Volunteer & Work with Us

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.

 

Volunteer Roles

We are actively recruiting for volunteers in all locations to fill the following roles: 
 

• Treasurer/Book Keeper

• Caller-Dispatcher

• Home Visitor

• Administrator

• Fundraiser

• General Helper

These are the roles we are always trying to fill. If you have other skills or areas of interest not listed above, please contact us to discuss the possibilities. 

 

Volunteer Role Descriptions

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. 

Skills needed - Email, experience with online bookkeeping software (Quickbooks or other similar platforms).

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. 

 

Caller-Dispatcher

Basic description - Caller-Dispatchers serve as the initial point of contact for neighbours seeking assistance. They listen to voicemail requests, return calls to those seeking help, enter the call information into a shared spreadsheet/database, and pass details to the volunteer team. This is a role that calls for compassion & accuracy.
Key responsibilities - return calls in a friendly & respectful manner, log call details accurately, relay details on to Home Visitor volunteers, 

Skills needed - Clear verbal & written communication skill, basic record-keeping skills (spreadsheet or database, depending on the conference involved). 

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. 

 

Home Visitor

Basic description - Home Visitors are at the heart of our mission. Working in pairs, they visit neighbours in their homes to offer compassion, support, and practical assistance such as grocery cards or essential needs

Key responsibilities - Visit neighbours in need (with another trained volunteer), offer empathetic listening and problem-solving support, help foster meaningful, personal connections in the community, keeping post-visit records.
Skills needed - Active listening, ability to work well with a partner, use of emails, spreadsheets and databases. 

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. They support volunteer teams by managing emails, maintaining records, coordinating schedules, and assisting with general administrative tasks. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys behind-the-scenes support work and helping others stay on track.

Key responsibilities – Respond to or forward emails and messages, Maintain or update simple records (lists, logs, or files), Schedule meetings and coordinate communication between team members, assist with organizing paperwork for volunteer onboarding, reports, or events.

Skills needed – Basic computer and email use, ability to stay organized, good communication, attention to detail.

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, coordinate, or support activities that raise funds for the conference’s work. This could include organizing small parish-based initiatives, stewardship activities, writing simple appeals, or assisting with donor relations. This role helps ensure the sustainability of the conference’s ability to assist neighbours.

Key responsibilities- Assist in planning or running local fundraising activities, Support parish and community awareness initiatives, Help draft thank-you messages and donor acknowledgements, Work with the team to identify new opportunities to raise support
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).

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.

Skills needed – Willingness to help, reliability, kindness. No specific technical skills required.

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.

How to Get Involved

 

If you would like to learn more or speak about where your skills might fit best, please contact:

Josh Canning, Executive Director, execdirector-hpc@ssvp.ca

 

We are happy to answer questions, provide information, or connect you with a local conference.

There is an onboarding process for all volunteer roles. Once you identify your interests and geographical area, we will connect you to the appropriate volunteer onboarding leader. They will take you through the paperwork, conduct a brief interview, and check your references.

 

Due to the confidential and sensitive nature of our work, each volunteer will be required to sign a confidentiality agreement and code of conduct. Depending on your role we might also require a criminal record and vulnerable sector check. For those working directly with our neighbours in need of assistance, some basic training is also required which we will provide. 

 

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:

Bedford

BLT/Tantallon/Hammonds Plains

Clayton Park/ Fairview/ Birch Cove

Fall River/Wellington/Enfield/Lantz

Halifax - North End

Halifax - South End

Halifax - West End

Sackville/Beaver Bank/Mount Uniacke

Spryfield/Cowie Hill/Old Sambro Road/Ketch Harbour

 

​

Outside of Halifax:

Amherst

Colchester County

Lunenburg County

Wolfville & Canning

 

​We also own Hand In Hand Thrift Store, Hope Cottage (soup kitchen), and Ozanam Place (supportive housing development), all of which are in Halifax. The thrift store and soup kitchen do need occasional volunteers. Please contact the HPC office if you are interested in either of those locations. Ozanam Place does not take volunteers for any roles at any time. 

 

The HPC administration office does occasionally take volunteers for logging calls, data entry, creating social media content, and helping with large events. Please email us to see if we have work available for volunteers in these areas. 

 

About the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul

 

The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SSVP) is a volunteer-led Catholic lay organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families experiencing hardship. Rooted in compassion, friendship, and respect for human dignity, we provide practical assistance such as food support, emergency help, personal accompaniment, and community connection across Nova Scotia.

We serve everyone, regardless of faith, background, or circumstance. You do not need to be Catholic to volunteer — we simply ask that volunteers are comfortable in an environment where the majority of members are practicing Catholics and where service is guided by Christian values of compassion and solidarity.

 

Qualities We Value: Kindness, discretion, reliability, respect for the dignity of every person.

 

 

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.

 

Skill Development
Volunteers gain and strengthen practical, marketable skills such as compassionate communication, teamwork, budgeting, record-keeping, community outreach, leadership, and coordination. These skills are transferable to many workplaces and can enhance resumes, job applications, and personal confidence.

 

Personal Fulfillment
There is a deep reward in accompanying individuals and families during difficult times. Volunteers often describe the experience as meaningful, humbling, and life-giving — rooted in dignity, respect, and genuine human connection.

 

Community and Connection
Volunteers become part of a supportive team of people who care about their community. Many form lasting friendships, find a sense of belonging, and feel strengthened by serving alongside others who share similar values.

 

Growth and Reflection
Through service, volunteers gain insight into the realities many neighbours face and develop greater empathy, patience, and understanding — living out values of compassion and solidarity in a real and tangible way.

 

Professional Advantages
The practical experience gained is valuable in fields such as social work, health care, pastoral care, administration, justice, non-profit leadership, and community development. Volunteers are supported through training, mentorship, and ongoing guidance so they never serve alone.