Volunteers are the foundation of our success!

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Autism Ontario. Our volunteers are the foundation of our success, and we are grateful to each person who commits their time, talent and treasure to advancing our mission and vision.

Please note –

  • All volunteers are required to submit a vulnerable sector check and complete volunteer training.  Details will be sent following your application and successful interview.
  • Volunteers attending our programs must be able to do so independently or be accompanied by a support person.
  • Autism Ontario does not provide transfer-of-care for any of its in-person or online programs and cannot provide transfer of care for volunteers.
  • Volunteers will be responsible for providing in-person support for themselves should they require personal, communication or behaviour support to attend and undertake volunteer duties in any programs.
  • Volunteer registration for our events and programs must include an emergency contact person’s name and telephone number.
  • A signed and dated copy of our Volunteer Policy and Procedure Manual will be necessary to volunteer in programming.

Please fill in an ONLINE APPLICATION expressing your interest in volunteering. 

Here are some of the opportunities we are currently recruiting for:


 

Program Support (Virtual or In Person)

Autism Ontario facilitates hundreds of programs across the province each year. If you love working directly with people, have a zest and enthusiasm for making a difference in the lives of the individuals we are privileged to serve and have an ability to motivate and inspire others, this is the position for you!  

Volunteer support for these programs is critical for their success.  
*Please note that programs can be one day or can run weekly, biweekly or monthly. Some programs will run for up to and including eight weeks.  

To ensure consistency for the individuals we are privileged to serve program volunteers will need to be able to commit to dedicated dates, times and schedules as they align with program offerings. If you are unable to fully commit to a program because of a scheduling conflict, please be mindful of this.  

This volunteer service is often a great fit for individuals, students, and retirees who are looking for an ongoing and consistent commitment to the organization.  
Time commitment: 1 – 5 hours a week. 

Bingo Volunteer (In Person) (York, Simcoe, Niagara Falls, St. Catharines)

As an important source of funding, Autism Ontario is responsible for supporting Charitable Gaming programs across the province with dedicated volunteers. Volunteers act as ambassadors of our mission and vision, greet attendees, interact with participants, and help ensure a smooth delivery of the Bingo experience. Bingo volunteers commit to pre-scheduled shifts. These shifts must be covered in accordance with the commitment Autism Ontario makes to each independent Bingo Hall. If Autism Ontario cannot fulfil these volunteer placements and/or if volunteers disregard their commitment it puts the organization at risk of loosing funding from this important revenue stream. Bingo volunteers should be mindful of this when signing off on their commitment.
Time commitment: 1 – 5 hours a month. 

Fundraising and Event Support

As a non-profit organization, Autism Ontario relies on funds raised through third-party events, provincial fundraising events and other funding streams. Fundraising Events include, galas, golf tournaments, walks, runs and more! We also actively seek to engage communities across the province with large scale outreach events. Most if not all of these one-day, large scale events are the perfect opportunity for individuals who want to volunteer intermittently throughout the year with a team of individuals who have invested hours of planning but desperately need support from volunteers who have an “all hands-on deck” philosophy! 
Time commitment varies. Some events will be 1 – 2 hours while others could involve monthly commitments of up to 12 hours a month. 

   

CARES Volunteer

CARES is a facilitator led, highly interactive, semi-structured six-to-eight-week program. The group facilitators create a safe space where caregivers can feel empowered and overcome the challenges posed by an autism diagnosis, while fostering strong bonds with their peers. As a volunteer in this program you will provide a consistent connection to participants and a consistent support to the facilitators. Programs must be directed by Regional Staff members but are complimented with a community volunteer to facilitate the program and support the unique needs of the participants. 
Time commitment varies according to each CARES Program

For details contact our Cares Regional Program and Volunteer Coordinator by email 
Subject line - CARES Volunteer Inquiry

Administrative Volunteer

This volunteer opportunity is for people who like to get things done. Your attention to detail, savvy organizational skills and ability to work independently are a huge help to various departments in the organization.  

With a large volume of communication tactics being used to engage, thank and steward our families, donors and corporate partners, this pool of volunteers provide an important support system to our executive, program and fundraising team! 
Time commitment: 3 – 10 hours a month

Regional Oversight Committee

The mandate of the Regional Oversight Committee is to assist Autism Ontario Regional staff in the planning, coordination, and operations of programs, special events, and community support activities. 
Time commitment: 3 – 10 hours a month. 

Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) (Four-year commitment)

Each school board and school authority must establish a Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC). These committees are made up of elected school board trustees and representatives from local associations with an interest in special education. Autism Ontario is reserved a seat on each board across the province. 

As an Autism Ontario SEAC member, you will act as a voice for autistic individuals and their families.  

This committee: 

  • provides important advice on special education to their local board or school authority 

  • makes recommendations to their board or authority on anything that impacts the establishment, development and delivery of special education programs and services 
    Time commitment: 3 – 10 hours a month over four years.

Summer Camp Volunteers (South Region - Niagara)

Camp Volunteers are responsible for assisting Autism Ontario in preparing and implementing camp programming for a variety of children with Autism during camp programs. This frontline role works directly with campers and as such it is critical that these volunteers are consistent in attendance. Summer camp volunteers support our South Region. 
Time commitment varies according to each Camp Program

For details contact our South Regional Program and Volunteer Coordinator by email 
Subject line - Summer Camp Volunteer Inquiry

Don't see what you are looking for?

The above descriptions reflect clearly defined volunteer roles. On occasion we have positions unique to those listed above that we may need support in. Feel free to submit your application on line with details about the role you are looking for. 

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