About Recovery Centre Co-Lead
The Volunteer Co-Lead, Cat Care Program plays a key leadership role in supporting the day-to-day operation of Toronto Cat Rescue’s Cat Care Program. Working alongside another Volunteer Co-Lead and TCR staff, this position provides mentorship, training, scheduling support, and operational oversight to ensure volunteers have the guidance and resources they need to provide exceptional care to the cats.
This is an on-site opportunity at our Recovery Centre located near Markham Road & Highway 401, Scarborough.
If you are an experienced volunteer with strong cat handling and husbandry experience who enjoys mentoring others, solving problems, and helping build a positive, collaborative volunteer culture, this role is a perfect fit for you!
Training and ongoing support will be provided.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Provide leadership, mentorship, and day-to-day support to Cat Care volunteers.
- Assist with onboarding and training new volunteers on facility protocols and cat care procedures.
- Help coordinate volunteer schedules to ensure adequate shift coverage.
- Support volunteers in resolving day-to-day operational questions and challenges.
- Promote compliance with established safety, cleaning, and animal care protocols.
- Foster a positive, respectful, and collaborative volunteer environment.
- Monitor facility operations and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and volunteer experience.
- Escalate medical, behavioural, operational, or volunteer concerns to staff when appropriate.
- Assist with inventory monitoring and communicate supply needs.
- Work collaboratively with the Co-Lead and TCR staff to ensure smooth daily operations.
- Participate in regular program discussions and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Assist with general cat care and cleaning duties as needed.
Time Commitment
Recovery Centre Co-Lead volunteers are on-site approximately 2–3 days per week for a few hours each visit. Some schedule flexibility to respond to volunteer questions outside of scheduled shifts is beneficial.
This is a volunteer leadership position requiring consistency and reliability.
Because considerable time is invested in training and developing Volunteer Co-Leads, applicants should be prepared to commit to the role for a minimum of six months.
Qualifications & Experience
- Previous experience volunteering with Toronto Cat Rescue or another animal welfare organization preferred.
- Demonstrated leadership, mentoring, or supervisory experience is considered an asset.
- Comfortable providing guidance, coaching, and constructive feedback to volunteers.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to remain calm and solution-focused in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficient with Google Workspace (Gmail, Calendar, Docs, Sheets).
- Reliable, dependable, and able to work independently.
- Passion for animal welfare and commitment to Toronto Cat Rescue’s mission.
The Ideal Candidate
What we are looking for in a Recovery Centre Co-Lead:
- Leads by example.
- Enjoys mentoring and supporting others.
- Is approachable, patient, and respectful.
- Communicates clearly and professionally.
- Is organized and proactive.
- Can balance volunteer needs with operational priorities.
- Works well as part of a leadership team.
- Embraces continuous improvement and positive change.
Comprehensive orientation and role-specific training will be provided. The successful candidate will work alongside an experienced Co-Lead and staff members while becoming familiar with Toronto Cat Rescue’s operational procedures, safety protocols, and volunteer management practices.
