This resource was developed by Volunteer Toronto.
When crafting a volunteer position description, always be clear and concise. The position description must match the reality of the role and let potential volunteers know what to expect.
Typical volunteer position descriptions include:
Role Title: A clear, descriptive title, more than just “volunteer”.
Brief Description: A 1-2 sentence description of the role and how it contributes to the mission.
Brief Introduction to Organization (Optional): A concise snapshot of the organization and its work. Keep this short to maintain focus on the role.
Duties and Responsibilities: A bullet-point list clearly stating the actions and tasks of the volunteer role. Lists can help make responsibilities easier to follow for prospective volunteers.
Time and Location: Information about the time(s) of day, day(s) of the week, and frequency of the activity, along with the expected length commitment (such as weeks or months), if any. Provide details about the location(s) of role training and the activities of the role itself.
Qualifications/Requirements (Optional): A concise list of the skills, knowledge, experience, or abilities volunteers are required to bring to the role. Only include these if necessary, and avoid qualification “assets” unless they would be genuinely useful.
Benefits: Context about how the volunteer would benefit from engaging with the organization. This can include the impact they will make, how the organization will recognize/appreciate them, opportunities to meet their motivations to volunteer, and more.
Screening Steps: Details on all of the expected stages to screen in volunteers, such as an application form, phone screening, interview, or request. If possible, include a timeline for when candidates will hear back, when the role starts, and how long training will take.
We are looking for a friendly and dedicated volunteer to support older adults who want to connect, socialize and maintain good physical and mental health.
As an adult day program volunteer, you will be asked to:
This is an in-person volunteer role at our facility (insert address). The closest intersection is (insert intersection). We are accessible via (insert transit details). Training will take place at the same location.
To apply, please fill the following application form. (insert application form). If you have any questions, please contact (insert current contact email).
After we receive your application, we will contact you by no later than (insert date). We will invite applicants moving forward to a meeting to discuss the role and next steps. The candidate chosen after this discussion will be asked to complete a Vulnerable Sector Check. An in-person orientation and training about our facility and the volunteer role will be provided.
