Applications for casual Community Support Worker positions are accepted at any time, and are kept on file for a period of three months. Request the application form from admin@cvacl.org.
Volunteer Positions
All volunteers are required to submit a satisfactory Criminal Record Search, tuberculosis test, and signed Confidentiality Agreement prior to accepting a volunteer position. All volunteers will be offered sensitivity training, and will receive an orientation to the Association's programs and services. Volunteers must be comfortable spending time with people who have developmental disabilities. Formal evaluations will be provided by the program supervisor on an annual basis or at the completion of one hundred hours, and informal evaluations will be provided on a regular basis. For more information on volunteering, or to apply for a volunteer position, e-mail Dianne Hinton at dhinton@cvacl.org. Please include your name, phone number, and e-mail address, and which position you're interested in, along with a few words explaining why you want to volunteer with the Association.
Website: Volunteer Cowichan.
Activity Aid
Accompany one staff member and resident on outings in the community. Qualifications are enjoying working with people (experience and education in human services an asset but not essential), a willingness to further explore our community and share interests with a buddy, and being open to trying new things. Time commitment is approximately four hours weekly (Mondays, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM). The supervisor is Heather Fillery, and the worksite is Marchmont Residence plus various locations in the community. Training offered is learning specific strategies for supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. Benefits include meeting new and exciting people, and exploring new and interesting activities in our community.
Bowling Buddy
Support a small group of individuals in going bowling, and handle shoes and scoring. Qualifications are loving to bowl, and the ability to work as part of a team. Time commitment is approximately two hours per week, during the day. The supervisor is Eva Wynne, and the worksite is at 5856 Clements Street and the Duncan Lanes bowling alley. Benefits include meeting new and exciting people, learning more about community living, and sharing your bowling skills.
Bus Companion
Accompany individuals during bus trips, as a means of assisting individuals in becoming familiar with local bus routes. The bus companion will meet with the individual and plan a route to take on the local transit, then go to a local bus stop, catch the bus according to the time predetermined on the bus schedule, ride the entire route back to the starting point, and identify landmarks, places of interest, and coordinating bus stops along the way. Qualification is familiarity with the local transit routes and schedule. Time commitment is approximately one to two hours per week, and flexible within the bus schedule. The supervisor is Dianne Hinton, and the worksite is at 5856 Clements Street, but primarily on a local transit bus of the Cowichan Valley Regional Transit System. Benefits include meeting new and exciting people, learning more about community living values, exploring the Cowichan Valley while relaxing on the bus, and building and developing skills to add to your resumé.
Craft Buddy
Organize craft activities for small groups of individuals with developmental disabilities. Qualifications are comfort working as part of a team, and organizational and craft skills. Time commitment is approximately two hours per week, during the day. The supervisor is Eva Wynne, and the worksite is at 5856 Clements Street. Benefits include meeting new and exciting people, and learning more about community living.
Swimming Buddy
Support two male individuals in accessing the Cowichan Centre swimming pool, change room, and lockers. Qualifications are being male, the ability to work independently, comfort in meeting new people, enjoying swimming, and providing company in the pool. Time commitment is approximately two hours per week, during the day. The supervisor is Eva Wynne, and the worksite is at 5856 Clements Street. Benefits include meeting new and exciting people, and learning more about community living.