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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 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, no family members please)?
    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. Consumers new to volunteering are encouraged to participate in a Readiness Program to ensure they are aware of what volunteer work involves and to determine if they are ready. Please contact the Volunteer Office at 613-722-6521, ext. 6530 for more information if you are interested in this Program.