Volunteer with us
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Kinark. Applications for volunteers are currently closed. Please stay tuned for more volunteer opportunities in Spring 2025.
Are you interested in a student placement at Kinark? Please complete the Student Placement Inquiry Form by clicking the button below.
Are you passionate about creating a positive impact in the lives of individuals with autism? Kinark Autism Services welcomes dedicated individuals like you to join our team of volunteers. By becoming part of our community, you have the opportunity to contribute to a brighter future for those we serve.
Our volunteer community is comprised of committed community members of diverse ages and backgrounds. As a volunteer, you can work directly with children and families, support administrative tasks, and support community initiatives. All volunteer roles play an important part in the success of the agency, and the positive outcomes with clients.
We are currently looking for volunteers to support our vast array of programs and services, as well as administrative volunteers at our ABA Centres throughout York, Simcoe, and Durham.
Volunteer Opportunities
ABA Centre Volunteers
Immerse yourself in the world of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) by volunteering at one of our six (6) ABA Centers. As an ABA Centre volunteer, you will work closely with our experienced professionals to support children and youth with autism in their unique learning journeys. Your dedication and enthusiasm can make a significant difference in the lives of those we serve.
Duties & Responsibilities (not limited to):
- Assisting with circle time through engagement and possible musical talents
- Helping supervise outdoor play time
- Disinfecting toys and surfaces
- Assisting with snack time, including clean up
- Creating and assembling resources for children
We’re looking for volunteers with the following qualities:
- Enjoys working with kids
- Enjoys imaginative play
- Working independently and with a group
- Self-starter
- Ability to follow through on assigned tasks
Entry to School (ETS) Volunteers
Join our team of ETS Volunteers and play a vital role in empowering autistic kids to enter classrooms successfully. ETS Volunteers will support the program by assisting the students, supporting staff, and maintaining the physical space. The program is a group format and will have ratios of 3:1 within the classrooms.
Duties & Responsibilities (not limited to):
- Assisting with circle time through engagement and possible musical talents
- Additional supervision for outdoor play
- Disinfecting toys and surfaces so staff can focus on clinical needs
- Assisting with snack time through opening containers and cleaning up
- Cutting out and assembling resources
We’re looking for volunteers with the following qualities:
- Enjoys working with kids
- Enjoys imaginative play
- Working independently and with a group
- A self-starter
- Ability to follow through on assigned tasks
Administrative Volunteers
If you thrive in organizational tasks and behind-the-scenes roles, consider becoming an Administrative Volunteer. Help us streamline our operations, assist with paperwork, and contribute to the efficient functioning of our ABA Centres. Your attention to detail and administrative skills will be invaluable in supporting our mission.
Duties & Responsibilities (not limited to):
- Data entry
- Contact list updates
- Updates to our client record
- Organize mailing out materials to parents and partners
- Setting up employee ID cards
- Organizing and maintaining our resource library, including taking inventory We’re looking for volunteers with the following qualities:
- Attention to detail
- Ability to work independently
- A self-starter
- Strong organizational skills
- Good computer skills, including understanding of Excel and client record systems
Social Skills Group Volunteers
Connect with individuals with autism by volunteering for our Social Skills Groups. Work alongside Kinark staff to facilitate a supportive and inclusive environment where individuals can build social skills and friendships. Your commitment to creating a sense of community is essential in enhancing the social well-being of those we serve.
Duties & Responsibilities (not limited to):
- Assisting with supporting children in group sessions Disinfecting toys and surfaces
- Provide subject matter expertise to support our Foundational group programs (e.g.: cooking or baking skills, Dungeons & Dragons knowledge, etc…)
We’re looking for volunteers with the following qualities:
- Enjoys working with kids
- Enjoys imaginative play
- Working independently and with a group
- A self-starter
- Ability to follow through on assigned tasks
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Kinark. Applications for volunteers are currently closed. Please stay tuned for more volunteer opportunities in Spring 2025.
Depending on the role, you may be required to participate in a volunteer interview. Once accepted, you’ll complete a Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening and complete a Pre-Employment Medical form. You will also complete a confidentiality agreement, review our code of conduct, and receive Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) training.
In accordance with our mandate, we require proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 for all volunteers, as well as completion of our health and safety training. Fully vaccinated is defined as having received all required doses of a World Health Organization approved COVID-19 vaccine, at least one of which being approved for use in Canada, and 14 days (about 2 weeks) have passed since your last dose. Proof of vaccination for each vaccine dose received is required.
Thank you for considering Kinark Autism Services as your volunteer destination. Your commitment makes a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve. Join us in making a meaningful difference today!