Volunteer

Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP)

HELP is an award-winning volunteer program proven to:

• enhance senior's physical, emotional and social experience during their hospital stay
• prevent patient confusion and progressive weakness

Volunteers are provided with specialized training and have a unique opportunity to work directly with patients. This is for people who prefer close patient contact and who wish to have a more hands-on volunteer experience. The time commitment is a minimum of eight months.

Volunteers must:

• be reliable, discreet and empathetic
• be diplomatic when talking to patients, families and staff
• enjoy and appreciate older people
• offer comfort and support to patients and visitors
• be dependable and committed to scheduled shifts, or provide alternative availability for absences
• have strong listening and communication skills
• be fluent in verbal and written English (additional languages may be beneficial)
• be able and willing to push patients in wheelchairs
• deal appropriately with medical situations (e.g. bleeding, vomiting, etc.)
• report any concerns regarding patients to a health care professional

Volunteers are required to complete HELP volunteer training. This includes one full day of class (eight hours) and 16 hours of “shadowing” an experienced volunteer.

Please note:

• all HELP volunteers must undergo an annual competency review
• optional education lectures are available quarterly
• you must commit to a minimum of one three-hour shift per week for eight months
• at least 100 hours is required for a reference letter

To apply:

To apply for this position, submit an application and specify your area of interest.

Mental health inpatients – yoga sessions

As a qualified yoga volunteer, you will assist hospital staff in guiding patient yoga sessions. This opportunity is for volunteers who prefer close patient contact and who want to support social and recreational activities in the Mental Health Unit. Volunteers will work under the supervision of nursing staff. This position is available in late evenings.

Essential skills, requirements and qualifications:

• excellent customer service, interpersonal and communication skills
• fluent in verbal and written English (additional languages are beneficial)
• experience and/or education in mental health
• experience facilitating social and recreational activities with individuals and groups
• experience facilitating exercise programs/routines such as yoga, tai chi, zumba
• knowledgeable about mood and anxiety disorders, their symptoms and their impacts
• pleasant manner and supportive attitude
• ability to stay calm in a busy, often stressful environment
• good organizational skills
• proactive and willing to learn

Please note:

• applicants will have a mandatory second interview with department staff
• you must be able to maintain confidentiality and adhere to all Osler policies

To apply:

To apply for this position at Brampton Civic, submit an application and specify your area of interest.

Lobby connections

This isn't your typical desk job! It's a great way to learn about the hospital as a whole. Volunteers provide information, customer service, and wayfinding support to patients and visitors throughout the hospital.

This position is suited for volunteers who:

• have good people skills
• provide excellent customer service
• work well independently
• like to be busy and active

Essential skills and qualifications

You:

• are friendly and outgoing
• have excellent communication, problem-solving, interpersonal and public relations skills
• are able and willing to cope in a busy, fast-paced environment
• demonstrate professional telephone etiquette
• are fluent in both verbal and written English (additional languages are beneficial)
• have the hearing acuity to answer the phone and respond to inquiries
• are physically able to push patients in wheelchairs
• can stand and walk for long periods of time
• are comfortable with close patient interaction

To be successful in this role, you will need to understand the layout and locations of hospital departments. Training is provided.

To apply:

To apply for this position, submit an application and specify your area of interest.

Patient and Family Advisory Council

Our patient and family advisors provide invaluable feedback to inform key hospital decisions and health system solutions.

Learn more and apply to become a patient and family advisor at Osler.