Yonge Street Mission (YSM)is seeking Bridges Weekend Program & Facilities Support Volunteers! NOTE: As part of the application process for our longer-term roles you will be required to: Attend a virtual/in-person interview, Provide 3 references (professional/volunteer related) & Provide a Police Reference Check (PRC/VSS)
Role Overview:
YSM is seeking 1–2 Bridges Weekend Program & Facilities Support Volunteers to assist with a drop-in program serving ~200 participants. Volunteers help staff with space monitoring, crowd flow, safety support, and closing procedures, ensuring the building is safe, organized, and welcoming. This role is ideal for students or individuals interested in facilities management, property operations, or community services who want hands-on experience in a supervised nonprofit setting.
All volunteers work under the direct supervision of YSM staff. Volunteers do not handle money, valuables, or sensitive materials. Staff provide direction at all times to help keep participants, volunteers, and the building safe.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support crowd flow and reinforce boundaries under staff supervision
- Maintain a calm, professional presence and report safety concerns to staff
- Assist with staff-led de-escalation and follow building protocols
- Monitor program spaces and restricted areas
- Ensure all spaces are cleared and secured at the end of the program
- Prevent participants from staying behind or entering off-limits areas
- Engage program participants in a trauma-informed and respectful way
- Follow all directions from YSM staff and demonstrate commitment to YSM values, policies, and code of conduct
- Attend required volunteer orientation/training
- Follow all YSM volunteer policies and guidelines
Requirements:
- Respectful, professional, and able to follow staff direction at all times
- Strong observation, communication, and situational awareness
- Calm under pressure; able to assist with conflict de-escalation
- Experience with vulnerable populations is an asset
- Ability to work collaboratively with YSM staff and volunteers
- Commitment to YSM values, policies, and code of conduct
- Experience or training in community or social services is an asset
- Ability to engage program participants in a trauma-informed and respectful way
Hours of Position/Location:
- Saturdays, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- YSM’s 270 Gerrard Street East location (Church at Regent Park)
- This is an in-person role. Volunteers will always work under staff supervision and will not have access to unattended valuables or sensitive areas.
If interested, please submit the form below and one of our Volunteer Resources Coordinators will get back to you as soon as possible.