Volunteering at UHN

The minimum age to volunteer at University Health Network is 16 years of age. You must be at least 16 years of age when you submit your application.

Volunteer Resources reviews all applications and contacts prospective volunteers when we have available volunteer roles at the site to which you applied to volunteer. Depending on the volume of applications and the number of volunteer roles we have, we cannot guarantee when you may be contacted.
*Applying for a volunteer position at UHN does not guarantee you a volunteer placement opportunity.*

The screening and onboarding process for volunteering can take anywhere from 6-8+ weeks to complete post a successful interview and includes completing the following: Online application, Interview, References, Health Services clearance, Volunteer Orientation (online modules and site specific Orientation) and Criminal Record Check. After volunteers have fully completed the onboarding process, they will be cleared to start volunteering.

Post a successful interview, applicants are required to complete the mandatory clearance requirements from Health Services. This includes a record of immunizations, proof of at least 2 COVID vaccinations and the completion of a two-step TB test. Volunteer Resources will provide you with the necessary forms and Health Services links.
*UHN does not pay for any costs incurred with the completion of the Health Services requirements.*

Yes. All volunteers are required to wear a UHN volunteer uniform so they are easily recognizable to patients, staff and essential care partners. ID badges are issued to volunteers by Security and must be worn at all times. You will purchase a UHN Volunteer t-shirt or golf shirt (as available); your uniform will be provided to you when you start your volunteer role. This purchase is yours to keep when you have completed your volunteer commitment with us. Volunteers must return their ID badge to Volunteer Resources at the completion of their commitment.

New volunteers begin with one volunteer placement, once a week. Additional opportunities may be considered if you are able to fulfil the commitment expectations and if there is a suitable opening.

Volunteers are selected and placed according to the needs of the hospital.
Interests, skills, availability and suitability are all taken into consideration. Once placed in a volunteer role, volunteers are trained for that specific role or program. Each position requires a minimum 6 month commitment. After the 6 months are complete, transfers may be possible providing there is another suitable opportunity available in another area.

The Program Coordinator of each site can provide information about parking availability at their site. Due to the high volume of volunteers, UHN does not provide TTC reimbursement to volunteers. Transportation to and from volunteering is the responsibility of the volunteer. UHN does not provide funding for transportation.

No. All volunteers must make a minimum commitment of 6 months of regular weekly volunteering. We will only provide confirmation of hours to those who have fulfilled our program requirements. If you are only looking to complete 40 hours of community service, we recommend you use a resource such as www.volunteertoronto.ca that lists a variety of organizations who are in need of volunteers.

No. Although we are happy to accept your application to volunteer, as a UHN volunteer, volunteer roles do not include duties or responsibilities that are performed by a licensed or regulated healthcare professional. Volunteers must follow the responsibilities outlined in their Volunteer Position Description and are not able to practice or gain experience within a specific profession.

As a volunteer, you will not be given the opportunity to shadow health care professionals, or practice your clinical or technical skills.

No. Observing and shadowing staff is not part of the UHN volunteer program. If you wish to explore observation options, please visit the Observership page of the UHN website.

No. Completing a clinical learner educational requirement is not part of the UHN volunteer program. Please visit the Clinical Learners page of the UHN website.

No. Completing a Non-Clinical Learner educational requirement is not part of the UHN volunteer program.

No. Volunteering with or completing a learning experience with Research is not part of the UHN volunteer program. Please visit the UHN Research page of the UHN website.

No. We do not currently provide volunteer opportunities for groups or families.