July 3, 2025
Celebrating Our Pet Visitation Volunteers!
Volunteers are an integral contribution to the West 5th Museum.
About Us
St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton volunteers have played a vital role in the patient care journey for over 80 years. Our team of volunteers represent all age groups, experiences and background all sharing in the common goal to make a positive difference in the lives of patients and their families. St. Joseph’s offers a variety of volunteer placements both in patient care and non-clinical settings all designed to support the hospital mission and values. The Volunteer Resources team are here to help perspective candidates select a placement that best fits their goals, interests and availability. Join St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton and learn how your service can make a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients and families throughout our St. Joe’s community. There are many ways to get involved.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton are committed and compassionate individuals who enhance the quality of care we provide to our patients and their families. Volunteers are a vital part of the St. Joe’s community serving in various settings across our three Campus locations. Our team is here to help prospective candidates select a placement that best fits their goals and interests.
Please note: Volunteers are not permitted to carry out duties that are legally restricted to licensed healthcare professionals, such as physicians, pharmacists, physiotherapists, or lab technicians. These types of responsibilities are not part of any volunteer position. Volunteering opportunities do not involve practicing or enhancing clinical or technical skills. Our volunteers play a crucial role in enhancing patient care practices through numerous opportunities.
Volunteer roles are structured and organized into five unique categories, listed below.
Patient Experience
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- Key point of contact for patients and families
- One-to-one emotional support and comfort
- Strong ability to emphasize and be compassionate
Recreation Support
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- Patient support while engaging in recreation/leisure activities
- May include physical, technical and/or relational support
- Continual interaction with patients and staff are a primary aspect
Retail
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- Welcoming visitors, assisting customers with purchases and inquiries
- Assisting with revenue generating initiatives of the hospital
- Restocking products
- Customer driven focus
Peer Engagement
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- Partnering with staff and physicians
- Helping improve quality of care and experience for all
- Sharing lived or personal experience
- Collaboration of feedback and ideas to enhance safety of care
Patient Navigation
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- Predominantly public facing
- Greeting patients/visitors
- Assisting with wayfinding, providing information and direction
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Volunteer Requirements
- Available for 2-4 hours per week, with a minimum commitment of 75 hours.
- Must commit to 4 months in your assigned position before requesting a role change
- Minimum age: 15 (18 for West 5th campus)
- Strong communication skills required; second language is an asset
- References must be submitted, and selected volunteers will be invited for an interview. If successful, you will complete onboarding, the communicable disease form, and training.
- For those over 18, a Criminal Records & Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC) is required; some roles may require a Vulnerable Sector Search
- Any costs associated with the completion of the Communicable Disease Form and/or Police Clearance is the sole responsibility of the volunteer.
Ready to Apply
At this time we are only accepting applicants who can commit to volunteering into the fall months.
Apply here. Do not submit multiple applications to different campuses. Applicants are considered for the Volunteer Program based on successful screening and availability of a suitable position. We thank all applicants however only those who complete all aspects of the process will be considered. This does not secure you a position with us.
The volunteer role has defined boundaries and does not encompass tasks that are legally restricted to licensed healthcare professionals (e.g., physicians, pharmacists, physiotherapists, laboratory technicians). Such tasks are excluded from all volunteer positions. Volunteering will not offer opportunities to practice or develop clinical or technical skills.
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Applications for regular volunteers (minimum75 hour commitment) are open year-round. Interview invitations depend on volunteer needs at each site, and the start date is based on completing the full onboarding process. Due to program requirements, we currently do not have opportunities available on weekday evenings or weekends. Individuals with limited availability may apply; however, there may be a delay in securing a position.
If you have previously volunteered with St. Joes and would like to be considered for a return to volunteering, please indicate your interest via email to volunteer@stjoes.ca. We can guide you through the steps that are specific to your situation to resume volunteering.
Excited to volunteer this summer? Stay tuned—application updates are coming soon!
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Pre-Placement Communicable Disease Screening:
If selected for placement, you’ll need proof of immunizations and a 2-step TB test. Instructions will be provided during your interview.
Your family doctor, walk-in clinic, or campus health office (if you're a student).
Consult your healthcare provider for cost details.
Yes, you must have two Varicella vaccinations or lab proof of immunity.
Both vaccines are required before volunteering.
You’ll be contacted once your form is reviewed and approved.
The hospital doesn’t retain forms. Please keep a copy for your records.
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Volunteer FAQs
Active volunteers may request reference support. Details on hours and evaluation will be provided during orientation. Meeting the minimum hours does not guarantee reference support. Contact volunteer@stjoes.ca for more info.
Volunteer hours for course requirements are considered a learner placement. You must secure a preceptor at St. Joseph’s and complete onboarding as a learner. For details, visit learners.
Yes, registered volunteers receive complimentary parking during their shifts.
Volunteering doesn’t guarantee employment but offers valuable experience for future opportunities.
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Current Volunteers
The following resources are available for current St. Joe’s volunteers:
Volunteer opportunities are available at each of our three campuses:
- Charlton Campus - 50 Charlton Ave. East, Hamilton, ON, L8N 4A6
- West 5th Campus - 100 West 5th St., Hamilton, ON, L8N 3K7
- King Campus - 2752 King St. East, Hamilton, ON, L8G 5E4
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