Volunteer Services

SHN’s popular R-WE (Real-World Experience) Program offers university and college students more unique opportunities to support the health of our community and make a real impact on the lives of our patients and the families we serve. Students can expect to gain real world experience in a health care environment by working alongside seasoned health care professionals, and building connections that will last a lifetime.

SHN Volunteer Services is currently recruiting for post-secondary student volunteers that would like an opportunity to volunteer at Scarborough Health Network and SHN’s COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics within the Scarborough Community.

The R-WE Program is currently accepting applications. If you are interested in volunteering with SHN and our Scarborough community Vaccine Clinics, please see the details and requirements below.

Note: All Real-World Experience Applicants must be 18 years of age or older to apply.

Minimum Commitment:

1. Be available to volunteer for the duration of one full month (i.e. May, June, July, or August)
2. Commit to five half-day, four-hour shifts per week (Monday through Friday) for a full month
   OR
   one four-hour shift, once per week, for three months.

Please reach out to Volunteerservices@shn.ca if you require any further details.

Summer Pathfinder volunteers ensure everyone who walks through SHN’s doors receives immediate assistance with directions, information, and mobility assistance. The program is open to high school students who are interested in learning about health care with a focus on customer service and patient interaction. Pathfinders primarily provides support at the hospitals’ main entrances, and are offered opportunities to support the information desks and patient registration area.

If you are interested in volunteering for the summer, you must meet the following requirements.

Note: All Summer Pathfinder Applicants must be 15 years of age or older to apply.

Minimum Commitment:

• Be available to volunteer July and August
• Commit to 5 half-day 4-hour shifts a week (Monday through Friday) for a full month OR a 4-hour shift once a week for two months
• Complete an application package, Vulnerable Sector Check, health screening – TB and immunization form
• Attend orientation prior to the first day of your placement

1. Complete the Volunteer Application Form for conditional acceptance.
2. Complete the Health Screening for Volunteers Form. (Applicant must submit this form to a family physician or a walk-in clinic physician to be completed)
3. Complete the Reference Check Form with two references.
4. Submit the forms from Steps 1, 2 and 3 via email to volunteerservices@shn.ca

(Your application will be acknowledged and processed only after you have completed step #4.)

Note: Your application will not be processed if you do not submit all completed forms, excluding your police check, which may be submitted within a reasonable timeline after approved candidates sign the Volunteer Services Agreement. Incomplete application packages will not be considered.

As a conditionally-accepted candidate for the volunteer program, you will have access to electronic information about the Scarborough Health Network, its mission, vision and values. A face-to-face pre-placement interview will be arranged with you and conducted at the hospital. At this interview we will discuss your interests, your appropriate fit for the volunteer program, professional conduct as well as our processes.

As a selected candidate to join the volunteer program, you must attend an on-site onboarding/orientation session (approximately 2.5 hours) where emergency codes and other policies and procedures will be explained. You will have your ID badge processed, parking activated and receive your uniform. You will also have the opportunity to tour the hospital and meet other new volunteers.

By the end of the onboarding/orientation session all volunteers should have their volunteer placement confirmed.

Training in your volunteer placement will be carried out by an experienced volunteer or supervisor, until you are comfortable with the role and expectations

You are required to make a weekly commitment of one three- to four-hour shift, one day per week for one year.

As a volunteer, you are expected to adhere to policies and procedures regarding confidentiality, dress code, and security regulations such as wearing proper identification.

Becoming a volunteer will require your time to complete the application process and the cost of your uniform. A refundable deposit is also required on your ID badge.

However, you will receive the following perks:

• Free parking
• Free refreshments while on your shift
• The Foundation loyalty program discount tag that allows you to receive discounts on purchases at selected stores in the Scarborough area