re sure you have questions and this is a place to start. While you can contact volunteering@cfssc.ca for more information, we’ve also compiled this list of FAQs for you to browse in the meantime. Maybe your question will be on the list!
CLOSED
I would like to volunteer at CFS. What opportunities are available and how do I get started?
The volunteer page on the CFS website provides a job description of all agency volunteer opportunities and provides application instructions for each. Just choose a role you’re interested in and follow the specific directions provided. If you have questions along the way, please email volunteering@cfssc.ca.
Is a criminal record and vulnerable sector check required prior to volunteering at CFS?
Yes. To complete the application process and prior to volunteering, candidates must submit a criminal record and vulnerable sector check. CFS will provide a letter for you to use for this purpose. CFS’s volunteer coordinator will provide you with more information when you get to that point in the process.
I am interested in joining the CFS Board of Directors. Is board experience required to apply?
Board and governance experience is considered an asset for candidates. Interests, skills, volunteerism, professional experience are also considered.
Does CFS have a volunteering program to assist high school students complete their required 40 hours of community service?
Absolutely! CFS works with youth to create flexible opportunities. Please submit an application to that volunteer position on the volunteer page of our website, and you’ll have a chance to discuss the opportunities further when you connect with our youth team.
Is there a set duration commitment required for CFS volunteers?
Every opportunity has a minimum time expectation. Please refer to the job description that you’re interested in for commitment details.
Are there CFS volunteer opportunities geared toward older adults and retirees?
Yes! Our MatureMinds runs a robust volunteer program for older adults. Please see the MatureMinds job description for details about that program. We encourage you to apply for all other positions you are interested in and are eligible for as well.