Volunteering at St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton is a commitment. Please read all information before applying:
Why volunteer at St. Joe's?
Whether you’re looking for an opportunity to gain skills and experience or wanting to make connections and stay healthy, volunteering a few hours a week can make a meaningful difference - For patients, visitors, and you!
Our goal is to provide the best opportunities for volunteers to support and enhance the patient experience at St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton. Our volunteers embody our mission, vision and values.
Mission – Living the Legacy: Compassionate Care. Faith. Discovery.
Vision – On behalf of those we are privileged to serve, we will deliver an integrated, high quality care experience, pursue and share knowledge, and respect our rich diversity, always remaining faithful to our Roman Catholic values and traditions.
Values – Dignity, Respect, Service, Justice, Responsibility, Enquiry.
Before you apply
Review volunteer opportunities here.
The volunteer role has certain boundaries and does not include any tasks that can only legally be performed by a healthcare professional (such as a physician, pharmacist, physiotherapist, laboratory technician, etc.) Such tasks are not included in any volunteer roles. Volunteering will not provide you the opportunity to practice or develop clinical or technical skills.
Due to program needs, we currently do not have weekday evening or weekend opportunities at this time. Those with limited availability can apply, however there will be a delay in finding an opportunity.
For more information on these opportunities, please visit our Volunteer Opportunities Page.
Volunteer applicant expectations:
- Available 2-4 hours per week, for a minimum commitment of 75 hours. Coordinators are unable to sign off on hours or complete verification letters until the 75 hour requirement has been met.
- Minimum age of 15 years old (18 years at West 5th campus)
- Excellent communication skills, including fluency in oral and written English. Knowledge of a second language may be an asset.
- Willing to attend an interview and if selected, complete an on-boarding process including 2 references, Communicable Disease Form (including 2 COVID vaccinations), orientation and training.
- For those over the age of 18, willing to provide a Criminal Records & Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC). Some roles may require a Vulnerable Sector Search. Your Coordinator will inform if you are required to obtain one.
Any costs acquired for the completion of the Communicable Disease Form and/or Police Clearance is the sole responsibility of the volunteer.
Student Summer Volunteer Opportunities
If you are interested in volunteering only for the summer, please see application deadlines below.
- Post-Secondary Students: Applications closed March 29, 2024. Only those able to volunteer into the fall months are encouraged to apply.
- High School Students: Apply by May 3
Ready to apply
Applicants are accepted into the Volunteer Program based on the successful completion of the screening process and availability of a position that matches the applicant's skills and abilities. Completion of the application process does not guarantee placement at St. Joe’s.
- Ensure you have reviewed the above information and comply with the requirements and expectations.
- Click here to learn about the St. Joe's Volunteer application process.
- Apply here. Please do not submit multiple applications to different campuses.
While we thank all applicants, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
The following resources are available for current St. Joe’s volunteers:
Wrapped in God's Grace - Even During COVID-19
Photo above from The Niagara Angelican
Check out the busy hands of a crocheter from St. John the Evangelist, Hamilton, and connect her to a volunteer of St. Joseph’s Hospital in Hamilton. What do you get? By God’s grace, a volunteer co-ordinator who needs such works of love for her patients.Read the full story here.
Follow St. Joe's on social media to read the latest stories and updates!
Connect with us on social media by tagging our account and using the hashtag: #WeAreStJoes
Instagram 
Facebook 
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Linkedin
General FAQ
Would I be able to use my volunteer experience as a reference?
Active volunteers are able to request various reference/verification support. Detailed information on hour requirement and evaluation criteria is outlined during orientation. Meeting the minimum hour requirement is not a guarantee for reference support. For specific questions, please email voluntee@stjoes.ca
Can I utilize my volunteer hours towards a post-secondary course placement credit? (i.e. Life Sciences, Aging & Society etc.)
Completing volunteer hours for a course requirement would be defined as a learner placement. You would need to seek out a preceptor at St. Joseph’s. From there you would then be onboarded as a learner. For more information regarding a learner placement, please go to http://www.joinstjoes.ca/learners.
Am I entitled to free parking?
Yes, registered St. Joe’s volunteers will receive complimentary access to parking during their allocated volunteer shift.
Does volunteering lead to employment at St. Joe’s?
Volunteering does not lead to employment. However, it may provide you with experience or exposure that will later assist in finding employment.
Pre-Placement Communicable Disease Screening
Do I require a TB test?
If you have been selected for a placement, then yes, you will be required to show proof of your immunizations and have a 2 step TB test completed. Instructions on how to meet the requirements of the hospital and receive clearance will be provided at the interview along with the form.
Who can complete this form?
- Your family doctor
- Walk-in clinic – if you don't have a family doctor
- Student/Campus Health Office if you are a post secondary school student
How much will it cost to complete this form?
Please discuss this with your health care provider prior to completion of the form. Costs may vary.
I’ve had Chicken Pox/Shingles before, do I need to have the Varicella vaccine?
Yes, health care providers can no longer verify a history or diagnosis. You are required to receive the 2 Varicella vaccinations 28 days apart, or provide lab proof identifying immunity.
I've had one Varicella vaccination, can I start volunteering before I receive the second one?
Both vaccinations are required before volunteering.
Once I've submitted my form, when can I start volunteering?
Once your form is reviewed and approved by the Occupational Health & Safety Services office we will contact you.
Can I access a copy of my form in the future?
Your form is not retained by the hospital. Please keep a copy for your records.
Phone: 905-522-1155 ext. 31435
Email: voluntee@stjoes.ca
Volunteer opportunities are available at each of our three campuses:
- Charlton Campus
50 Charlton Avenue East Hamilton, Ontario, Canada L8N 4A6
- King Campus (Stoney Creek)
2757 King Street East Hamilton, Ontario, Canada L8G 5E4
- West 5th Campus
100 West 5th Street Hamilton, Ontario, Canada L8N 3K7
