Volunteering

University Settlement is deeply grateful for the dedication and commitment of our volunteers, whose work is essential to our achievements and impact in the community.

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”
– Dr. Seuss

University Settlement volunteers are a passionate and diverse bunch. Join the growing group of people who give their time and talents to help communities thrive. Whether you’re an administrative expert, love photography, thrive on interacting with people, or love sharing the life-changing work of raising funds for communities, there are volunteer opportunities waiting for you!

Update: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, our programs and services are continually evolving and so are our volunteer recruitment needs. Any active volunteer positions, both in-person and/or virtual, will be posted to this page. Please use the Becoming a volunteer application found below to apply for any position(s) of interest. (We would love to know you even if the current list of volunteer opportunities is not something you are interested in. We have new ones coming in very frequently)

Please note any in-person volunteer positions will require proof of full COVID-19 vaccination. Also candidates who plan to volunteer with us will need to get a vulnerable sector police check.

Become A Volunteer

Most volunteer assignments are flexible to your availability. Connect with us and we will match you with an opportunity that meets your personal goals.

Submit An Application

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I volunteer with University Settlement?

Our volunteers give their time and lend a variety of skills to making a difference in the community and, helping more Canadians learn about the work of University Settlement. Not only do our volunteers coach others, but also serve as role models for all the young people who come to University Settlement

How do I know which is the best volunteer opportunity for me?

This website has the most comprehensive information about all our volunteer opportunities. Please take some time to read through and investigate the many ways you can use your skills to make an impact. We want to help you find the best fit given your skills, interest, and time.

How long before I can start volunteering?

Once you fill out the application form, we work hard to assess the best fit. In some cases, reference checks and interviews are required. We will contact you once your application has been fully processed. You can expect to hear from us within 10-15 days from the date you submit your application.

Why the in-depth application process?

University Settlement is committed to helping you find the best fit and volunteer opportunity. It is important to us to assemble the very best team of volunteers we can. Our responsibility to our donors and the people we serve is important to us. Our application process helps us accomplish these goals.

Will I get community service hours by volunteering with University Settlement?

We are happy to have youth volunteers looking to fulfill their high school community service hours join us!

Check out the opportunities below and start making the world a better place.

Current Opportunities

Music & Arts School Piano Accompanist

Description and Details

We’re looking for skilled pianist, at least 15 years old and entering Grade 10 at a minimum who would love to share their talent and skills by accompanying the University Settlement’s Children’s Choir. Potential Candidates should play at level 8 RCM or higher and should be decent at sight-reading! It’s an excellent opportunity to get credit for the volunteer hours you need to graduate high school.

What You’ll Be Doing

  • Assisting the choir teacher to supervise and support the children taking Children’s Choir
  • Attending choir rehearsals on Wednesdays from 5:00 to 8:00 pm (Children’s Choir from 5:00 to 6:00 pm; Settlement Singers from 6:30 to 8:00 pm)
  • Being an enthusiastic role model who demonstrates a positive attitude and respect

Who We’re Looking For

  • Skilled pianists playing at a level 8 RCM or higher, who are comfortable sight-reading
  • Excellent oral communication and interpersonal skills
  • Must be a minimum of 15 years of age

Volunteer Benefits

  • Valuable training and experience in how to plan and run choir rehearsals
  • High school Volunteer Hours credit
  • Opportunities to attend free concerts and performances through our partnerships with professional local arts and dance organizations

Required Availability

Choir classes run weekly on Wednesdays from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. Choir will run for the 2022-2023 school year.

Location

University Settlement, 23 Grange Road, Toronto

How do I apply?

Drop into the music office to let us know or contact us at the information listed below:

Music & Arts School Dance Assistant

Description and Details

We’re looking for skilled dancers, at least 15 years old and entering Grade 10 at a minimum who would love to work with children enrolled in our dance program. It’s an excellent opportunity to build your leadership and teamwork skills and get credit for the volunteer hours you need to graduate high school.

What You’ll Be Doing

  • Assisting the dance teacher to supervise and support the children taking dance classes
  • Assisting with setting up and take down of dance specific equipment
  • Being an enthusiastic role model who demonstrates a positive attitude, proper dance technique and respect

Who We’re Looking For

  • Enthusiastic high school students, with previous dance training
  • Excellent oral communication and interpersonal skills
  • Love of kids
  • Must be a minimum of 15 years of age

Volunteer Benefits

  • Valuable training and experience in how to plan and run dance classes for children
  • High school Volunteer Hours credit
  • Opportunities to attend free concerts and dance performances through our partnerships with professional local arts and dance organizations

Required Availability

Dance classes run weekly on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Volunteers can choose to commit to a whole or partial shift. Classes run through the 2022-2023 school year.

Location

University Settlement, 23 Grange Road, Toronto

How do I apply?

Drop into the music office to let us know or contact us at the information listed below:

Volunteer Coordinator

Title: Volunteer Coordinator
Organization: University Settlement
Reports to: Development and Communications Manager
Date of Start: Immediate
Time commitment: 8 hours a week / full day for events (Up to 7 a year)

Duties:

  • Coordinate with staff to identify volunteer needs
  • Recruit, train, and supervise new volunteers in close coordination with departmental heads
  • Use marketing tools such as outreach programs, e-mails, and volunteer databases
  • Collect volunteer information, availability, and skills, and maintain an up-to-date database
  • Keep new and existing volunteers informed about the organization and volunteer opportunities
  • Maintain schedules and records of volunteers’ work
  • Conduct periodic evaluation of volunteers
  • Prepare codes of conduct and operating procedures in line with the organization’s policies and values

Requirements for the position:

  • Experience in volunteering and recruitment
  • Working knowledge of databases
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Excellent organization and team-building skills

Benefits for you:

  • Interact with the staff, and fellow volunteers
  • Participate in the events
  • Track your hours and gain references for your resume or education
Submit An Application

Photographer

Title: Photographer
Organization: University Settlement
Reports to: Development and Communications Manager
Date of Start: Immediate
Time commitment: 2 hours a week / full day for events (Up to 7 a year)

Duties:

  • Work with US staff to discuss the images they require and how they want to use them
  • Seek out appropriate photographic subjects and opportunities
  • Carry out research and preparation for a shoot
  • Work in different locations to get the right image
  • Edit photos and videos based on the needs of US, able to digitally enhance images
  • Create outstanding photographs that the clients will value as lifelong memories
  • Produce high-resolution digital photos

Requirements for the position:

  • Should have own camera/ equipment
  • Interest in the mission of US and the desire to support the mission and increase public support
  • Previous photographer experience preferred
  • Knowledge of photo editing and uploading
  • Dependable and committed
  • Film and edit professional videos of trainings/ other concerts which can be used for showcasing our work to our stakeholders
  • Good time management
  • Ability to secure own transportation to and from assignment
  • Great introduction to and experience in event photography for a major festival

Benefits for you:

  • Interact with the staff, and fellow volunteers
  • Participate in the events
  • Track your hours and gain references for your resume or education

The volunteer must assign and transfer all copyrights, patents, and trademarks resulting from intellectual property developed, created, or invented by the volunteer during the scope of the volunteer term to University Settlement.

Submit An Application

Digital Media Content Creator

Title: Digital Media Content Creator
Organization: University Settlement
Reports to: Development and Communications Manager
Date of Start: Immediate
Time commitment: 6 hours a week

Duties:

  • Write and conceptualize across various mediums including social, blog, events, etc.
  • Participate in strategic brainstorming, campaign development, creative brief development, and creative execution of campaigns
  • Drive the creation of original concepts that result in effective and compelling communications, leveraging research and other insights wherever applicable
  • Use SEO principles to maximize reach
  • Build social media campaigns that promote University Settlement and communicates the importance of the event within the community, driving participation and support
  • Work with the Communications Manager to execute a social and traditional media coordinated campaign

Requirements for the position:

  • Stellar written and communication skills
  • Strong understanding of the latest strategies and best practices in digital marketing, including social media marketing
  • Ability to work independently and collaborate with remote teams
  • Experience creating content that maps to the target audience’s journey
  • Willingness to seek out trends and opportunities for improving the content program
  • Loves collaborating and working as part of a team, but is also a go-getter and able to work independently

Benefits for you:

  • Interact with the staff, and fellow volunteers
  • Track your hours and gain references for your resume or education
Submit An Application