Frequently Asked Questions
1. I am thinking about volunteering. What should I consider?
2. When do you need volunteers?
3. What do you look for in your volunteers?
4. Is there a time commitment?
5. Do I need any special immunizations to volunteer at HSC?
6. I am an ESL student. What level of language do I need to volunteer at the hospital?
7. I am interested in volunteering with children, do I need a Criminal Record check?
8. What type of references do I need for my application form?
9. If I volunteer, will it help me get a job at HSC
10. How do you decide where to place volunteers in the hospital?
11. How old do you have to be to volunteer at HSC?
12. I'm on a student visa. Can I volunteer?
13. I'd like to job shadow someone in health care. How do I go about doing this?
14. Where do I park when I volunteer at HSC?
15. Do you have opportunities for students during the summer months?
16. Can my group/organization come for one day and visit the children?
17. Does the hospital accept donations of used toys such as stuffed animals?
1. I am thinking about volunteering. What should I consider?
First, assess if you have time available each week to commit to volunteering. Think about your interests, skills and/or career plans - this will help us determine where you might volunteer.
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2. When do you need volunteers?
We have volunteer placements seven days a week starting as early as 6 am and going until 9 pm. Because more patients' programs happen during the day, we have a greater need for daytime volunteers.
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3. What do you look for in your volunteers?
We are looking for individuals who have the desire to help others, strive to be positive, dedicated to caring, sensitive to the needs of others, and are committed to the role they will take on. Volunteers should be motivated, energetic and customer-service oriented.
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4. Is there a time commitment?
We want to meet your needs by accommodating your busy schedule. However, we require a minimum commitment of one shift once a week. Shifts can range from 1-4 hours depending on the placement.
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5. Do I need any special immunizations to volunteer at HSC?
All volunteers who help with patients must have had chicken pox or have a blood test to check for virus immunity. Because patients are particularly vulnerable, it is important for you to be immune so that diseases are not spread.
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6. I am an ESL student. What level of language do I need to volunteer at the hospital?
Because many of our placements require interactions such as providing directions for patients, families and visitors, it is important that our volunteers be able to follow, give directions and to express oneself clearly and concisely in the English Language. We have found that a benchmark of level eight(8) works well for our assignments.
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7. I am interested in volunteering with children, do I need a Criminal Record check?
Yes. All Children's Hospital volunteers must pass a Criminal Record Check and need to go to the Public Safety Building, on the 4th floor, at 151 Princess Street to get this done. Please see our Application Process tab on this website for the details. Once you have your Criminal Record Check, we will book you for an interview. You must have passed the check before you are placed in your volunteer role.
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8. What type of references do I need for my application form?
You need to get references from people that have known you for at least three months and are from different aspects of your life - teachers, co-workers, group leaders, supervisors or colleagues, etc. Always ask their permission to use his/her name as a reference and be sure to get his/her current daytime phone number.
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9. If I volunteer, will it help me get a job at HSC?
Volunteering at any organization will help you gain skills for future employment. Volunteering at HSC is unrelated to HSC job opportunities. If you are job hunting, please refer to the Jobs Available tab on the HSC web site.
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10. How do you decide where to place volunteers in the hospital?
Many factors are considered when matching volunteers to a placement including your availability, your interests and skills and how they match to our current vacancies.
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11. How old do you have to be to volunteer at HSC?
Volunteers must be at least 14 years old for most areas and 16 years old for Children's Hospital placements.
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12. I'm on a student visa. Can I volunteer?
Yes, you can.
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13. I'd like to job shadow someone in health care. How do I go about doing this?
Volunteer Services does not coordinate job-shadowing requests. We do coordinate school practicums, coop and volunteer placements. See the Information for Schools and Teachers on this site..
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14. Where do I park when I volunteer at HSC?
Complimentary parking privileges are available if you park in William Avenue, Emily Avenue and Sherbrook Street parkades.
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15. Do you have opportunities for students during the summer months?
During the summer we have opportunities for students to volunteer throughout the hospital. In order for you to start in July, we encourage students to apply early in June. Of course, you are welcome to stay on during the academic year.
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16. Can my group/organization come for one day and visit the children?
We appreciate your generosity; however, due to patient confidentiality and the screening protocols for Children's Hospital, we cannot accommodate this type of group volunteering.
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17. Does the hospital accept donations of used toys such as stuffed animals?
No, but we do accept current magazines and soft cover books.
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