Specialized Volunteer Positions

The Hospital Elder Life (H.E.L.P) is an award-winning comprehensive volunteer program that has been proven to enhance the physical, emotional and social experience for seniors during their stay in the hospital while preventing confusion and progressive weakness. Volunteers will be provided with specialized training in the delivery of specific interventions and have the unique opportunities to have direct patient contact in an inpatient care setting.

Essential Skills/Requirements and Qualifications:

• Must be reliable and mature in judgement
• Discreet, empathetic behavior and ability to exercise diplomacy in talking to patients, patient’s family and staff
• Must display a genuine enjoyment of and appreciation for older people
• Interest in offering comfort and support to patients and visitors
• Must be dependable and committed to scheduled shifts, or provide alternative availability to substitute absences
• With access to basic medical information, there is zero-tolerance for breach of confidentiality
• High level of communication skills, including strong listening and supportive interaction
• Fluent in English both verbal and written. Additional languages may be beneficial
• Adequate physical ability to push patients in wheelchairs
• Ability to deal appropriately with medically related situations, e.g. bleeding, vomiting, etc
• Ability to be aware that you are a communication link and as such need to report any concerns regarding patients to the healthcare professional
• The uses of camera, voice-recorder, alcohol, tobacco or illegal drugs are prohibited for all hospital staff and volunteers while on duty
• Volunteers are required to attend and complete the HELP volunteer training which consists of one full day of class (8 hours) and 16 hours of “shadowing” an experienced volunteer
• Mandatory annual competency review
• Optional quarterly education lecture on special topics
• A minimum time commitment of one 3 hour shift per week for eight months is required
• A minimum of 100 hours is required for reference letter

To apply for this position at Brampton Civic Hospital, download an application and specify your area of interest. More on how to apply.

To apply for this position at Etobicoke General Hospital, adults and students can download and complete the application form. More on how to apply.

Qualified yoga volunteers will assist the Staff by carrying out social activities in a yoga session with patients in GEN B under the supervision of Nursing Staff. Volunteers will have a second interview with staff on the unit. Their primary duties will be to guide patients with yoga. This position is available late evenings.

Essential Skills/Requirements and Qualifications:

• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills
• High level of communication skills
• Fluent in English both verbal and written, additional languages are beneficial
• Previous experience and or education in mental health with skills related to social and recreational activities.
• Experience in facilitating social and recreational activities with individuals/groups.
• Experience in facilitating exercise programs/routines such as yoga, Tai Chi, Zumba
• Knowledge about mood and anxiety disorders their symptoms and how they impact individuals affected.
• Pleasant manner and supportive attitude
• Ability to stay calm in a busy, often stressful environment
• Good organizational skills
• Proactive attitude and a willingness to learn
• Mandatory 2nd interview with department staff
• Must be able to maintain and adhere to confidentiality and all Osler’s policies

To apply for this position at Brampton Civic Hospital, submit an application and specify your area of interest. More on how to apply

Volunteers provide information, customer service, and way finding support to patients and/or visitors to destinations throughout the hospital.

Essential Skills and Qualifications:

• Friendly, outgoing approach
• Excellent communication, problem solving, interpersonal and public relations skills
• Ability and willingness to cope in a busy, fast paced environment
• Professional telephone etiquette
• Neat appearance
• Fluency in both verbal and written English is necessary. Additional languages is beneficial
• Hearing acuity to answer the phone and respond to inquiries
• Must be physically capable of pushing patients in wheelchairs, standing and walking
• Understand the layout and locations of departments throughout the hospital (training provided)
• Comfortable with close patient interaction

We have a number of volunteer opportunities available for PFA:

1. Osler Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC)
   PFAs can participate in shared decision-making about the development of organization-wide policies, strategic planning, and new initiatives. Osler’s PFAC is co-chaired by a Patient Experience leader and a PFA. The Council reports directly to the Quality Governance Council.
2. Program PFACs
   PFAs can take part as members of program PFACs where patient/family with condition specific expertise is needed to help plan and inform program re-design. These PFACs play a role in the development of program level policies, strategic planning, and new initiatives.
3. Committees
   PFAs have the opportunity to join various committees to ensure the voice of the patient/family is reflected when plans and decisions affecting the delivery of care or other related activities are being planned and implemented. Some examples are the Medical Advisory Committee, Clinical Senior Leadership Team, Quality Governance Council, Access and Flow, etc.
4. Quality Improvement Initiatives
   A roster of PFAs will be created. Their unique skills, talents and insights related to specific subject matter expertise will help co-design various quality improvement processes and projects.
5. Recruitment
   PFAs will also have the opportunity to participate in the recruitment of staff and leaders.
6. Beyond Osler
   PFAs have the opportunity to join various committees beyond Osler. Specific opportunities are:
   • Central West Local Health Integration Network (CW LHIN)
   • Central West Regional Quality Table
   • Central West Palliative Care Network

To learn more about becoming an Advisor and apply, please go to: www.williamoslerhs.ca/become-an-advisor

The two new buildings will give our programs and services the state-of-the-art facilities and extra space they need to provide our community with world-class patient care.

We’re on track to open the Etobicoke Wellness Centre by fall 2018 and the new patient tower in early 2019. As our building increases, so will our dynamic volunteer team, so apply today to join us!

Here are some of the key areas looking for volunteers:

• Emergency Department
• Day Surgery & Procedures
• Outpatient Clinics
• Diagnostic Imaging
• Information Desk & Way-finding
• Gift Shop