Every day, people come to VBIS looking for support, understanding, and connection. As a volunteer, you’ll help ensure they’re met with kindness, respect, and a welcoming community. VBIS offers a variety of different volunteer opportunities. Whether you hope to directly support clients at the office or help with our administrative side, there’s a role for you.
If you’d like to learn more first, contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Sam, at samc@vbis.ca.
How It Works
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Ready to get started? Complete our Volunteer Application for either General Volunteer opportunities or VBIS Peer Support Volunteer opportunities.
Peer Support Volunteers are open to individuals with lived experience of acquired brain injury and are wanting to help other survivors. You are a sensitive listener who uses communication skills to facilitate others’ self-exploration and decision making while offering emotional support and community.
General Volunteers are open to individuals with or without lived experience of acquired brain injury and are wanting to support VBIS and our clients. You help ensure clients are met with kindness and respect and help run our programs. No experience is necessary; we train and support you throughout your volunteer journey.
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After applying, you’ll receive confirmation from our Volunteer Coordinator that they have received your application!
You will then enter the application process that consists of an initial file review and informal phone interview. Successful applicants will then be invited to an orientation, during which you’ll learn about VBIS, the people we support, and what to expect as a volunteer.
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Welcome to the team! Depending on whether you have expressed your interest in General Volunteer Opportunities or Peer Support, your first few months might look a little different:
As a General Volunteer, your first three months will be spent volunteering at the reception desk, allowing you to get to know our clients, staff, and organization while building confidence in your role.
As a VBIS Peer Support Volunteer, you will participate in VBIS Peer Support training after orientation. This training will help equip you with foundational skills for effective Peer Support and become familiar with what being a VBIS Peer Supporter looks like. After completing the training, you will begin your role as a Peer Supporter!
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After your first three months, a General Volunteer can choose to move on to one of our Extended Volunteer roles! In these volunteer roles, such as the Train Your Brain Volunteer or Orientation Volunteer role, you take on greater and new responsibilities within our organization. Check out our various Extended Volunteer roles below to learn more.
Extended Roles
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Orientation Volunteer Role
Orientation volunteers are the first point of contact for prospective VBIS clients. You will have a conversation about each individual’s brain injury history, current symptoms, challenges, and existing supports. You’ll also introduce VBIS programs, discuss case management needs, and their goals.
This role requires strong listening and communication skills, attention to detail, sensitivity when navigating personal topics, and the ability to build rapport with people from diverse backgrounds.
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Train Your Brain Volunteer Role
VBIS offers a research-backed cognitive training program using NeuroTracker® software. Train Your Brain program volunteers facilitate weekly cognitive training appointments for VBIS clients. This volunteer role involves working one-on-one with clients to set up NeuroTracker® software, administer brain-injury related symptom checks, and provide support and guidance through the program.
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SHINE Volunteer Role
The SHINE (Student Head Injury Neuro Education) program is an education presentation designed to provide knowledge to students of all ages, adults, workplaces, caregivers, sports teams, and community groups, about the brain, brain injury, and recovery. Concussion is considered a mild traumatic brain injury that affects 7 out 10 youth before the age of 20.
The SHINE volunteer will be responsible for delivering the SHINE program to the community, ensuring the program is delivered in a safe, supportive, and engaging environment. The SHINE volunteer will work closely with members of the VBIS team to ensure the effective delivery of the program.
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Equine Assisted Learning Volunteer Role
The Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) Volunteer helps ensure our EAL program is running smoothly. EAL volunteers should possess strong interpersonal skills to help uphold a positive and support environment for all participants and assist clients with activities as needed.