Volunteer Services
If you are a prospective volunteer, please complete our application form found on this page and email it to our Volunteer Services office. A Volunteer Services Associate will be in touch with you within 3 business days to confirm receipt of your application and/or discuss next steps.
Volunteering is reflected in many ways – from one-to-one visits to aiding patients and visitors with hospital information and wayfinding, to working in the library or helping out with special events. A diverse group of nearly 700 volunteers support many clinical and non-clinical areas at our five sites. St. Joseph’s is grateful to our many volunteers who play a key role in enhancing the patient, resident, visitor and staff experience at St. Joseph’s.
Through proceeds from the gift shops and other initiatives, volunteers raise much needed dollars to purchase hospital capital equipment and to support patient events.
You can make a difference too
At St. Joseph’s, volunteers make a difference in the lives of others every day. From spending time with war heroes, to helping seniors gain independence, to lending a compassionate ear – we are grateful for the vital support they provide to our patients, residents and staff. You can make a difference too. Watch the the following video and learn about the benefits of becoming a St. Joseph's Volunteer.
Would you like to volunteer with us?
St. Joseph’s is currently recruiting for various volunteer positions across the organization. If you have a specific area or program that interests you, please add this information to your application. Individuals looking to volunteer with St. Joseph’s are asked to complete a Volunteer Application and forward to:
Volunteer Services
St. Joseph’s Health Care London
PO Box 5777, Stn B
London, ON N6A 4V2
@email
519-646-6100 ext. 44050
It is a requirement that all volunteers provide proof of full vaccination prior to beginning their volunteer role with us. All volunteers are thoroughly trained and attend a hospital orientation to help understand the responsibilities and learn the duties as a volunteer.
Volunteer Services offices are open Monday to Friday from 8 am to 4 pm at all five St. Joseph’s Health Care London sites. The offices are closed on all statutory holidays and weekends.
Voices of volunteers
Mary's volunteer story
With a father who served in Korean War and received care at St. Joseph’s Parkwood Institute, Mary Gillet knew that volunteering as a bartender in our Veteran Care Program would be meaningful to both the war heroes she serves, and her family.
Karen's volunteer story
Needing a break for the corporate world, Karen Van Diepen now volunteers her time in the variety store at the Finch Family Mental Health Care Building. Offering her time, talents and a compassionate smile to patients and staff who visit the shop – she makes a difference in the lives of others.
Zuhayr's volunteer story
As a health sciences student at Western University, Zuhayr Kahn enjoys volunteering with a population he may one day serve. Zuhayr’s experience working with older adults at Mount Hope is helping prepare him for the future and making a difference for residents.
Patty's volunteer story
After receiving exceptional care as a patient in St. Joseph's Breast Care Centre, Patricia Mowry knew she wanted to volunteer and give back. Helping others feel more comfortable - and understanding what they may be going through - helps patients feel more at ease.
Current volunteer opportunities
Information Desk Volunteer (30 positions at St. Joseph's site)
Greet all patients and visitors upon arrival, assist patients and visitors by providing wayfinding directions to clinical areas or units, answer questions about facility or parking, contact appropriate staff member by phone, as questions arise.
Chapel Service Leader/Liturgical Facilitator/Preacher
The ideal candidate for this position will have some knowledge of Christian theology and be able to articulate theological concepts in an easy to understand manner. You will be comfortable with public speaking and be able to assist in leading a chapel service and create a reflection to share with attendees. This role requires you to be comfortable with mental health issues and understanding of patients who may be experiencing them. Time commitment is from 10-12 pm on Thursdays, however it can be on a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly basis in the Parkwood Mental Health Care Building.
Chapel Service: Musical guest
You will be able to play an instrument and have knowledge of a variety of different types of Christian hymns and worship songs. You will provide musical support throughout the chapel service. This role requires you to be comfortable with mental health issues and understanding of patients who may be experiencing them. Time commitment is from 10-12 pm on Thursdays, however can be on a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly basis at Parkwood Mental Health Care Building.
Chapel Service: Patient support and portering
You will be responsible for working with staff in different patient units to gather patients who are interested in attending the chapel service. You will remain at the service to assist. If a patient wishes to leave the service, then you will assist in escorting them back to their unit. This role requires you to be comfortable with mental health issues and understanding of patients who may be experiencing them. Time commitment is from 10-12pm on Thursdays at Parkwood Institute Main Building, and at Mount Hope on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9-11:30am.
Gift shop
Are you looking for a meaningful way to give back to our community? We are looking for pleasant and personable individuals to join our great team. No cash experience is needed and all training is provided. We are flexible with your availability and gift shops are located across St. Joseph's sites.
Pet visitation
You will bring in your fully vaccinated pet, who has completed at minimum a level 1 training, and visit with patients on a unit. Patients will play with and interact with your pet. Help is needed in this capacity at all St. Joseph's sites.
ConnectCare installer
You will be assisting our clients in the community with the installation of their ConnectCare medical alert button system at Parkwood Institute Main Building.
Visiting volunteer
Location: Parkwood Institute Mental Health Care Building and Mount Hope Centre for Long Term Care
You will be assigned to a unit where you will visit and engage with patients experiencing mental illness, and assist the recreation therapy staff with off-unit excursions and activities as needed.
High school students
St. Joseph’s Health Care London is committed to mentoring tomorrow's health care professionals today.
We offer Co-operative Education Placements to secondary education students from the Thames Valley District School Board and the London Catholic School Board. Interested high school students should contact their Co-operative Education Teacher responsible for this program for further information.
Volunteer Services works with the school boards to arrange these exciting opportunities for students in our community. Co-operative students are accepted during the fall and winter semesters.