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VOLUNTEERING

For over 35 years, St. Joseph’s Hospice has depended on the help of volunteers to achieve our mission of providing compassionate care and companionship to those living with palliative illness and bereaved individuals and families.

St. Joseph’s Hospice is honoured to have 300 volunteers dedicate countless hours of their time, sharing their skills, expertise, and heart to enrich the lives of those within our residence and in our community. Volunteers are the heart of our hospice, and we offer a variety of opportunities for those wishing to make a difference in our community.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Looking for compassionate and caring individuals who have a desire to work in palliative care. Please contact Mike Balderston, Volunteer Coordinator, at 519–931–3468 or michael.balderston@sjhospicelondon.com. Any volunteer role working directly with our in-house residents or community clients is required to complete the HPCO (Hospice Palliative Care Ontario) Training, as well as our in-house Body Mechanics workshop.

In-Hospice Volunteer Only

  • We are looking for volunteers to help in our resident kitchen that are competent, can work independently and take direction. Volunteers have effective written and verbal communication skills, are friendly, compassionate, caring and calm. Volunteers are needed for weeknight shifts from 4pm-7pm and/or weekends from 9am-1pm or 4pm-7pm.

  • The role of the Direct Support Volunteer is a task-oriented role. Volunteers assist the clinical staff in the resident wing with the care of the residents. Shifts are 3 hours in duration on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.

  • Reception Volunteers greet all visitors to Hospice, providing direction and assistance in a professional, warm, and friendly manner. Volunteers answer and direct all in-coming calls and receive outside deliveries. Shifts are 3.5 hours in duration on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.

  • Volunteer Gardeners contribute to the upkeep and appearance of the St. Joseph’s Hospice and Sisters of St. Joseph’s gardens and grounds. Volunteers assist with planting, weeding, watering, deadheading flowers and minor pruning of bushes. Volunteers will also assist to spread soil and mulch. Volunteers should have some knowledge of gardening. Shifts are weekly during the gardening season from 9am-12pm.

  • Music Volunteers provide music through instruments such as flute, keyboard, guitar, harp, etc., providing appropriate music for a hospice setting. Commitment of time is flexible.

  • Grief & Bereavement Volunteers assist with the facilitation of support groups. Volunteers are required to have a background in working in grief & bereavement and facilitating groups. Commitment of time is based on the length of the groups.

  • Maintenance Volunteers assist with basic repairs and maintenance around Hospice, such as hanging pictures, performing minor fixes, and painting. Commitment of time is based on the need.

In-Hospice & Community Volunteers

  • A Certified Hairstylist provides haircut & style to palliative clients in their home in the community or in our Hospice facility. Volunteers must be a certified stylist, licensed to work in Ontario (must be member of the College of Trades). Commitment of time is flexible.

  • We are looking for a volunteer licensed Esthetician to provide manicures & pedicures to our clients both in our Wellness Centre and Resident wing. Weekday availability is required. The commitment of time is flexible. This role requires volunteers to complete both the HPCO (Hospice Palliative Care Ontario) Training and our in-house Body Mechanics workshop.

  • Certified Massage Therapist (RMT) provides massage therapy to palliative clients in their home in the community or in our Hospice facility. Therapists must have completed a registered massage therapy program at an approved educational facility. Commitment of time is flexible.

  • Certified reflexologists provide therapy to palliative clients in their homes in the community or in our Hospice facility. Therapists must have completed a Reflexology program at an approved educational facility. Commitment of time is flexible.

  • Certified Therapeutic Touch Practitioner (TT) provides TT to palliative clients in their home in the community or in our Hospice facility. Minimum of Level 3 Therapeutic Touch (Krieger-Kuntz) course and frequent practice. Membership in the Therapeutic Touch Network of Ontario (in good standing). Commitment of time is flexible.

  • Certified Healing Touch Practitioner provides Healing Touch to palliative clients in their home in the community or in our Hospice facility. Practitioners must have Completed Level 3 of Healing Touch Course, taught by a certified instructor. Commitment of time is flexible.

  • Certified Reiki Practitioner provides reiki to palliative clients in their homes in the community or in our Hospice facility. Practitioners must have completed a Third-degree Official Reiki Program. Commitment of time is flexible.

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  • Visiting Volunteers visit community palliative clients in their home offering comfort and companionship, as well as respite for their caregivers. Volunteers must be available to offer a weekly visit for up to 3 hours. Weekday availability and transportation are preferred.

How Do I Become a Volunteer with Hospice?

Step 1: Application

Once you’ve reviewed our volunteer opportunities and requirements, you can submit an online application. You will be contacted within 1-2 weeks to discuss your volunteer application with our Coordinator of Volunteer Services.

Disclaimer: Please understand that there are hospice policies and provincial requirements that must be met as part of the application process.

Step 2: Interview

Thank you for your application! You will be contacted within 1-2 weeks to acknowledge receipt of your application and possible next steps.

Volunteers need a spirit of compassion and understanding towards those who are on the end-of-life journey. Good listening skills, empathy, an open heart and a willingness to serve others are at the top of our list! Role-specific skills and certifications may be required depending on the volunteer role (i.e. complementary therapy volunteers).

Step 3: Training & Education

Any volunteer role that has direct contact with clients or residents are asked to complete the HPCO (Hospice Palliative Care Ontario) Training or Fundamentals of Palliative Care. The training provides our volunteers with an understanding of the philosophy and goals of palliative care. Participants gain an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of various team members and the importance of effective communication and effective team function in supporting the person and family as they journey with a progressive illness. 

For more information about volunteering at Hospice please contact:

Mike Balderston
Volunteer Coordinator
Phone: 519-931-3468
Email: michael.balderston@sjhospicelondon.com

Volunteers are the heart of our hospice home.

But don’t take it from us – hear about why people like Sue, Linda, and Anne volunteer with St. Joseph’s Hospice by clicking on each video link below, or read some of our Volunteer Stories on the Heart of Hospice Blog!