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Become an ROHCG Volunteer

 

What You Need to Know About Becoming a Volunteer with the Royal Ottawa Health Care Group

 

  • Applications are accepted at any time of the year.
  • Information can be obtained by calling 613-722-6521, ext. 6530 or sending an e-mail to volunteering@rohcg.on.ca
  • Prior to starting volunteer work, all applicants are required to:

    1. provide two references (preferably work-related)
    2. provide a clear Police Records Check (a letter can be given to you at the interview so you can get this done at no charge; waiting times vary from 3 to 8 weeks). Note: the Check must be on file before you start your volunteer job.
    3. have a two-step test to ensure you do not have tuberculosis (this simple skin test can be done at the hospital at no cost)
    4. attend a hospital orientation session (held from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on a weekday)


  • The minimum age is 16 -- volunteers between 16 and 18 must have parental permission.
  • A minimum commitment of six months is required. (The only exception is in the summer months when high school students over age 16 can work two shifts a week in one of the shops for the full eight weeks. University students in town for the summer semester may also be accepted for a four-month minimum if they apply by April. Students must provide a clear Police Records Check before starting. As noted above, this can take 3 to 8 weeks to obtain.)
  • Volunteers do not counsel, assess, or give advice about medical treatments. They must also sign a statement of confidentiality to protect patients' privacy.
  • Although not all opportunities are available all the time, the majority of the ROHCG's volunteer positions are on weekdays during the daytime with regular shifts lasting between 1 and 4 hours. There are a few opportunities on evening and weekends, as well as some committee activities that are flexible.
  • The process to become a ROHCG volunteer has several steps, (link to 'Steps to Becoming a Royal Ottawa Health Care Group Volunteer) and although it may take some time, these steps are important so we can best meet the needs of patients, staff and volunteers alike.
  • Anyone who has received health-care services from the ROHCG as clients or consumers must be discharged from the facility for at least two months before starting volunteer work. Those unable to obtain a Police Records Check are eligible for Occupational Therapy placements. Clients new to volunteering are encouraged to get information from us to help determine their readiness and to ensure they are aware of what volunteer work involves. Please contact the Volunteer Office at 613-722-6521, ext. 6530 for more information if you are interested in this material.

Steps to Becoming an ROHCG Volunteer

  1. For a list of the current volunteer vacancies, check our website under Volunteer Opportunities.  If there is a match with your interests and your time availability, contact the Volunteer Services office via the phone number or email address listed to get the appropriate forms.


  2. Once these completed forms are in hand, schedule a personal interview with the Director of Volunteer Services at the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre.
  1. At the interview you will be asked to fill in an application form; please bring a copy of your resume to attach to this application and the names of your references (including e-mail addresses and daytime phone numbers).
    2.  
  2. At the interview, you will be asked to tell us about yourself, about your interests and skills, and the reasons for wanting to volunteer.
  1. The Director will offer you a volunteer position if a suitable opening matches your skills, abilities, interests and availability. If a suitable match is not currently available, other options may be discussed.
  1. Once all the paperwork is completed, you will be provided with a Position Description, a Volunteer Manual, and an ID badge as well as specific training prior to beginning your volunteer work.

For more information on becoming a volunteer with the Royal Ottawa Health Care Group, please email the Volunteer Services Office or call 613-722-6521, ext. 6530.