You can make a difference to a child with autism...Volunteer!
Autism is a neurological disorder that most commonly affects people's communication and socialization skills. Autism Spectrum Disorder affects as many as 1 in 110 people with a 4:1 male to female ratio.
Volunteers at the Centre for Autism Services are highly valued. Join our team as a volunteer and you may be able to work alongside Centre staff to help children, youth and their families.
Group activities run throughout the year, usually in 2-3 hour weekly sessions over an 8-10 week period. Volunteers are needed for programs that focus on self discipline, socialization, play, speech and language and food exposure.
Volunteer opportunities are available for a variety of summer camp programs. Come have fun at camp and help a child along the way!
Administration Volunteer Opportunities
Office Administration
The Administrative Volunteer assists in daily tasks at the Centre’s office located at 4752-99 St. We need someone to come in for 2-3 hours per week during regular business hours. Hours are flexible. Duties include computer work (word processing/spreadsheet), typing, photocopying of materials, completing mail outs, phoning, and filing. As well, there may be other projects to complete.
Communication Resource Volunteer
Create social stories through pictures for the children. Under staff direction the volunteer will facilitate and laminate resources using the Board Maker computer program for pictorial stories. Computer experience is desirable. Board Maker training and support will be given by Centre staff. Hours are flexible.
Volunteer Department Assistant
The Volunteer Department Assistant works under the supervision and direction of the Centre’s Administrator of Volunteer Services at the Centre’s office located at 4752-99 St. for 2-3 hours per week during regular business hours. Hours are flexible. Duties include assisting volunteer development at the Centre; recruitment strategies, and other related volunteer administrative duties.
Fund Development Opportunities
Funding Leadership Volunteer
Leadership volunteers are required to assist with researching and completing required paperwork for funding grants. Previous experience and knowledge with working in a non-profit environment is an asset
Special Event Leaders
Working to enhance the mission, and vision of the Centre for Autism Services Alberta, leadership volunteers are needed to develop and coordinate special event fundraisers. Creativity, exceptional organizational skills, business experience and working with volunteers would be an asset.
Volunteer Requirements
- Have a love for children
- Willing to learn and be a part of a child’s development
- Possess good interpersonal and communication skills
- Must be at least 16 years of age and independently mobile
- Willing to commit 3-4 Hours/Week during the group run session
- Willing to complete the Centre’s Group Volunteer Training, a Criminal Record Check and a Child Intervention (welfare) Check
Benefits
- Help to make a difference in the lives of children, youth, their families and the community
- Gain real life experience with children with ASD
- Volunteer Training, Orientation and Volunteer Manual provided
- An opportunity to volunteer for a non-profit organization with industry professionals that specialize in delivering programs and services for Autism Spectrum Disorder
Opportunities for Professional Development and further related training, in the areas of:
- Behaviour Management, Non Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI), Ethics of Touch, Natural Teaching Strategies and Communication
- Staff always on site for volunteer support
- Gain interpersonal and communication skills
- Opportunities for volunteer advancement
- Opportunities for paid employment
- Reference letter available upon request
If you are interested in receiving a volunteer application please contact Catherine Buhr; cbuhr@centreforautism.ab.ca
Contact Person
Catherine Buhr, Administrator of Volunteer Services
780-488-6600 ext 226
cbuhr@centreforautism.ab.ca
Go to Professional Opportunities