Volunteer
Volunteering in a hospital setting is an exciting opportunity to join an exceptional group of individuals with a shared desire to contribute to health care of our community. Volunteers are an essential part of the Lakeridge Health team, helping to create a caring, collaborative, and compassionate environment across our hospitals, community sites, and long-term care home, Lakeridge Gardens.
In order for us to get to know you and for you to truly make an impact in your role, we ask for a minimum commitment of six months of volunteer involvement.
Please email us at volunteer@lh.ca with any questions or call 905-576-8711 extension 33310 to leave a message and we will get back to you as quickly as we can.
Volunteer Recruitment Periods
Our proposed in-hospital and long-term care home volunteer application dates for adult and post-secondary students:
1. For new volunteers starting roles no later than the week of May 3, 2023 (May to August Summer program):
- Interviews are March 20 to April 7, 2023
2. For new volunteers starting in roles no later than the week of September 1, 2023:
- Applications are open from July 3 to 28, 2023.
- Interviews are from August 1 to 18, 2023.
3. For new volunteers starting in roles in February 2024:
- Applications are open from December 1 to 22, 2023.
- Interviews in early January 2024.
If you have any questions about volunteering or our current opportunities at Lakeridge Health’s five hospitals (Ajax Pickering, Bowmanville, Oshawa, Port Perry, and Whitby) or Lakeridge Gardens long-term care home in Ajax, please call 905-576-8711 extension 33310.
Please note, as a safety measure, we continue to require proof of a minimum of three (3) COVID-19 vaccinations from anyone who registers with us (volunteers and Spiritual Care providers).
Also, please visit this webpage regularly as we make plans to welcome back a high school student program.
Steps to Becoming a Volunteer at Lakeridge Health
Submit only ONE (1) Volunteer Application Form to be considered for any Lakeridge Health site.
You will receive confirmation that your application has been submitted.
Individuals will be invited to attend a virtual interview. In-person interviews are not always available at this time due to COVID-19 precautions. If you are unable to attend a virtual interview, a phone interview may be provided.
After a successful interview, you will be invited to attend a virtual welcome session. In-person dates and times will also be shared.
Following the virtual welcome session, volunteers will complete a online general volunteer orientation. Orientation documents and training module links will be emailed to you.
Volunteers must complete and submit ALL required documentation. The following forms will be discussed and provided to you:
- Volunteer acknowledgement (general orientation information).
- Proof of vaccination with at least three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine and an immunization record signed by your health-care provider. The annual flu shot is encouraged, but not mandatory.
- Two-step TB test results (available through the Lakeridge Health Occupational Health team).
- Sign our statement of privacy and confidentiality.
- Volunteer declaration, plus proof of police check for all volunteers over the age of 18. The level required will be determined by the role you accept. Please do not apply for a police check until you have completed the interview process.
- Volunteers that are under the age of 18 must provide signed consent by a parent/guardian. Note: the high school student program is currently on hold.
- Assignment of volunteer role with final details, including sign off on the role description, confirmation of shift day and time, training plan, photo ID badge, volunteer sign-in, parking, and uniform information.
Volunteer Update: A New Year, A New Plan |
One of the great things about supporting volunteer engagement is our ability to get creative and seek new ways to support those who want to get involved at Lakeridge Health. Last year we were proud to welcome over 270 new volunteers, and we continue to hear from many community members about their desire to get started in our volunteer activities. To provide more support to new volunteers at the start of their journey with Lakeridge Health, the Volunteer Resources team will be focusing on the volunteer’s first day experience. Whether it’s knowing where to park on the first day, or meeting a fellow volunteer to assist on a first shift, ensuring that our volunteers feel comfortable is paramount. Volunteer Resources and the Auxiliary partners are committed to the volunteer experience as much as we are to impact the patient and team experience. This year, we are also pleased to introduce adult and college/university student recruitment periods. This means that the application form will be available on this webpage for periods of time then removed while applications are processed. The Auxiliary run activities including gift shops, cafes and out-of-hospital stores, have paper applications available year-round as they are involved in the interview process for volunteers interested in these activities. Also, please visit this webpage regularly as we make plans to welcome back a high school student program. |