About OCO: The Ontario Caregiver Organization (OCO) exists to support Ontario’s 4 million caregivers; ordinary people who provide physical and emotional support to a family member, partner, friend, or neighbour. We support caregivers by being their one point of access to information, so they have what they need to be successful in their role. 

About the role: The Online Support Group Facilitator will facilitate Online Caregiver Support Groups to bring caregivers together to share and learn from one another’s experience and receive group peer support. Volunteers will receive training and supervision with the goal of leading and/or co-facilitating online support groups for caregivers. This role will report to the Program Lead, Peer Support and Young Caregivers. 

Please note: We are looking for volunteers to join our existing Online Caregiver Support Group schedule. Volunteers must be available during one of the following times: 

• Tuesday 10am to 11am (group runs the first and the third week of the month) 
• Thursday 6:30pm to 7:30pm (group runs the first and third week of the month
• Friday 10:30am to 11:30am (group runs the first and third week of the month) 

 Responsibilities: 

• Facilitate caregiver-driven discussions and ensure comfort, safety, and maintaining the values of peer support 
• Encourage to offer reflections or pose questions should conversation be lacking 
• Responsible for ensuring the conversation space is shared, confidentiality is maintained, and participants are engaging in a respectful manner 
• Expected to host meetings in a timely manner and with appropriate preparation 
• Be in regular contact with the Program Lead 

 Qualifications: 

• Lived experience as a caregiver and strong understanding of caregiver issues 
• Experience with facilitation in group settings (i.e., training and development or support groups) 
• Excellent communication skills and interpersonal sensitivity 
• Strong boundaries, ability to manage self-care, and judgement (i.e., understanding when a concern must be escalated) 
• Strong organizational and time management skills 
• Demonstrated attention to detail and problem-solving skills 
• Strong technical ability and proficiency in the use of computers and various software applications, in particular Zoom
• Support for the mission and values of OCO 
• Must be over 18 years of age  

Time Commitment: The Online Support Group Volunteer will work remotely for up to 5-7 hours per month. The successful volunteer must commit to co-facilitating the Online Caregiver Support Group on the specific day and time for which they have agreed toon an on-going basis for a minimum of one year. Although this is a volunteer position, the OCO values the time commitment and preparation involved for this role. We will be providing an honorarium of $500 per year disbursed in two installments of $250. 

Orientation and Training: Remote orientation and training will be provided. The Director, Operations will provide an orientation with an in-depth understanding of the OCO’s mission and values, and programs and services. The Program Lead will provide training specific to the responsibilities and maintain on-going supervision, support, and regular ‘check-ins’. Training involves attending three 2-hour Zoom group training sessions. The training sessions will be in English only. 

Benefits: 

• Be part of a meaningful volunteer experience with a passionate and friendly team of volunteers and staff 
• Gain training and experience working remotely to support programs and services for caregivers across Ontario 
• Have access to on-going skill development and training sessions 

Application Process: 

To apply, please complete our volunteer application here and email info@ontariocaregiver.ca to let us know why you are interested in the role and outline any relevant experiences and information related to the role. Those selected for an interview will be interviewed by the Program Lead, Peer Support and Manager, Caregiver Programs (via Zoom). Successful candidates must complete a successful reference check and a Criminal Records Check. 

Deadline to express interest: December 15, 2024 

OCO strives for diversity of race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, and age and welcomes applications from all qualified, prospective candidates. We invite qualified applicants, in particular people representing the broad diversity of caregivers and Ontarians. 

We thank all applicants for their interest; we will contact only those applications selected for further consideration. OCO will be pleased to provide an accessible recruitment process to candidates invited to move forward in the screening process. Candidates are requested to let us know if any accommodation is required to ensure a fully accessible interview and selection process is provided.