VOLUNTEER APPLICATION FORM

APPLICATION & SCREENING PROCESS

1) Please complete the volunteer application form;

2) Obtain a Vulnerable Sector Police Clearance – Information on how to apply will be emailed to you;

3) Training Part 1– Watch a 1-hour individual training video called: Strong from the Start. This will cover the program structure and important topics around healthy relationships and boundaries within your mentoring relationship(s);

4) Training Part 2– Attend a 2-hour virtual group-based training on the Developmental Relationship. This will explain the importance of intentional mentoring and the five elements needed to form a developmental relationship with your mentee(s);

5) Complete the required consent forms;

6)Provide the agency with a copy of your driver’s licence and insurance information (for Community-Based programs only);

7)Attend a Personal Interview (completed virtually).

 

Note: Volunteer mentors are required to be 18-years-of-age or older with the exception of the Homework Club Program which includes youth mentors

How it Works

How The Volunteering Process Works

The order of the steps in the application and assessment process can vary from agency to agency, but the following is a general overview of the process. You, the volunteer applicant:

  • Completes an application with their local agency
  • Submits a vulnerable sector screen, criminal records check, and three or four references
  • Participates in a one-to-one interview with a staff member at the Big Brothers Big Sisters agency
  • Depending on the program, may be asked to participate in an assessment of their home environment
  • Successfully completes an orientation and child safety training
  • Is notified of their acceptance/non-acceptance
  • If accepted as a volunteer mentor, signs an agreement of confidentiality
The Matching Process

Similar to the application and assessment process, the matching process can vary from agency to agency and from program to program, but in general:

  • The caseworker, now familiar with the volunteer and the children and youth waiting to be matched, discusses a potential match with the volunteer, the child or youth, and, depending on the program, with the family
  • The caseworker arranges for a meeting between the child or youth, the volunteer mentor, and often the parent or guardian

If everyone agrees, the match can begin!

  • Application Preamble

    As a friendly reminder, please keep in mind that our mentees benefit most from reliability and consistency. If you are anticipating any major life changes in the next year (or school year for school-based programs) in regards to marital status, children, employment or living situation, please consider if you will be fully able to commit to a young person. The intake team welcomes any questions or discussions regarding this.
  • If you are applying using a mobile device, please select program of most interest. If you are using a PC, you may multi-select by holding Ctrl. Note: The screening process is the same for all programs; however, some programs have an additional training component.

  • CONTACT INFORMATION

  • EMPLOYMENT / EDUCATION INFORMATION

  • VULNERABLE SECTOR REFERENCES

    Vulnerable sector references require all applicants to provide the following references from the following categories that you have known for at least three years. A total of four references are required.

    Please remember to notify your references that they can expect an e-mail or a phone call regarding the management of references, and that a delay in their response prolongs the application process for you.

  • REFERENCE 1: VOLUNTEER OR PAID WORK EXPERIENCE

    Please provide one of the following during the last five years: (1) a volunteer or paid work experience within the vulnerable sector; OR (2) a teacher reference; OR (3) a paid work experience reference. *VOLUNTEER OR WORK EXPERIENCE REFERENCES MUST BE SOMEONE YOU REPORTED TO*

    NOTE: PRIORITY REFERENCES ARE VOLUNTEER OR PAID WORK EXPERIENCE WITHIN THE VULNERABLE SECTOR. IF NOT APPLICABLE, A TEACHER OR EMPLOYER IS ACCEPTABLE.
  • Who is a vulnerable person?

    A vulnerable person is defined as a person who, because of their age, disability, or other circumstances, whether temporary or permanent, are: (A) In a position of dependence on others; or, (B) Are otherwise at a greater risk than the general population of being harmed by a person in a position or authority or trust relative to them.
  • If you are unable to provide an email address for your reference, please contact our Intake Team at VolunteerHH@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca

  • REFERENCE 2: PERSONAL/CHARACTER

    Please note, your reference must have known you for a minimum of three years (Ie. Friend, family friend).
  • If you are unable to provide an email address for your reference, please contact our Intake Team at VolunteerHH@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca

  • REFERENCE 3: SIGNIFICANT OTHER

    If no significant other exists, please provide a family reference (parent or sibling over 18-years-of-age).
  • If you are unable to provide an email address for your reference, please contact our Intake Team at VolunteerHH@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca

  • REFERENCE 4: PERSONAL/CHARACTER

    Please note, your reference must have known you for a minimum of three years (Ie. Friend, family friend).
  • If you are unable to provide an email address for your reference, please contact our Intake Team at VolunteerHH@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca

  • HEALTH INFORMATION

  • CURRENT FAMILY/MARITAL STATUS/PERSONAL INFORMATION

  • CAR INFORMATION

  • Note that we will ask for a copy of your drivers license and insurance for community-based matching.

  • TERMS AND CONDITIONS

    I acknowledge and accept that this application does not guarantee acceptance into the program, and that Big Brothers Big Sisters of Halton and Hamilton is under no obligation to accept or assign me as a volunteer in their program, and is not obliged to provide a reason. If I am matched, I understand and will abide by the job description and code of conduct related to my volunteer position. I agree to abide by the confidentiality guidelines of the Agency. I hereby authorize Big Brothers Big Sisters of Halton and Hamilton to contact any or all of the references listed herein for the purposes of processing my application to become a volunteer in the Agency’s program. I understand that these references will be contacted in confidence. I hereby waive the right to request disclosure of the personal reference given about me. I give permission for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Halton and Hamilton to release pertinent information regarding my file to the parent of the Child in the process of match selection. Further, I agree to allow my file to be viewed by Agency Reviewers for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada, at the time of the agency review, should it be requested. I further grant Big Brothers Big Sisters of Halton and Hamilton permission to release my name, date of birth, agency applied to and notice of acceptance, rejection or withdrawal to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada and for pertinent facts related to my status to be shared within the movement. I understand this application and subsequent information in my file is the property of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Halton and Hamilton. I understand that if Big Brothers Big Sisters of Halton and Hamilton should cease operation, my complete file becomes the property of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada. I understand that the information in my file will be retained by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada for a period ending 75 years after the close of my final match. I hereby release and forever discharge Big Brothers Big Sisters of Halton and Hamilton, and their employees, directors and volunteers from any cause of action or claim for damages, whether bodily injury, death, property damage, or emotional trauma, anxiety or distress arising from my association with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Halton and Hamilton. The implications of the waiver have been explained to me. I understand and consent to them. I further agree that this waiver is made of my own free will and without duress.
  • Please type your full name above to act as an e-signature

  • In completing this application, I consent to the collection of the above information. I have signed my consent below.

    The information you have provided will help our Intake Team being the volunteer enrollment process with you. Some of the information you have provided will be shared with a potential mentee and their family by your assigned Case Manager in order to ensure a successful match. If there is anything you would prefer not to disclose to a mentor, please inform your Case Manager.
  • Please type your full name above to act as an e-signature
  • MM slash DD slash YYYY

VOLUNTEER application form