FOR PATIENTS AND VISITORS: You must self-screen and wear a mask if entering the Emergency Department, waiting areas, patient rooms or other patient care areas. All Unity Health Toronto spaces are mask-friendly. Learn more about our current guidelines for visitors.

Volunteer

A group of student volunteers posed in the St. Michael's Volunteer Lounge.

Our volunteers are an important link to the local community and a vital and highly valued addition to the Unity Health team.  We believe that volunteering should be both beneficial and rewarding.

Delivering an exceptional experience is our priority at Unity Health. In order to enable this top-rated care and experience for our patients, residents and their families, we rely on the phenomenal staff, physicians, volunteers and learners within our organization.

All volunteer placements are designed to support the Mission and Values of the network and to enhance the care provided to our patients and residents by staff.

We are always looking for people who are understanding, supportive, and who want to make a real difference for fellow community members and the Unity Health Network.

Come join our team!

We thank you for your interest in volunteering with Unity Health.  Learn more about the opportunities by clicking on your preferred site.


St. Joseph’s Health Centre’s volunteer program is built on the strengths of a dedicated group of people from a wide range of ages and cultural backgrounds. Volunteers make a big difference in the lives of our patients and visitors.

Motivated by their commitment to caring, our volunteers generously contribute time and energy to assist at St. Joseph’s Health Centre. Volunteers experience the many benefits of volunteering such as connecting with others and knowing that they are making a positive difference in the lives of patients.

Year-round Youth and Adult Programs

St. Joseph’s Health Centre is now accepting volunteer applications for our year-round volunteer programs.

Year-round programs:  The year-round program offers volunteer opportunities to interact with patients and visitors in the following capacities:

  • Directing/escorting
  • Gift Shop — providing customer service
  • Providing patient support in waiting areas
  • NOTE: Currently we do not have evening or weekend volunteer opportunities available.

Volunteer commitment: Year-round volunteers must be at least 16 years of age and able to commit to one three-hour shift weekly for a minimum of one year.

Pre-volunteering requirements for all year-round volunteers

  • provide two references (not from friends or family)
  • complete a two-step TB test and health screening
  • provide proof of vaccination of two doses of Canadian- approved COVID-19 vaccine
  • complete a criminal background check (if 18 or over)
  • attend an orientation session
  • attend all training sessions
  • must have access to email

Year-round program – Apply now


Summer Student Volunteer Program

Thanks for taking an interest in our program. 2023 Summer Student applications are now closed.

We offer a variety of volunteer opportunities at our St. Joseph’s site to match the needs of our patients and your interests. The majority of volunteer shifts are available Monday to Friday, between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Our key programs include:

Courtesy Program

  • Providing information or directing patients, families and visitors
  • Escorting and providing wheelchair assistance

Patient support

  • Providing emotional support to patients and families in waiting areas and clinics
  • Informing the health-care team of a patient’s requests

Retail opportunities – Gift Shop or Outpatient Pharmacy

  • Providing ongoing customer service
  • Assisting with product merchandising

Recreational support

  • Music, arts and crafts, or other recreational support
  • Book cart

    1. After I have applied, how long do I have to wait to hear if I am accepted?
      Please note that we receive applications in excess of the volunteer opportunities available. Only select applicants will be contacted to proceed to an interview. After submitting your volunteer application, you may be contacted within two to six weeks by phone or email for an interview.
    2. What is your volunteer onboarding process?
      After your interview, if you are accepted into one of our volunteer programs you will need to complete all of the additional pre-volunteering requirements including:

      • providing two references (not from friends or family)
      • completing occupational health testing
      • completing a criminal background check (if over 18)
      • attending an orientation session
      • providing proof of COVID-19 vaccination (minimum two doses)
    3. Do I need to incur the cost of the health-care screening?
      If you are accepted you must complete our occupational health testing requirements. The two-step TB test requires four visits to your doctor’s office or medical clinic. Some doctors might charge for this service. St. Joseph’s Health Centre does not reimburse volunteers for any health-care screening expenses.
    4. Do I need to incur the cost for the criminal reference check?
      If you are 18 years of age or older, a criminal reference check is an additional pre-volunteering requirement. The cost of the criminal reference check is covered by the hospital.
    5. Do I need to wear a uniform?
      Yes. All volunteers are required to wear a volunteer uniform and a photo ID badge at every shift. The uniform vest requires a $30 deposit refundable at the completion of the program.
    6. Are there COVID-19 protocols in place for volunteers?
      St. Joseph’s current COVID-19 protocols include mandatory vaccination for physicians, staff and volunteers, universal masking (masks provided) as well as physical distancing guidelines. We also strongly encourage excellent hand hygiene and require staff and volunteers to stay at home when sick or symptomatic.
    7. How old do you have to be to volunteer as a Summer Student?
      The minimum age requirement is 14 years of age, along with having completed Grade 9.
    8. Can students complete their high school 40-hour community involvement requirement?
      Yes. After meeting program requirements, Volunteer Services can provide a confirmation letter of hours and sign school forms.
    9. Can volunteers observe medical procedures or help with medical care?
      No. Observing and shadowing medical staff is not considered volunteering.
    10. I am a health-care professional, can I use my professional skills and training while volunteering?St. Joseph’s Health Centre volunteers do not provide direct patient care. All volunteers must follow the responsibilities outlined in their volunteer position description and cannot be provided with the opportunity to practice, observe or gain experience within a specific profession.

St. Joseph’s secondary school co-op placements provide students with work experience in a variety of areas.

Co-op placements

Each co-op student is assigned to a core placement.  Students will spend the majority of their co-op time in their core placement area performing the duties outlined in the position description. Placement areas include outpatient clinics, departments and the Courtesy (wayfinding/customer service) program. In addition, co-op students participate in activities designed to support the co-op curriculum.  Activities may include: tours of departments such as the blood lab; educational sessions; and skills workshops.

How to apply

In order to participate, students must be at least 16 years of age, in Grade 11 or 12 and enrolled in their school’s co-op education program. Co-op is a single semester in duration (1/2 day). Interested students must submit the following through their co-op teacher:

  • Two completed teacher reference forms
  • A brief resume
  • Credit counselling summary (demonstrating good academic standing)
  • Attendance profile (demonstrating good attendance)

Completed applications are reviewed on a continuous basis and in the order in which they are received.

Applications for 1st semester may be submitted May 1 – September 1

Applications for 2nd semester may be submitted November 1 – February 1

Applicants selected for an interview will be contacted to arrange their interview at St. Joseph’s Health Centre. Placement offers will be made on an ongoing basis.  Students should apply early as placements are limited.

Mandatory pre-placement requirements for students accepted into the co-op program include:

  • Complete health screening, including serology and a two-step TB test (fees incurred for testing are at the expense of the co-op student—they are not reimbursed)
  • Attend orientation
  • Provide a $30 refundable deposit for a uniform and photo ID badge
  • Attend a tour of St. Joseph’s
  • Complete a short biography (four to seven sentences) to be shared with placement supervisor

High school co-op program – Apply now

Email: VOLUNTEERS.sjhc@unityhealth.to

Phone: 416-530-6486 ext. 4490

St. Michael’s is looking for volunteers who are energetic, compassionate, dedicated and above all else focused on providing excellent customer service. Our volunteers are here to improve the experience our patients and visitors have every day.

St. Michael’s Hospital is pleased to open our adults and academic year student volunteer programs!

Requirements for volunteer programs

  • completing the online application
  • providing a resume
  • providing two references (not from friends or family)
  • completing a two-step TB test and a health assessment form
  • providing proof of vaccination of two doses of Canadian- approved COVID-19 vaccine
  • completing a criminal background check (if 18 or over)
  • completing an orientation session
  • attend all training sessions

Other requirements and notes:

  • You must have been a resident in Canada for at least 12 months prior to applying
  • Volunteer positions at St. Michael’s do not involve academic credit; clerical or administrative assistance to units; clinical observation; or job shadowing
  • Due to the customer service nature of volunteering, volunteers must have excellent communication skills, including fluency in English
  • Majority of our placements occur during the weekdays

2023 Summer student program

2023 Summer Student applications are now closed.

2023-24 Academic year student program

2023-24 Academic year student applications are now closed.

Adult volunteer program

Volunteering is a great part of an active retirement with our adult program ideal for older adults as well as working professionals that love to give back to their community and students taking a year off from their studies to explore health care.

  • The initial volunteer commitment for adult volunteers is a minimum of 125 hours over a one year period
  • A minimum of one shift per week (3-4 hours per shift) is required
  • Recruitment is ongoing and there is no deadline to apply

Application instructions:

Complete the online application by clicking “APPLY NOW” below. Within the online application below, ensure to upload:

  • A copy of your most recent resume
    AND
  • Two completed St. Michael’s volunteer reference forms using the “St. Michael’s Volunteer Reference Form” link below.

References must be completed by two individuals, that are not friends or relatives and have known you for at least one year.

Adult volunteer program – Apply Now

We have a range of volunteer opportunities available at our St. Michael’s site:

Navigators

Navigators ensure that no one in the hospital is lost.  They welcome, inform and escort. They can be found in locations such as our lobbies, information desks and in other high-traffic areas.

Family and visitor greeters

Family and Visitor Greeters provide support and information to visitors and families in waiting rooms, reception areas and other destinations where families seek out information.

Patient visiting

The Patient Visiting program is driven by the mandate that every patient gets a friendly visit from a volunteer every day.  They visit to offer non-clinical services and support that makes a patient’s hospital stay more comfortable.

Services

Volunteers offer exceptional customer service within the network in non-clinical settings such as the St. Michael’s Hospital Gift Shop.

Partnerships

Partnership volunteers are larger cadres of volunteers that assist and enable specific, structured programs that contribute to the patient and family experience. Our Spiritual Care and NICU teams are two examples of where these types of volunteers may work.

The co-op program at St. Michael’s is a planned learning experience that provides practical experiences in the workplace.

Goals of co-op placements

  • to improve workplace skills
  • to develop positive attitudes necessary to work successfully
  • to explore careers in a healthcare setting
  • to understand the science and technology used in modern health-care

Each co-op learner will be assign to a core placement.  Each learner will spend the majority of their co-op time in their core placement area performing the duties outlined in the role definition. Placement areas include outpatient clinics, service areas, or research. In addition, co-op learners will participate in activities designed to support the co-op curriculum, subject to change each semester. Morning and afternoon co-op placement times are: 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. or 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Potential co-op placements at St. Michael’s Hospital:

CLINICS SERVICES RESEARCH
  • Specialty Clinic
  • Transplant Clinic
  • Women’s Health Clinic
  • Pediatrics Clinic
  • Eye/Retina Clinic
  • Heart Health Unit
  • Medical Day Care Unit
  • Kidney Care Centre (off site)
  • Family Practice Clinic
  • Occupational Health (off site)
  • Retail Store
  • Medical Imaging
  • Visitor Services
  • Lab
  • Pre-Admission Facility
  • Food Services
  • Research – three positions

How to apply:

Students must be at least 16 years of age, in Grade 11 or 12 and enrolled in their school’s Co-op Education Program. Co-op is a single semester in duration.  Interested learners much complete the following:

  • Online Co-op Learner Application (Blue button below)
  • Two completed reference forms
  • A resume
  • Credit counselling summary

Completed applications are reviewed on a continuous basis and in the order in which they are received.

  • Applications for first semester may be submitted May 1 – September 1
  • Applications for second semester may be submitted November 1 – February 1

Applicants selected for an interview will be contacted to arrange an interview at St. Michael’s Hospital, in person. Placement offers will be made on an ongoing basis.  Students should apply early as placements fill up quickly.

Apply Now

Phone: 416-864-5859

Fax: 416-864-6081

Email: voldata@smh.ca

A group of Providence student volunteers, wearing masks and volunteer uniforms, pose in front a Volunteer Week appreciation poster.Providence isn’t just about providing excellent clinical care. It’s about enriching the lives of our patients, residents and clients by attending to their needs with thoughtfulness, understanding and sensitivity. That’s where the work of our volunteers, from students to seniors, makes a difference in the lives of so many of the people in our care.

Volunteering at Providence will help you learn new skills, build meaningful relationships and earn recognition. This compassionate service is demonstrated many ways and we offer volunteer opportunities for everyone, from students (minimum age 14 years old) to retirees.

We are always looking for people to join us. The process to become a volunteer has many steps and takes approximately 6 – 8 weeks to complete after a successful interview. These steps are in place to ensure that each volunteer is safe to begin their volunteering role and has the appropriate training to begin their role.

Requirements for volunteer programs:

  • Complete the online application
  • Provide a resume
  • providing two references (not from friends or family)
  • applicants 17 years of age and below to provide parental consent form
  • providing proof of vaccination, Canadian-approved COVID-19 vaccine (as required by Providence Healthcare)
  • completing a two-step TB test and health screening
  • completing a vulnerable sector screening check (if 18 and over)
  • attending an orientation session
  • attend all training sessions
  • must have access to email


Summer Youth Program

2023 Summer Student applications are now closed.

 

Regular Adult/Youth Volunteer Program

Volunteers applying to the regular program are required to commit to a minimum of one shift per week (approx. 3-4 hours) for a minimum of one year. Applications from both adult and youth are accepted anytime of the year.

Age requirement: Our youth volunteers must be 14 years of age at the time of application and preferably completed Grade 9. The minimum age requirement for our gift shop volunteers is 16 years of age at the time of application.

Regular Volunteer Program – Apply Now

Application instructions (3 steps):

  1. Complete the online application by clicking “APPLY NOW”
  2. Submit a copy of your most recent resume
  3. Download the below mentioned documents, which are to be submitted, when invited for the interview:
  • Two references – to be completed by two individuals, that are not friends or relatives (attach links to reference form’s provided references
    • To be completed by parent/legal guardian for applicants between the ages of 14 – 17 years: parental consent form

Here are some of the volunteer opportunities available at our Providence site:

Customer service (retail sales)

  • Performing point-of-sale cash register operations
  • Balancing shift floats and deposits
  • Replenishing store supplies in the Houses of Providence Café
  • Stocking, inventory, accounting and merchandising

Friendly visiting/escorting for patients and/or residents

  • Being a friend to a resident, patient, or client who may not have visitors on a regular basis by escorting them to various activities, taking them for walks or simply having a friendly chat
  • Providing emotional support to patients and families
  • Informing health-care team of patient’s needs
  • One-on-one visiting

Activation/Recreation support (group activities)

  • Assisting with and/or facilitate activities such as games, sing-a-longs, movies, arts and crafts, bowling, bingo, clowning and special events

Spiritual and religious care

  • Volunteers escort residents and patients to and from the multi-denominational church services and weekly hymn sing.  Other specialized positions are also available.

  1. How old do I have to be to volunteer?
    The minimum age to volunteer at Providence Healthcare is 14 years and the minimum age requirement for Retail Sales (Houses Café) volunteer is 16 years.
  2. Can I choose the area in which I volunteer?
    Volunteers are placed according to the needs of our patients and residents as requested by staff and depend on suitability. Your preferences and availability will be discussed at your interview.
  3. Do I need a police vulnerable sector check?
    Anyone over the age of 19 must provide a current (dated within the past 6 months) Police Vulnerable Sector Check. Authorization letters for a Police Vulnerable Sector Check will be provided after a successful interview.
  4. Can I complete my 40 hours of community involvement for my secondary school credit?
    Yes, you can. There is a minimum commitment of 75 hours and 6 months for regular program and 80 hours for Summer Youth program. When this commitment has been met, a “Statement of Volunteer Commitment” (STC) will be issued upon request and we will sign any school form you may have.  Please note: “STC” will not be issued after completing 40 hours.
  5. Will volunteering lead to an employment at Providence Healthcare?
    Volunteering may be beneficial to your application for employment, but it will not guarantee a paid position. The application process for employment at Unity Health Toronto can be found on the website.
  6. I am a foreign-trained professional. Am I able to volunteer these skills at Providence Healthcare?
    No. Volunteers provide non-medical support for staff, patients and visitors and must only do the tasks listed on the approved volunteer position descriptions. Any tasks that a member of a licensed or regulated profession (ie: physician, pharmacist, nurse etc.) can legally perform, are not included in approved volunteer position descriptions.
  7. I am in college/university. What happens if my schedule changes?
    We suggest that you contact Volunteer Services with the changes before hand and based on availability we will do our best to accommodate your request.
  8. How will I know if my volunteer application has been received and is being considered?
    Volunteer Services reviews all applications received. Unfortunately, not all applicants will be contacted for an interview due to availability, openings and interests. After submitting your volunteer application, if you are successful you will be contacted within 2 – 4 weeks by phone or email for an interview.  The interview will be about 45 minutes in length. This is where we get to know the applicant a bit better and to see what area would be a good fit for volunteering. If a match is made at the interview, the applicant will complete all of additional pre-volunteering requirements include Police Check, references and occupational health testing. The complete on-boarding process can take between 30-45 days.
  9. Do I need to incur the cost for the 2-step TB test?
    Yes. After a successful interview and on acceptance into the volunteer program, you must complete the 2-step TB test. The 2-step TB test requires four visits to your Doctor’s Office/Medical Clinic. Due to third party billing, some Doctor’s/Clinics might charge a nominal fee to fill out the form or administer the test. Providence Healthcare does not reimburse volunteers for this out-of-pocket expense.
  10. Do I need to wear a uniform & ID badge?
    Yes. All volunteers are required to wear a vest and a photo ID badge while on site. There is a $20 uniform deposit for the vest & ID badge. This refundable deposit will be given back to you as soon as you return your ID badge and your vest in re-usable condition, when you decide to leave the volunteer program.

Co-op student volunteers are secondary school students that complete a co-op education term with Providence. They need to apply through their co-op teachers. The co-op program is based on either half-day or full-day placements over a single academic term.

How to apply:

In order to participate, students must be at least 16 years of age, in Grade 11 or 12 and enrolled in their school’s co-op education program.

Co-op is a single semester in duration. Interested students must submit the following through their co-op teacher:

Potential co-op placements:

Clinical Placements Administrative Placements Services Placement
Houses of Providence -Long Term Care, several positions:

· Learning focus – geriatric
· Skill focus – nursing skill for seniors

 

Pharmacy Retail Store /Business (marketing, customer service)
Providence Rehab Hospital

Our units include:

· Orthopedic and Amputee Rehab
· Geriatric Rehab
· Stroke Neuropathy
· Palliative Care
·  Outpatient Clinics

Volunteer Services

· Marketing
· Digital Component
· HR

Completed applications are reviewed on a continuous basis and in the order in which they are received from the co-op teachers.

The timeframe for selection (application review, interviews and placement offers) is:

  • 1st semester co-op placement: applications are accepted from May to September
  • 2nd semester co-op placement: applications are accepted from November to early February

Placement offers will be made on an ongoing basis until all placements are full. Therefore, it is strongly encouraged that students speak to their teachers early as our placements are limited and fill up quickly.

As of April 1, 2021, St. Michael’s Foundation amalgamated with Providence Healthcare Foundation and all receipts will be issued by St. Michael’s Foundation.

We are pleased to let you know that your donation will go directly to the organization and priority that you have designated.

Last updated July 21, 2023