HF Member Companion

Time CommitmentFlexible weeknights (between 7:00pm and 10:30pm) for a minimum of three months. Shifts can vary between one to three and a half hours.

Minimum Age18

Location(s)Cooper Koo Family YMCA

Program Description

At the YMCA, we're more than a gym. We're a place where you can be yourself, meet new friends and have fun. Our Health and Fitness Centres support members as they strive to reach their potential and work toward their goals as part of an inclusive, caring and healthy community. Our fitness centres feature modern equipment and amenities to make your workout as convenient and comfortable as possible. Volunteers in our conditioning area support staff and members by ensuring our spaces are safe and maintained, while providing customer service to members. Our drop-in sports programs for adults are designed to help members improve their skills, make connections and build team spirit. Our team is looking for a volunteer experienced with the individual conditioning area to provide one on one support and companionship to our disabled member.

Major Duties

Major Duties May Include:

• Providing 1:1 support for a member with a disability during their visit at the Health and Fitness Centre so they can meet their fitness goals while feeling included at the YMCA.
• Assisting member with requested accessibility supports, such as assisting them with navigation, and setting up / taking down equipment.
• Engaging in conversation and building a relationship with member, additionally introducing them to other members, staff and volunteers and encouraging them to make new connections.
• Responding to participant inquiries or concerns, and directing them to appropriate staff if needed.
• Scanning the conditioning floor to ensure equipment is clean, in good repair and that safety hazards are removed.
• Providing general information to member around how to properly and safely use equipment.
• Ensuring member is safe when taking part in drop in sports programs for adults.
• Treating all members, regardless of identity (such as age, race, gender, sexuality or ability) with respect and enthusiasm.
• Assist member in arranging for pick up from Health and Fitness Centre.
• Remaining positive, helpful and welcoming at all times.
• In addition to AODA training, attending mandatory diversity training in order to learn how to support members with disabilities.
• Attending training on how to use exercise equipment to learn proper safety techniques.

Qualifications

• Minimum age 18.
• Successful applicants to this role will need to provide a Vulnerable Sector Screening from their local police service before their first day of volunteering and every three years on the anniversary of their first day of volunteering.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to YMCA Mission, Vision and Values. 
• The following skills and experience are considered assets:
• Experienced working with disabled persons
• Current First Aid/CPR
• Health and Fitness Education

Benefits

• Make a difference in someone’s life by helping them achieve their health and fitness goals in a safe, fun and supportive environment.
• An opportunity to provide companionship for a YMCA member and establish a new friendship.
• Be a part of the YMCA team and promote the YMCA Mission, Vision and Values.
• Development of communication and interpersonal skills with members and other staff.
• Experience working to support equity, diversity, and inclusion by helping to create a more accessible experience for a disabled member.

How to apply

Complete the online volunteer application. You will need to provide the position title and location information of this position during step 3 of the application.

Looking for a Different Role?

Check out the full list of our volunteer opportunities.

Why Volunteer for the Y?

The YMCA of Greater Toronto aspires to be a great place to volunteer that is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, where different backgrounds, experiences, and identities are appreciated and celebrated. Guided by our shared values — kindness, well-being, integrity, inclusiveness, respect, and optimism — the YMCA provides thousands of volunteers with meaningful positions and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities. We recognize the contributions of our staff through innovative practices, great benefits, and growth opportunities.

Our Commitments

The YMCA of Greater Toronto values the diversity of people and communities and is committed to excellence and inclusion in our Association.

We are committed to an environment that is barrier free. If you require accommodation during the interview process, please inform us in advance to arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodation.

About YMCA of Greater Toronto

The YMCA of Greater Toronto is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. As outlined in our 2020–2025 strategic plan, Ignite the Light, we are focused on boosting well-being and promoting equity across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). In the future we see for our region, everyone will have opportunities to shine their brightest.

 

Mirroring the diversity we’re privileged to have in the GTA, our YMCA offers a variety of programs responding to the needs of our communities. For 170 years, the YMCA of Greater Toronto has provided opportunities for people to shine through a variety of programs and services including health and fitness, licensed child care, camps, employment and immigrant services, education and training, and services for youth, families, and seniors. When you donate to the YMCA of Greater Toronto, you help ensure more people get access to these vital programs that help them connect, grow, and reach their full potential.