Frequently Asked Questions
I am thinking about volunteering. What should I consider?
First, assess if you have time available to commit to volunteering. Think about your interests, skills and/or career plans – this will help you decide where you might volunteer.
Is there a time commitment?
We want to meet your needs by accommodating your busy schedule; however, we would ask that you commit to volunteering for a meaningful period of time. We ask for a minimum of six months. Most volunteers find they enjoy volunteering with Seven Oaks General Hospital and choose to stay longer than the required time commitment!
How long are the volunteer shifts and how often am I expected to volunteer?
Volunteer shifts are generally 2-4 hours in length and most programs require volunteers to come in once per week. However, there are special circumstances and volunteer roles where volunteers are required to serve more than 4 hours per shift and/or more than one shift per week.
What is the process to volunteer?
Prospective volunteers must fill out an application form. Once the Volunteer Services office receives your completed application form, you will be contacted by one of the staff. Before a volunteer is accepted you must go through an interview process and references are checked. If a successful match is made, then you will attend an orientation session and receive training for the volunteer placement that you will be performing.
Do I need a Criminal Record, a Child Abuse Registry and an Adult Abuse Registry Checks?
All volunteers 18 years and older will require a Criminal Record Check, Child Abuse Registry Check and Adult Abuse Registry Check to be completed. Seven Oaks will submit the Adult and Child Abuse Checks on your behalf. You are responsible to have your Criminal Record check done. After 50 volunteer hours the cost of the Criminal Record Check may be reimbursed back to you.
What type of references do I need for my application form?
You should try to get references that have known you for at least three months and are from different aspects of your life-teachers, co-workers, youth group leaders, supervisors or colleagues, etc. Always ask their permission to use their name as a reference and be sure to get their current email address and phone numbers.
How do you decide where to place volunteers at Seven Oaks?
Many factors are considered when matching volunteers to a placement, including your availability, your interests and skills and our current vacancies.
How old do you have to be to volunteer at Seven Oaks?
Volunteers must be at least 16 years old.
I’m on a student visa. Can I volunteer?
Yes, you can.
I’d like to job shadow someone in health care. How do I go about doing this?
Volunteer Services does not coordinate job shadowing requests.
Is there complimentary parking for volunteers?
Volunteers are assigned a parking pass for the Main parking lot. This pass is to be used only for when you are volunteering at the Hospital and is non-transferable.
Is there opportunity to move from one volunteer role to another?
Yes, we encourage you to seek new challenges and opportunities once your current commitment is satisfied. Depending upon your time availability, you may wish to offer your services in more than one role.
When do you need volunteers?
We have volunteer placements 7 days a week starting as early as 7:30 am and going until 8:00 pm. Because more patient programs happen during the day, we have a greater need for weekday volunteers.
If I volunteer, will it help me get a job at Seven Oaks?
Volunteering at any organization will help you gain skills for future employment. Volunteering at Seven Oaks is unrelated to Seven Oaks job opportunities. If you are job hunting, please see the Careers link on the WRHA website.