Social Skills Program Volunteer - HPL - Terry Berry Branch [Hamilton]

Location: 100 Mohawk Rd W, Hamilton, ON L9C 1W1
Day of Week: Monday and/or Tuesday

Commitment: 1 x night per week per program session required
Fall: September 28, 2026 - December 4, 2026
Winter: January 11, 2027 - March 12, 2027
Spring: April 5, 2027 – June 4, 2027 

Under the guidance of a Program Facilitator, volunteers support the delivery of our Social Skills: Friendships and Relationships program and help create a safe, inclusive, and encouraging environment where children can develop meaningful social connections, build confidence, and strengthen their interpersonal skills.

This program serves children in Grades 1–8 with diverse learning needs. Volunteers work alongside facilitators to support participants through structured activities, cooperative games, group discussions, and individualized encouragement. Responsibilities may include assisting with student arrival and dismissal, providing movement breaks as needed, and offering one-to-one support to participants who require additional assistance. Comprehensive training is provided and mandatory for all volunteers.

Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age. Volunteers who are 18 years of age or older must provide a clear Vulnerable Sector Check, dated within the past 12 months. Additional volunteer opportunities may be available based on program needs and mutual interest.

Responsibilities
Arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start of each session.
Support Program Facilitators and staff in delivering high-quality social skills programming.
Assist with student arrival and dismissal procedures and help maintain a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment.
Work collaboratively with Program Facilitators to support participants' social-emotional development and individual goals.
Assist with engaging, interactive activities, games, and discussions that promote friendship-building, communication, self-awareness, emotional regulation, and relationship skills.
Provide one-to-one or small-group support to participants who benefit from additional guidance and encouragement.
Encourage positive social interactions and support the development of adaptive behaviours through gentle redirection and positive reinforcement as needed.
Serve as a positive role model by demonstrating respectful communication, empathy, cooperation, and inclusive behaviour.
Help foster a supportive environment where participants feel valued, accepted, and empowered to build meaningful relationships.
Assist Program Facilitators with collecting and recording participant progress data to support ongoing program evaluation and communication with families.
Complete other related duties as mutually agreed upon with program staff.

Requirements
Be at least 16 years of age.
Attend and complete mandatory volunteer training.
Volunteers 18 years of age and older must provide a clear Vulnerable Sector Check dated within the past 12 months.
Demonstrate reliability, professionalism, and a commitment to supporting children and youth.
Be comfortable working with students in Grades 1–8 with diverse learning needs.
Commit to creating a positive, respectful, and inclusive environment for all participants.