General Volunteer Application
Job No:
VOL001
Location:
Toronto
GENERAL VOLUNTEER APPLICATION
Overview
Cota is seeking compassionate and enthusiastic volunteers to join our team in supporting a variety of programs and activities. Volunteers play an important role in creating welcoming, engaging, and inclusive environments for the people we serve. Opportunities may include helping with group activities, providing friendly conversation and companionship, supporting events, assisting with set-up and cleanup, or lending a hand with other program needs.
About Cota & the People We Serve
Cota is an accredited community-based organization that provides mental health, housing, and community support services across Toronto. We work alongside people who may be living with mental health challenges, acquired brain injuries, experiences of poverty, or other hardships.
Our approach is harm reduction focused and client-centered: we meet people where they are, respect individual choices, and work together toward personal goals. Volunteers play an important role in supporting this environment of dignity, inclusion, and empowerment.
Responsibilities (may include)
- Greeting and welcoming service users
- Assisting with program setup (materials, refreshments, seating, etc.)
- Engaging with clients through conversation, games, or activities
- Offering light assistance to group participants (e.g. helping with refreshments, mobility support)
- Supporting staff with group facilitation or event coordination
- Assisting staff with simple administrative tasks (e.g. preparing materials, photocopying etc.)
- Helping to track attendance or maintain sign-in sheets during programs
- Tidying up and putting away materials at the end of program/activity
Requirements
- Volunteers must be 16 years of age or older
- Police Record Check and/or Vulnerable Sector Screening (depending on role)
What You’ll Gain
- Direct experience in a supportive mental health and/or housing program
- Develop valuable communication and interpersonal skills
- Build connections within the community and with like-minded volunteers
- Make a meaningful impact in the lives of others
- Confirmation of volunteer hours and reference letters upon successful completion
Application Details
As part of our volunteer application process, all applicants are required to provide a Police Record Check and/or a Vulnerable Sector Screening (depending on the role). To help avoid delays and ensure a smooth process, we recommend obtaining these documents before starting your application. Successful applicants will be contacted for a brief interview.
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Hope, respect, dedication, equity, accountability, collaboration, and innovation are key values of Cota. We are dedicated to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace, upholding dignity, and acknowledging each person’s individual contributions and potential as an equal-opportunity employer. We uphold the Ontario Human Right Code and strongly encourage applications from people of color, women, Indigenous Peoples, people with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ people, and others who provide various viewpoints. Cota ensures an accessible hiring process in line with the AODA principles, providing accommodations for applicants with disabilities. For any accommodation requests or additional questions, please email us at volunteer@cotainspires.ca