Circle Volunteer

Summary To assist individuals as they transition back to the community after incarceration for sexual offending, applying a restorative approach. Two to three trained volunteers are assigned to a Core Member (client), forming a Circle.

Location

In-Person Ottawa, Ontario

When

Opportunity Type

Ongoing - Start Anytime

Schedule

Flexible

About This Opportunity CoSA volunteers will gain valuable experience providing support and accountability to an individual released from incarceration by role-modelling pro-social behaviour and good decision-making.

What to Expect as a CoSA Ottawa Volunteer

Volunteers Hold The Core Member Accountable To Help Them Avoid Reoffending Or Breaching Legal Conditions And To Assist Them In Achieving Their Identified Goals, By

• Offering practical support by helping to secure essential needs (housing, employment, social assistance, community resources
• Challenging problematic attitudes, behaviours, or choices
• Helping the Core Member follow their Self Management Plan
• Acting, always, as a mentor/role model to the Core Member
• Being aware of warning signs and informing staff and other circle members of concerns
• Being available should there be a crisis for the Core Member
• Focusing on the Core Member’s strengths (skills, talents, interests)

Requirements The qualities, skills, and attitudes sought in a CoSA volunteer are:

• A commitment to work within a restorative justice context
• An ability to maintain clear boundaries
• Empathy and non-judgmentalism
• Capacity to problem-solve and make decisions as part of a team
• An ability to separate the individual from the behaviour
• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Basic analytical thinking capacity
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Willingness to learn practical approaches for facilitating discussions
• Ability to accept guidance, supervision and support from, and communicate and provide regular feedback to staff
• Willingness to participate in on-going skills development including (but not limited to): sexual offending, child abuse, trauma awareness, criminal justice process, etc.

Volunteers Must

• Be a minimum age of 18
• Apply and participate in Volunteer Training
• Complete a screening process including: a volunteer interview, provide 2-character references, and a police background check
• Make a commitment to be involved for a minimum of one year
• Commit to approximately two hours/week (a circle meeting and a one-on-one meeting)

Volunteer Requirements

Whether you meet these requirements or not, we encourage you to share your interest in us. You may still be a fit for a different opportunity with our organization.

• Willing to undergo a background or police records check
• Minimum Age

Causes

Community & Social Services First Nations & Indigenous People Legal & Law, Government, & Justice Mental Health & Crisis Support

Skills & Experience Crisis Intervention Skills Visiting / Accompanying Mentoring Mental Health

Tags

CommunitySupport