Volunteering at UHN

​Before you apply

To become a UHN volunteer requires commitment.  You must meet the following general criteria:

• be 16 years of age or older
• respect the mission and values of UHN
• have an advanced level of English, both speaking and writing
• be willing to commit to your placement for at least 6 - 12 months
• must be able to contribute 2-4 hours once a week
• be professional, reliable, punctual, team-oriented, customer-service oriented
• must agree to a health screening that includes a two-step TB test
• agree to wear a uniform and ID badge during every shift
• abide by the confidentiality and volunteer agreements

• excellent verbal and written communication skills in English
• strong problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills
• good interpersonal skills, caring and friendly, and able to interact with family and visitors when required
• proactive and resourceful
• pay attention to detail
• must be able to take direct, but also to work independently
• accountable, reliable and punctual

Things to keep in mind

• Submitting an application does not guarantee you a volunteer placement at UHN
• The process to become a volunteer has several steps (all of which are important) and may take some time. This intake process was developed in order to best serve the patients and staff, and potential volunteers of UHN.
• Volunteers are selected and placed according to the needs of the hospital. Interests, skills, availability and suitability are all taken into consideration. Evening and weekend opportunities are limited.
• Volunteers are here to enhance the patient experience. Volunteers roles have boundaries and do not include any tasks that can only be performed by trained healthcare professionals. Volunteering will not allow you the opportunity to practice or develop your clinical/technical skills, nor will you be able to observe medical treatments or procedures.
• There are areas of the hospital which do not offer volunteering opportunities. If you have a particular area/department in mind, please visit our 'Volunteer Opportunities' or contact our offices to inquire before applying.

Important notices:

Internationally Trained Medical Professionals

• Volunteer Resources receives many applications from internationally trained medical professionals. Although we are happy to accept your application to volunteer, as a UHN volunteer, you will not be permitted to take on any tasks outside of your volunteer role description. As a volunteer, you will not be given the opportunity to shadow health care professionals, or practice your clinical or technical skills.

Individuals seeking employment at UHN

• Volunteering with UHN will not lead to paid employment. Please visit our Careers page for more information on the employment opportunities available throughout the organization.

Types of Volunteering

Year Round Volunteer Program

• We accept year round volunteers on a continual basis as opportunities permit. Year Round volunteers must meet the requirements and qualifications of our programs.

Summer Volunteer Program

The Summer Program accepts students, Secondary and College/University, who wish to gain volunteer experience during the summer months. Volunteers must apply before the cut-off date listed on the website and be completely screened and ready to begin in April.

The Summer Program runs for 4 months between May and August and requires the following

• Must be 16 years of age or older
• Must be able to commit for the whole summer (4 months)
• Must be able to commit to 2-4 hours per week
• Applications must be submitted by the beginning of March

Co-op

Cooperative Education (Co-op) is a unique learning opportunity for students which integrates academic study with practical experience in the workplace. The University Health Network has a long-standing partnership with the Toronto District School Board and a certified co-op teacher is on-site during the school day. The on-site co-op teacher is responsible for communicating with schools, students and the hospital staff to arrange appropriate placements and assist students with the program procedures.

Students participating in the Co-op program have the opportunity to explore the varied careers within a hospital setting. They develop transferable skills and increasing awareness of workplace demands and needs in a busy healthcare environment. Students earn credits for their work experience related to the school curriculum.

Student schedules vary: half, full, consecutive or alternate days for one semester (4 months) or a full school year. Placement shifts are generally a minimum of three hours. Times are coordinated between the teacher and supervisor.

Safety instruction is the joint responsibility of the school, the placement and the student. Students must comply with all the safety standards at the workplace. A Co-op Student Orientation is mandatory for all students before beginning the co-op placement.

A Workplace Education Agreement is completed and signed for each student. It outlines the placement duration, hours, location and WSIB coverage provided by the school board. Toronto District School Board maintains liability insurance coverage for Co-op students participating in programs authorized by the Board including University Health Network.

How to Apply for Co-op at University Health Network

Students must

• be 16 years of age or older to participate in the co-op program at UHN
• apply to their school co-op program first
• apply to the UHN co-op program through their co-op teacher
• attend the UHN Co-op Student Orientation
• complete the UHN Occupational Health requirements

It is recommended that students research the facilities at UHN and the various types of available placements before applying.

Assessment Monitoring and Evaluation

The supervisor can expect full support and assistance as the teacher monitors throughout the placement period. The goal of Cooperative Education is to ensure the mutually beneficial partnership among the training supervisor, teacher, and student.

For further information about cooperative education, please contact your school guidance, or cooperative education department.

Healing Beyond the Body - HBB