Direct Service Volunteer - Victim Services

VICTIM SERVICES DIRECT SERVICE VOLUNTEER

The Victim Services Branch is a Provincial, and International Award-Winning Branch of the Hamilton Police Service comprised of 6 staff members and approximately 80 volunteers.

Join us in providing emotional support for victims of crime and/or trauma in the City of Hamilton.

Job Title: Victim Services Direct Service Volunteer

Department: Victim Services Branch, Investigative Services Division

Location: A variety of locations throughout the City of Hamilton, including personal residences, public places, and police stations.

Reports to: Victim Services Branch Staff and/or scheduled Team Leader

Hours of Work:

• At least four (4) 7.5 or 8.5 hour scheduled on-call shifts per month, including taking turns for weekend and statutory holiday shifts.
• Weekday shift times are: 1630-0000 hours or 0000-0830 hours. Weekend and statutory holiday shift times are: 0000-0830 hours, 0830-1630 or 1630-0000 hours.
• Attendance is mandatory at professional development training.

Commitment: Minimum one year from the time training ends

Notice Date: August 25th, 2026

Application Deadline: October 16th, 2026

Please note: This position is an unpaid volunteer position.

POSITION SUMMARY

Volunteers are dispatched to provide service for a variety of circumstances, including, but not limited to, sudden death, suicide, motor vehicle collisions (MVC), intimate partner violence, sexual assaults, and fire scenes.

GENERAL DUTIES

• Provide emotional support to someone who has survived a tragedy, suffered a traumatic loss, witnessed a traumatic event or has been physically hurt or threatened
• Provide practical assistance to a victim and their family
• Provide referrals to community resources
• Provide information about what to expect and next steps
• Provide professional intervention within the bounds of HPS policies and procedures
• Check Online Message Centre regularly and respond accordingly
• Adhere to deadlines for shift registration
• Uphold Hamilton Police Service’s Vision, Mission, Values, and Ethics
• Demonstrate adaptability, flexibility, empathy, compassion, and excellent communications skills (e.g. active listening)

REQUIREMENTS

• Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident of Canada
• Be at least 21 years of age or older
• Possess a valid Class G Driver’s License, with no more than six (6) accumulated demerit points, permitting you to drive an automobile in Ontario
• Have access to a vehicle
• Have no criminal convictions for which a pardon has not been granted
• Pass a Police Information Check and annual background checks
• Must possess the ability to work with victims/witnesses of crime/trauma, and exposure to traumatic circumstances.
• Have an email account and internet access
• Have a willingness to give back to the community
• Be compassionate and empathetic, care about others well-being, and have excellent problem solving, listening, and communication skills

ORIENTATION/TRAINING

• Undergo mandatory in-class Victim Services training on how to handle sensitive crime related situations and become familiar with working with victims of crime and/or circumstance.
• In addition to the in-class training, engage in the completion of a series of mandatory online training modules through the Learning Management System – Canadian Police Knowledge Network.
• Volunteer Orientation/Resource Manuals
• Ongoing professional development training and mentorship

There will be a volunteer evaluation and assessment conducted at the end of the training program, as well as an opportunity for volunteers to participate in an “end-of-class” survey following training.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS & TERMS

• Application/Resume Review and Supplementary Application
• Mandatory attendance at a Victim Services Orientation Night
• Interview with Victim Services Branch Staff
• Police and Reference Checks
• Invitation to Victim Services Training (December)
• Victim Services Branch Volunteer Contract Sign-off, Volunteer Code of Conduct Sign-off, Undertaking of Confidentiality Sign-off, Release and Waiver Sign-off
• Mandatory attendance for 6 training sessions (January)
• An offer to attend the Victim Services Volunteer Training Program does not guarantee that an applicant will be accepted into the Direct Service Volunteer Program
• Volunteers are subject to a six (6) month probationary period after training has been completed
• If selected, volunteers shall not engage in any activity that may result in a criminal record or bring discredit to the Hamilton Police Service or misuse HPS Photo ID
• Volunteers must adhere to direction given at a scene by an Officer or Team Leader, all policies and procedures of the HPS, and the HPS Volunteer Code of Conduct

IF YOU ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT MAKING A VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION TO OUR COMMUNITY AND ITS MEMBERS, AND YOU WOULD LIKE TO GAIN SKILLS & EXPERIENCE IN SUPPORTING VICTIMS OF CRIME OR THOSE IMPACTED BY TRAGIC CIRCUMSTANCE, WE WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU.

Kindly submit your application (i.e. updated cover letter and resume) via email by indicating the posting number in the subject line to recruiting@hamiltonpolice.ca before 11:59 PM on October 16th, 2026. Please be advised we do not currently use AI technology as part of our screening and selection process.

Interested persons applying must be a permanent resident of Canada/Citizenship, and be able to work within Canada.

In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC) should you require an accommodation at any time during the recruitment and selection process we encourage you to notify the Human Resources @ recruiting@hamiltonpolice.ca

We thank everyone for their expressed interest and appreciate the time you’ve taken to submit you application. However, only those selected for employment testing and/or an interview will be contacted.

At Hamilton Police Service, we are committed to a fair and equitable recruitment and selection process. We strive to build, mentor, and retain a highly skilled workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. By fostering an inclusive and respectful workplace where every member feels valued and has a strong sense of belonging, we strengthen our ability to serve Hamilton with professionalism, empathy, and integrity.

We strongly encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds, including 2SLGBTQIA communities, indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, racialized persons, multilingual candidates, and anyone passionate about public service. By joining the Hamilton Police Service, you will play a crucial role in making a meaningful difference in the lives of those who call Hamilton home.