Volunteer Coordinator

Job Posting: Volunteer Coordinator TITLE: Volunteer Coordinator LOCATION(S): Ottawa, ON (multi-site)

SALARY:
$23.97-$27.04 per hour*
* based on work experience HOURS: Part-Time, 7.5 hours per week, Occasional Evening or Weekend Hours as Required EMPLOYER: John Howard Society of Ottawa

HOW TO APPLY
Please submit your cover letter and resume through the John Howard Society of Ottawa’s website, under the Careers tab at: https://johnhoward.on.ca/ottawa/careers/ CLOSING DATE: Friday, October 30th, 2026 About the environment: Employees at JHS Ottawa say the organizational culture is supportive, innovative, and focused on creating a caring environment for both clients, and staff. At JHS Ottawa, you will find an employer that celebrates the uniqueness of each of its staff members and is committed to promoting an engaging working culture where all employees are encouraged to live their strengths and realize their potential. JHS Ottawa will provide permanent new employees access to a benefit plan, four weeks vacation annually, a Defined Contribution Pension Plan after eligibility waiting period, and opportunities for continual learning and development. About who we support: Our employees are supporting a diverse client group including youth and adults, all genders, from a wide cross section of social, ethnic, linguistic and cultural backgrounds who are representative of our broader community. We are accountable to the people we serve by providing the highest quality of service with integrity through the delivery of responsive, innovative and evidence-informed approaches. About diversity at JHS Ottawa: The John Howard Society of Ottawa is committed to reflecting and responding to the diversity of the people and communities we serve and is seeking that diversity in applicants for this position. We welcome candidates from racialized persons/persons of colour, Indigenous People, women, persons with disabilities, persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+, and all candidates who contribute to furthering the diversity of ideas. We also recognize that people from diverse groups have different needs and require different solutions to gain equal opportunity for success in the hiring process. If you require any accommodation during the interview process, please let us know.

About the role
Volunteers extend what JHS Ottawa can offer the people we serve. They mentor, tutor, drive, cook, sort donations, help at events and give their time in countless other ways. The Volunteer Coordinator makes sure that time is well placed, well supported and properly recognized. Working 7.5 hours per week and reporting to the Director of Human Resources, the Volunteer Coordinator manages the full volunteer cycle: recruitment, screening, onboarding, placement, ongoing support and recognition. This is a small role with real impact. It suits someone organized, warm and comfortable working independently, who can keep a volunteer program running smoothly across several sites and program areas. We’re looking for someone who believes volunteers deserve the same care and respect as any member of our team. The Volunteer Coordinator will bring Compassion & Care to every interaction, show Accountability & Integrity in how screening and records are handled, and practise Engagement & Leadership by making volunteers feel welcome, prepared and valued. Celebrating Uniqueness matters here too: our volunteers come from every background, and so do the people they support. This is a role for someone who knows that a well-run volunteer program comes down to good organization and genuine thanks. Some evening or weekend hours may be needed for orientations and recognition events As the successful candidate, you have:
• Post-secondary education in Volunteer Management, Human Resources, Social Services, Non-Profit Management or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• At least 2 years of experience coordinating volunteers, programs or events, preferably in a non-profit or community setting
• Experience with screening practices, including reference checks and police vulnerable sector checks
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to work independently on a part-time schedule
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, written and verbal
• Sound judgment and discretion in handling confidential information
• Certificate in Volunteer Management or a related professional designation preferred
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and comfort with scheduling or volunteer management software
• Experience in the justice, housing or social services sector preferred
• Understanding of trauma-informed and anti-oppressive practice
• Bilingualism (English/French) an asset You’ll also be prepared to
• Work with program leads to identify volunteer needs and write clear volunteer role descriptions
• Promote volunteer opportunities through community partners, post-secondary institutions, volunteer networks and JHS Ottawa’s channels
• Review applications, conduct interviews and check references
• Coordinate police vulnerable sector checks and other screening requirements in line with JHS Ottawa’s volunteer screening and onboarding process
• Deliver or coordinate volunteer orientation, including confidentiality, boundaries, safety and trauma-informed practice
• Match volunteers to placements based on program needs, skills and interests
• Make sure required agreements, acknowledgements and training are complete before a volunteer starts
• Act as the main point of contact for volunteers, answering questions and resolving concerns promptly
• Check in regularly with volunteers and program staff to make sure placements are working well
• Address performance or conduct concerns in consultation with the Director of Human Resources
• Conduct exit conversations and collect feedback to improve the volunteer experience
• Plan and coordinate volunteer recognition, including the annual Volunteer Appreciation Event
• Find simple, regular ways to thank volunteers and celebrate their contributions year-round
• Keep accurate, confidential volunteer files, screening records and schedules
• Track volunteer numbers, hours and placements for internal and funder reporting
• Recommend updates to volunteer policies, procedures and forms as needed
• Other related duties as assigned You’re a fit with our organizational culture, if you mirror our values in the way you work:
• You are committed to providing the highest quality of care for your clients, through responsive, innovative, and evidence informed approaches.
• Driven by curiosity, you adapt to achieve the best results for clients/communities you serve.
• Celebrating the uniqueness and lived experience of every person is part of your nature, and this conviction creates a sense of belonging, safety, and better outcomes for all.
• You work in a way that helps employees and clients live their strengths and reach their potential
• Work with compassion and care for others, and help JHS build a culture of listening, mutual support, and meaningful connections. You’re a fit with our organizational culture if you believe:
• In building meaningful connections across our programs, partners, and neighbourhoods in order to foster inclusion and empowerment.
• In a person-centred approach, recognizing the value, expertise, and capacity of each individual to make choices that lead to their best self.
• That systemic inequalities exist, and that all people have the right to be treated with dignity, to live free from discrimination, to have a home, and to access employment, education, health promotion and other supports.
• In reducing harm to individuals and communities through a non-judgmental approach that builds resiliency and accountability.
• In the capacity of individuals and communities to adapt, change, and grow while promoting the conditions to inspire positive transformation. We sincerely thank all applicants who express interest in JHS and this position
- only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Fraud Alert / Report a Fraudulent Job Posting If you believe a job posting on our site may be fraudulent or misleading, please report it immediately by:
· Selecting the Report Job Posting link on this posting (hyperlinked to hr@jhsottawa.ca)
· Contacting us directly at hr@jhsottawa.ca Reports may be submitted confidentially. All reports are reviewed by our designated team.