The purpose of this program is to act as a representative of the John Howard Society of Niagara, the Ministry of the Solicitor General, and the community. A variety of unique volunteer positions are available within this program, including:
- Court Intake Volunteers participate in providing intake services for new adult probation cases for the provincial court system.
- Case Aid Volunteers assist Probation and Parole officers with clerical work and group programming.
- Evening Reporting Volunteers are responsible for supervising a case load of low risk clients on probation to support them with completing/adhering to the terms on their order.
- Discharge Planning Volunteers provide community information to inmates at Niagara Detention Centre who are to be released back into the community.
- Curfew Check Volunteers are responsible for conducting telephone contacts to individuals who are on a Conditional Sentence or have curfews.
- Programming Volunteers assist with facilitating psycho-educational programming to members of the community as well as to inmates at the Niagara Detention Centre.
- Community Clean-up Volunteers supervise clients in the community, assisting them with cleaning up garbage and/or discarded needles in public areas.
- A minimum commitment of one year to the program is required of all volunteers, at one or more days per week. Hours vary by program. All successful candidates must complete ministry training. Volunteers report to the Justice Service Volunteer Program Coordinator.
Qualifications:
- Some post-secondary education; recommended areas of study include but are not limited to Community and Justice Services Worker, Social Service Worker or Human Services
- Previous volunteer experience an asset
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with strong attention to detail
- A valid driver’s license, access to one’s own vehicle, a satisfactory driving record and automobile insurance of at least one million dollars
- Satisfactory criminal reference check in accordance with the JHSoN policy
Responsibilities:
- Compiling accurate information, preparing notes, reports and forwarding documents to probation and parole offices
- Professional and mature attitude
- Develop and maintain working relationships with Probation and Parole Officers, Correctional Officers and Court Officials
- Monitor probationers to ensure completion of specified tasks
- Attendance at volunteer meetings
To learn more about volunteer opportunities within our Justice division, please contact:
Justice Services Volunteer Coordinator – 905.682.2657, ext. 260