*Our Open and Closed Support Groups run on a weekly or semi-weekly basis in the evenings with 1-2 Facilitators leading each group. Groups last 1.5 hours in length and volunteers are required to meet before and after group to plan and debrief (up to a 2-hour commitment total for 1 group).

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Our Group Facilitators lead open and closed support groups for individuals who have experienced a loss through the death of a loved one; leading peer-to-peer support delivery with compassion and understanding in a non-judgmental environment.

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• Establish and maintain physical and emotional and social/cultural safety

• Provide socio-emotional support and connect group members with additional resources

• Promote, initiate and guide interactions that are characterized by equality and non-judgment

• Role model in the expression of authentic emotion and respectful, empathetic interactions

• Listen empathetically by giving your full attention to the speaker

• Journey alongside members as they navigate their grief and mourn the loss of their loved one

• Reassure group members of the individual nature of grief

• Observe group members’ expressions and reactions

• Identify, intervene and help to resolve conflict

• Explore opportunities for growth and change

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QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

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• Facilitators must be 18 years of age or older

• For the Closed Groups, we ask our Facilitators to commit to 8 weeks in order to provide group members with consistency

• Having lived experience with loss and being on a journey of healing is required to provide peer support to participants

• A 1-year commitment is preferred

• A background in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology or related disciplines is preferred

• Access to a computer device in a private, quiet room with internet (for virtual groups) is required

• Being able to demonstrate compassion, inclusivity, authenticity, adaptability, integrity, non-judgment, self-disclosure, resiliency, and self-management

• A Vulnerable Sector Police Check will be required prior to facilitating groups or doing one-on-one peer support sessions

• Applicants must commit to an online and in-class/virtual volunteer facilitator training if selected as a successful applicant

• Please assess your self-readiness prior to applying

Are you interested in connecting with community members? Do you like to work independently? If so, this is the perfect opportunity for you! 

 

Our Intakes and Administrative Support volunteer acts as the primary contact person to all incoming service requests and are an integral member of our team.

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• ​​Directs phone calls and emails to appropriate staff

• Replies to email and telephone inquiries in an empathetic and professional manner

• Inputs client intake information into SalesForce (training provided)

• Schedules meetings and appointments in SalesForce (training provided)

• Handles sensitive information in a confidential manner​​

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QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS​

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• High school diploma or equivalent

• Must be 18 years of age or older

• An up-to-date (within the past 12 months of applying) Vulnerable Sector Check will be required

• A 6-month commitment of 2-5 days per week is preferred

• Excellent telephone and typing skills

• Exceptional time management skills and ability to multi-task and prioritize work

• Attention to detail and problem-solving skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Strong organizational and planning skills

Volunteer Peer Supporters facilitates individual peer-support sessions (each session is a maximum of 30 minutes long and there are 8 sessions in total) for individuals who have experienced a loss through the death of a loved one. They lead peer-to-peer support delivery with compassion and understanding in a non-judgmental environment.

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• Ensure program delivery is consistently met

• Establish and maintain physical, emotional, and social/cultural safety

• Promote, initiate and guide interactions that are characterized by equality and non-judgment

• Model the expression of authentic emotion while being respectful and empathetic

• Observe expressions and reactions

• Provide or identify healthy coping strategies

• Provide socio-emotional support and connect individuals with additional resources

• Identify, intervene and help to resolve conflict

• Explore opportunities for growth and change​​

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QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS​

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• Must be 18 years of age or older

• Having experienced a loss and being able to share that lived experience in a positive manner with others is preferred

• Access to a telephone in a private, quiet room

• Group facilitation required as a pre-requisite for about 4 months or 8-10 group facilitation sessions

• A background in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or related disciplines is preferred

• Be able to demonstrate the following traits: compassion, social inclusion, integrity, non-judgment, adaptability, self-disclosure, resiliency, and self-management

• A Vulnerable Sector Police Check will be required prior to your first session

• Applicants must commit to an online and two in-class/virtual volunteer training if selected 

• A 6-month commitment is required, 1 year is preferred

• Please assess your self-readiness prior to applying

Do you enjoy being part of meaningful community events? Are you a team player who thrives in a dynamic, hands-on environment? If so, we’d love to welcome you to our Events Volunteer Team!

Our Events Volunteers help bring our programs and fundraising initiatives to life. From warmly welcoming guests to ensuring smooth behind-the-scenes logistics, you’ll play a key role in creating inclusive, compassionate spaces for our community to gather, connect, and heal.

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RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist with event setup and pack-down, including décor, signage, and equipment

• Welcome and register guests with warmth and professionalism

• Provide directional support and ushering during events

• Support facilitators, staff, and speakers with logistics as needed

• Distribute materials such as programs, name tags, or handouts

• Help maintain a clean, organized, and accessible event space

• Represent the organization in a positive and supportive manner

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QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Must be 16 years of age or older

• Comfortable engaging with community members in person

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

• Friendly, reliable, and punctual

• Strong communication and problem-solving skills

• A flexible, can-do attitude — events can be fast-paced and ever-changing

• A 6-month commitment is preferred; event schedules vary throughout the year

• Some roles may require light lifting or extended periods of standing

• An up-to-date (within the past 12 months) Vulnerable Sector Check may be required for specific events

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Our Events Volunteers are at the heart of the welcoming atmosphere we aim to create. Whether it’s a workshop, memorial gathering, or fundraiser, your support ensures our community feels seen, supported, and connected.

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HOW TO APPLY 

Combine your cover letter and resume, and complete our volunteer application to submit them to the Volunteer Manager at: volunteering@bereavedfamilies.ca with the subject line as the position you are interested in. 

Are you passionate about building community and raising awareness around grief support? Do you enjoy engaging with others and sharing meaningful stories? If so, this could be the perfect volunteer opportunity for you!

Our Mission Ambassadors play a vital role in representing the heart of our organization. Through outreach, storytelling, and community engagement, Ambassadors help raise awareness of our mission and connect individuals and organizations to grief and bereavement supports.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Represent the organization at events, workshops, and community initiatives (virtually or in-person)

• Share personal experiences and/or highlight the impact of our services to inspire others and foster understanding

• Support outreach campaigns by helping to distribute materials and promote events

• Engage with community members and answer general questions about our programs and services

• Help build connections with community partners, stakeholders, and potential supporters

• Participate in storytelling, advocacy, or media opportunities, as comfortable

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QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Must be 18 years of age or older

• Comfortable sharing your connection to grief and bereavement, if applicable

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

• Passion for supporting community wellness and mental health initiatives

• Willingness to speak publicly or share your story (training and support provided)

• A 6-month commitment of at least 1-2 events or initiatives per month is preferred

• An up-to-date (within the past 12 months of applying) Vulnerable Sector Check may be required

• Experience with outreach, public speaking, or advocacy is an asset, but not required

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Our Mission Ambassadors are compassionate, authentic individuals who help carry our message into the community and ensure no one has to grieve alone. Join us in making a difference.

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HOW TO APPLY

Combine your cover letter and resume, and complete our volunteer application to submit them to the Volunteer Manager at: volunteering@bereavedfamilies.ca with the subject line as the position you are interested in. 

​Fill out this interest form along with your application: 

​https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScLkEq0BSgYswVmteyfJgsCTnBWcyDFBy6FGJtdOS1_Tip8IQ/viewform

Are you interested in community engagement? Do you want to bring about effective changes in your community? Looking to make a lasting difference? If so, then the Centre for Grief and Healing (BFO-H/P) has the perfect placement opportunity for you! 

 

Post-secondary students have the opportunity to fill the above roles and more. Please see below for a complete list of positions and/or areas offered for student placements:

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• Peer Support Group Facilitator (in conjunction with Administrative Assistant role)

• Peer Support Worker (in conjunction with Administrative Assistant role)

• Research and Statistics

• Fundraising, Marketing and Grant Writing

• Community Outreach and Event Support

• Intakes and Administrative Support

• Volunteer Coordinator Support (in conjunction with Administrative Assistant role)

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QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS​

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• Position qualifications and requirements vary per role for student placements - please see above for a brief overview or contact the Volunteer Coordinator to obtain a detailed layout of role responsibilities and requirements

• Must be 18 years of age or older

• Having experienced a loss and being able to share that lived experience in a positive manner with others is preferred

• A background in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology or related disciplines (i.e., Community Service) is an asset

• Be able to demonstrate the following traits: compassion, social inclusion, integrity, non-judgment, adaptability, self-disclosure, resiliency, and self-management

• A Vulnerable Sector Police Check will be required

• Please assess your self readiness prior to applying

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HOW TO APPLY

*Please follow the guidelines set out by your program first to ensure you are applying correctly.

 

Combine your cover letter and resume, and complete our volunteer application to submit them to the Volunteer Manager at: volunteering@bereavedfamilies.ca with the subject line as the position you are interested in. 

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If you are applying for the "Research and Statistics" or "Fundraising, Marketing and Grant Writing" position, please follow the above and send your documents to the Executive Director at: executivedirector@bereavedfamilies.ca.