Centre Supervisor / Program Support Volunteer

The Dandelion Cafe and Student Achievement Centre; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

An established educational center is looking for a caring Centre Supervisor / Program Support Volunteer to create a safe and engaging environment for youth. This rewarding role involves greeting students, supervising activities, and providing support to educators. You will help foster meaningful connections with underserved youth while gaining valuable experience in alternative education. Join a warm and supportive team culture where your contributions will make a real difference in the lives of students. If you are passionate about youth development and enjoy working in a dynamic setting, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Meaningful connections with youth

Experience in a unique educational setting

Warm, supportive team culture

Reference letters and mentorship opportunities

Qualifications

• Friendly, patient, and compassionate demeanor.
• Ability to connect with teens in a calm and respectful way.

Responsibilities

• Greet and assist students, ensuring a calm environment.
• Supervise students during activities and transitions.
• Support staff with administrative tasks as needed.

Skills

Communication Skills

Patience

Compassion

Teamwork

Youth Development Knowledge

Education

Experience in teaching or youth work

Job description

Centre Supervisor / Program Support Volunteer

4 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Time Commitment: Minimum 1 shift per week (3–4 hours), flexible scheduling available

Start Date: Ongoing

Reports to: Lead Teacher

Location: 700 Industrial Ave, Unit 5, Ottawa, ON

About the Role: We’re seeking a caring and dependable Centre Supervisor / Program Support Volunteer to join our team at our inclusive, alternative education center for underserved youth. This is a rewarding opportunity to support students in a welcoming, student-centered environment while helping us create a calm, safe, and engaging space for learning and connection.

As a volunteer in this role, you’ll act as a supportive adult presence at our center—greeting students, answering questions, assisting with activities, and offering a sense of structure and safety throughout the day. Your presence helps our programs run smoothly and allows our educators time to complete their administrative tasks.

Key Responsibilities:

• Greet students as they arrive and help them settle in
• Supervise students during independent work time, social breaks, and transitions
• Build positive, respectful rapport with students of all backgrounds and identities
• Provide basic support for daily routines, including setting up materials or tidying shared spaces
• Monitor the space to ensure a calm and safe environment
• Offer gentle redirection or problem-solving support if needed (training provided)
• Be available to answer questions, offer encouragement, or just lend a listening ear
• Support staff with occasional administrative or prep tasks, as needed

Ideal Qualities:

• Friendly, patient, and compassionate
• Comfortable connecting with teens in a calm and respectful way
• Reliable and punctual
• Able to work independently and as part of a small team
• Passionate about youth development, neurodiversity, or alternative education

Bonus but not required: experience in teaching, social work, youth work, or parenting teens.

What You’ll Gain:

• Meaningful connections with youth and the chance to make a real difference
• Experience in a unique educational setting
• A warm, supportive team culture
• Reference letters and mentorship opportunities (if desired)

Please note that all in-person volunteers must be willing to obtain a vulnerable sector police check.

Seniority level

Entry level

Employment type

Job function

Management and Manufacturing

Industries

Education