Support Volunteer

A caring community is provided via Circles of Support and Accountability (CoSA) for those with violent and sexual offending histories who are at a high risk of harming themselves or others. In order to focus on support and accountability for the participant, CoSA is looking for volunteers who can commit to a weekly meeting lasting between one and two hours with a circle (participant, staff, and volunteers).

Role responsibilities:

-Identify the needs, assets, and risk factors of the participant

-Facilitate an open and honest discourse and demonstrate healthy, accountable relationships in line with the CoSA principles and a signed circle agreement.

-Support the core member in adopting healthy habits and in looking for outside assistance for problems that fall outside the scope of the circle, such as addictions, mental health issues, learning difficulties, etc.

-Support the core member in addressing their practical requirements, such as planning how to find work or a place to live.

- Respect confidentiality

Required skills:

-Determined to learn about and work in a restorative justice environment -Capable of upholding boundaries

-Empathy and non-judgmentality; the ability to problem-solve, learn from, and make decisions as a team; strong interpersonal and communication skills; and the capacity to be constructive

-Ability to be proactive while also seeking assistance when necessary

-Willingness to learn practical methods for facilitating discussions Capability to take direction, supervision, and support from, and interact with, staff

-Consistent and dependable

-Awareness of the interplay between settler colonialism and Canada's judicial system

Time commitment:

CoSA circles meet for 1-2 hours weekly and we ask for a minimum one year commitment once you are placed in a circle.

CRIMINAL RECORD CHECK AND CHILD ABUSE REGISTRY CHECK REQUIRED!