Volunteer With SSVP Halifax
Thank you for your interest in supporting the work of SSVP by volunteering your time & expertise! Please read through the sections below for information on the volunteer roles we need to fill, the descriptions, the locations, and a bit about SSVP in general.
When you are ready, please complete the Volunteer Application Form. A member of one of our conferences (volunteer teams) will be in touch with you to review your application and book an interview in a few days.
Volunteer Roles & Descriptions
Caller-Dispatcher Basic description - Caller–Dispatchers serve as the first point of contact for neighbours seeking assistance. They retrieve and return voicemail messages, document call details in a shared spreadsheet or database, and relay information to the volunteer team. Time commitment - flexible hours for checking & recording voice mail. Occasional time for team meetings might also be required. Working Location - remote, some conferences may also have an in-office option.
Treasurer/Book Keeper Basic description - the Treasurer sits as a member of the executive of the team and advises on the budgeting of the conference’s money. The treasurer/ book keeper also serves as a signing officer on the conference’s bank account. A bookkeeper does all of the recording of income and expenses and day-to-day banking. These two roles may be combined by 1 person, when appropriate. Key responsibilities - Banking, bookkeeping, running & sharing financial reports, attending meetings, budgeting, monitoring accounts, providing financial statements to the Halifax Particular Council for annual reporting, and supporting good donor stewardship. Time commitment - A few hours per week, plus a monthly meeting. Some additional hours will be required for year-end financial reports and during high volume activities such as large fundraisers. Working Location - a mix of at home work and attending meetings. Meetings could be in person or online, depending on the conference.
General Helper Basic description – General Helpers assist with a wide range of practical tasks that support the conference’s service to neighbours. This is a great fit for someone who wants to help but prefers a role without ongoing responsibility or scheduled commitments. Key responsibilities – Assist with sorting, packaging, or organizing items for outreach, Help with occasional errands, deliveries, or event setup, Support conference activities on an as-needed basis. Time commitment – Flexible and occasional; volunteers can help based on availability. Working location – Varies by task; may include in-home preparation, parish halls, or occasional delivery routes.
Home Visitor Basic description - Home Visitors are at the heart of our mission. Serving in pairs, they visit neighbours in their homes to offer compassionate presence, practical assistance (such as grocery cards or essential supports), and respectful listening. Responsibilities include conducting visits with another trained volunteer, providing empathetic listening and collaborative problem-solving support, fostering meaningful community connections, and maintaining appropriate post-visit records. Time commitment - approximately a ½ day per week, depending on the level of need in your area. Some time will be needed for occasional training and meetings. Working location - various locations around your community.
Administrator Basic description – Administrators help keep the conference organized and running smoothly by providing essential behind-the-scenes support. Responsibilities include - managing and responding to emails, maintaining and updating records and logs, scheduling meetings, coordinating team communications, and organizing paperwork for volunteer on-boarding, reports, and events Time commitment – A few hours per week; flexible and can vary based on activity levels. Working location – Mostly remote; occasional in-person meetings depending on the conference.
Fundraiser Basic description – Fundraisers help plan and implement initiatives that generate resources to sustain the conference’s work. Responsibilities may include assisting with local fundraising activities, supporting parish and community awareness efforts, drafting thank-you messages and donor acknowledgements, helping identify new funding opportunities, and contributing to stewardship and donor relations initiatives. Skills needed – Creativity, communication, ability to work collaboratively. Experience in event planning or fundraising is helpful but not required — training and guidance will be provided. Time commitment – Flexible; may vary depending on fundraising activities. Additional time may be needed during campaigns or event weeks. Working location – Mix of remote planning and in-person activities (parish, community, or event-based).
Locations
The Halifax Particular Council (HPC) is recruiting volunteers for various roles in the areas we serve in Nova Scotia. The HPC looks after 16 teams of volunteers, called conferences. You can click on the links below to see a map of what each area covers.
In the Halifax area:
Clayton Park/ Fairview/ Birch Cove
Fall River/Wellington/Enfield/Lantz
Benefits of Volunteering with SSVP
Volunteering with the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference while growing personally and professionally.
Professional Development
The practical experience gained is highly transferable to fields such as social work, health care, pastoral care, administration, justice, nonprofit leadership, and community development.
Personal Fulfillment
Accompanying individuals and families through difficult times is deeply rewarding. Volunteers often describe the experience as meaningful, humbling, and life-giving.
Community and Connection
Volunteers join a supportive, mission-driven community, building lasting friendships and a strong sense of belonging while serving alongside others who share their values.
Growth and Reflection
Through service, volunteers deepen their understanding of the challenges many neighbours face while cultivating empathy, patience, and compassion — putting solidarity into meaningful, tangible action.