Volunteer with CMHA
CMHA York Region and South Simcoe has been built upon a tradition of volunteering. We believe volunteers are a vital resource who strengthen our community, help to promote change, and enrich our programs.
We are committed to ensuring effective volunteer involvement in appropriate programs and activities fostered in a safe and supportive environment. In turn, we expect that volunteers will act responsibly and be accountable to program expectations and to our organization. Volunteer involvement is based on integrity, respectful and meaningful relationships, and are mutually beneficial to the volunteer and our organization.
Together, staff and volunteers contribute their efforts toward the achievement of our vision, mission and values.
The Application Process
Step One: Apply Online
Step Two: Applicants will be emailed an invitation to book a telephone screening.
Step Three: Successfully screened applicants will be emailed an invitation to an interview (virtual or in-person). Interviews typically last 30 to 60 minutes.
Step Four: If selected for a volunteer position, applicant will be asked to submit two references and complete a vulnerable sector screening.
Step Five: Volunteer recruits complete online training and orientation.
Step Six: Congratulations! You are now a CMHA volunteer.
Types of Volunteer Roles
Administrative
Help us keep up with the ever-growing need for mental health support by working behind the scenes along with staff in a variety of areas including program support, HR, philanthropy, quality improvement and more. These roles are typically during the day and take place virtually or at a CMHA office location.
Client Programs
Design and run activities for clients with all sorts of backgrounds including special interest groups for youth, 2SLGBTQ+ members and more. Volunteers are needed for daytime, evenings and weekends and may volunteer at a CMHA office, virtually, or out in the community.
Peer
Have you or a family member experienced a mental illness? Our Support for Depression, Family and Caregiver Support Groups and Family and Caregiver Education programs are all facilitated by individuals with lived experience. Individuals who speak languages other than English are particularly encouraged to apply.
Leadership
Our board members, committee chairs, and committee members are volunteers and are some of our most devoted volunteers who offer us their personal and professional experience to help us grow and improve. The schedule of various boards and committees varies but typically requires a monthly commitment to attend in person/virtual meetings.
Events
We have many events throughout the year and we can always use volunteers to help, especially at our annual #MentalHealthinMotion event each June. Special event volunteers may be asked to take part in event set up and tear down, advocacy and awareness raising campaigns, and more. Open to anyone 16+. Events can occur anywhere in York and South Simcoe and may occur during the day, evenings or weekends.
Client-Family Advisor
If you or a family member has received care from CMHA YRSS please also be sure to check out the Client Family Advisor page. Volunteers are needed for daytime, evenings, weekends and may volunteer at a CMHA office, virtually, or out in the community.
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