Since 1979, CONTACT Community Services has been listening to community needs and responding accordingly. CONTACT is a multifaceted social service agency and registered charity. Our mission is to be a proactive leader in South Simcoe providing responsive services in housing, employment and community support.

Everything we do starts from a place that honours dignity, respect, and confidentiality.

Today, our services are in high demand. Vulnerable individuals and families in Simcoe County are facing enormous pressures.  Now, more than ever, it is critical CONTACT be well positioned to continue to meet the ever-changing needs of our rapidly growing communities. CONTACT has recently launched a rapid-rehousing project in Collingwood that supports unhoused seniors transition into long-term, permanent housing. We are seeking a Secretary who is part of the Collinwood community.

CONTACT Community Services is actively recruiting a Secretary Board Member with administrative experience from the Collingwood area to join our Board of Directors. The Board is a governance board, focused on oversight of the organization and its sustainability and relevance to the community.

We are looking for a resourceful, energetic individual who believes in our mission, is from the Collingwood community and who is willing to be active in their governance roles and in their role as secretary.

In addition to the Board Member Duties and Responsibilities listed below, the Secretary is responsible for:

• Planning and convening board meetings (including executive committee meetings)
• Preparing and distributing meeting agendas and materials
• Ensuring accurate recording of meeting minutes
• Maintain a record of board meeting decisions and actions
• Ensuring compliance with laws, regulations and governance standards
• Staying updated on changes in governance requirements
• Maintaining records of board member terms, assisting in orientation for new board members and maintain records of board membership
• Maintaining supporting documentation for governance processes and all meetings

The Board of Directors is responsible for the organization's financial well-being and accountability as well as ensuring that our activities are consistent with our mission.  The operations of the organization is the responsibility of the Executive Director.

Our programs, Board of Directors, volunteer and staff team reflect the values that guide the organization:

Inclusive
We welcome and value all persons, without judgment, and provide integral supports and services that meet people’s unique needs.
Person-centered
We celebrate individuality by recognizing no two people are alike in their needs and goals.
Compassionate
We are impassioned with empathy for all, recognizing a person’s situation is often affected by circumstances beyond their control.
Advocacy 
We prioritize community wellness by sharing ways to address systemic barriers and serving as proactive agents for positive social change in our communities.
Collaborative
We work cohesively with our team and community partners to ensure a holistic approach to supporting members of our communities.

Board Commitment:
The Board meets at least eight times a year over Teams and generally takes the summer months off (as well as December, although this fluctuates based on need). Board Members are expected to participate in occasional activities such as fundraisers, board subcommittees (when required), and participation in email discussions (only when in-person or virtual discussion is not possible).

Meetings are held virtually, ensuring accessibility for all Board members located throughout a large region. Board meetings are often not more than one hour in length, given members are expected to have reviewed the Board report beforehand.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• To uphold resolutely the interest of CONTACT Community Services, avoiding conflicts of interest in personal or other business.
• To maintain the confidentiality of restricted Board information.
• To be open to serving as an active member on at least one board appointed committee (if possible).
• To attend Board and committee meetings on a regular and timely basis, with a full understanding of the agenda and accompanying package. All materials are circulated in advance to allow for ample time for member review. The ED encourages any member to reach out for clarification prior to the meeting to help support efficiency at the meetings.
• To conduct Board business in a businesslike manner.
• To be an active participant in all Board issues, providing a positive influence; open to change and creative problem solving.
• To interact with all other Board members with respect and dignity.

Skills and Abilities of Individual Board Members:

• Experience in the field or lived experience related to the organization’s mission and purpose.
• Knowledge and skills in one or more areas of board governance: policy, finance, programs, legal, personnel, and advocacy.
• Experience with strategic planning and organizational development.
• History and knowledge of the Collingwood community.
• Experience with communications, branding and/or philanthropy.

Other Important Considerations for Context:

• The organization works collaboratively with numerous stakeholders, including, but not exclusive to: municipalities, housing services providers (including shelters, VAW shelters, transitional housing), mental health services, and multiple funders (County of Simcoe, provincial and federal government, etc), other social service supports (Ontario WORKS, ODSP, food banks).
• We pride ourselves on transparent and clear communication, a high level of professionalism, a passion for the mission of the organization and compassion for the people we have the privilege of assisting. This pride is exhibited from our governance Board, right through to our operational staff and incredible volunteers from all walks of life that support our organization.

To apply:
CONTACT Community Services is a grassroots organization that is highly connected to the communities it serves. We are seeking enthusiastic individuals who are keen to make a lasting difference to the community by providing guidance and overall governance to the organization. If the above description aligns with your personal values and expectations, we look forward to reviewing your application. Please send your resume to Tina de los Santos, Executive Director: tina@contactcommunityservices.ca

As a Client Support Volunteer, you will assist clients of CONTACT's Housing Services Department to identify, collect and compile various documents and forms they might need to apply for housing services in Simcoe County.

You will connect with them by phone or in-person at the CONTACT Community Services offices in Bradford and Alliston, or in public locations like libraries or a local Tim Horton's.

You will help them identify, photograph and email copies of documents, such as their ID, Rental Agreements, Income Statements and other documents that are needed to access support services.

In some cases, you will assist them to complete forms.

You will be able to connect directly with CONTACT's Housing Staff to get support or answers when you're not sure of next steps.

This role is important because it frees up time for Housing Staff to help clients find and access housing and other support services they might need, by limiting the amout of time spent collecting client documents and completing forms with them.

You will be required to sign a confidentiality agreement and not share or disclose client information to others.

• Assist with the establishment of long and short term goals, objectives and priorities for KWIC in meeting its charitable mandate
• Recommend/Implement policies developed by the Board
• Review as necessary the Board's structure, approve changes and prepare necessary bylaw amendments
• Participate in KWIC's development and strategic plan of operation as part of an annual review
• Approve the annual budget
• Approve the hiring of the Executive Director
• Approve the Executive Director’s contract based on the recommendations of the Personnel/Executive Committee
• Participate in the evaluation of KWIC activities and performance of the Executive Director
• Assist in developing and maintaining positive relations among staff, volunteers, Board committees, education institutions and the community to fulfill the mission of KWIC
• Report and be answerable to the members
• Participate in one standing committee & its activities ( currently: HR/Finance, Programs,Fundraising, Communications, Nominations)
• Lead and/or support KWIC fundraising initiatives, including board fundraising strategy
• Actively champion KWIC in the communityActively champion KWIC in the community Commitment to the work of the organization
• Knowledge and skills in one or more area of Board governance: fundraising, financial planning, policy, programs and personnel
• Willingness to serve on at least one committee
• Willingness to participate in board fundraising strategy - “Give or Get”
• Attend all Board meetings and the Annual General meeting (meeting times are collectively established)
• A time commitment of approximately 6 to 8 hours per month (includes Board preparation, committee and meeting time and financial preparation time)
• Actively monitor and respond to KWIC email communication
• Be informed of the services and programs provided by the Kawartha World Issues Centre and publicly support and articulate them
• Prepare for and participate in the discussions and the deliberations of the Board
• Foster a positive working relationship with other Board members, KWIC staff and volunteers
• Be aware of and declare any conflict of interest (see Conflict of Interest Policy)

• Participate in the operation of the shelter (shifts - evening, night, breakfast)
• Carry out the many tasks required for the seamless functioning of the shift/program.
• Interact with guests throughout the duration of the shift (unless it’s quiet/sleep hours).

The Gilbert Centre's volunteer program is on hold until further notice.