Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences (Ontario Shores).
Please note there is currently a wait list for volunteers. While we encourage everyone to apply, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Step One: Submit Application and References
A) Application
Complete the volunteer application form available below.
B) References
Please have your references complete the Ontario Shores Volunteer Reference Form available below. References may be from employers, teachers/professors, volunteer work supervisors or coaches. Letters from family members are not accepted.
The Reference Form is a fillable PDF file and can be saved and sent via email to your references as an attachment. Once filled out, the references can then email the completed form directly to @email. Only when both references are received will your application be reviewed.
Volunteer references will be reviewed and qualifying applicants will then be contacted for an interview.
All applications will be kept on file for six months.
Step Two: Interview
Volunteer Services screens all applications; however, depending on volume, only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted (either by phone or by email). We will discuss your background and experience, interests, skills and reason for volunteering as well as our processes and current volunteer opportunities.
NOTE: Successful completion of the application process and participation in an interview does not guarantee a volunteer placement with Ontario Shores.
Step Three: Police Reference Check with Vulnerable Sector Search
Successful applicants who are asked to attend orientation MUST provide proof of successfully completed Police Reference Check, including Vulnerable Sector Screening, at their own expense. Only originals or embossed photocopies are accepted and must be dated within the past six months.
The Vulnerable Sector Screening must be completed within the city/town in which the applicant resides. Ontario Shores will provide the forms necessary to conduct a vulnerable sector search for those applicants residing in the postal code area that begins with “M” (Toronto). The applicant will then have to take these forms along with a certified cheque/money order to the Toronto Police Service on College Street in Toronto. All other vulnerable sector searches for people residing in Durham, Peel, Peterborough, etc. can be requested and paid for by the applicant without the involvement of Ontario Shores.
Step Four: Occupational Health Requirements
For the health and safety of patients and staff, and in compliance with the Communicable Disease Surveillance Protocols for Ontario Hospitals, and the policies of Ontario Shores, volunteer placements are conditional upon completing a health screening, including:
- Proof of two COVID-19 Vaccines
- Two-step TB skin test
- Documentation of Immunization status for rubella, measles, mumps, chickenpox and Hepatitis B
Onsite testing is arranged through Volunteer Services.
Step Five: Orientation and Safe Management Group (SMG) Training
Successful applicants must attend a one-day General Orientation followed by a second half-day of SMG training to become familiar with the hospital’s Mission, Vision, Core Values, emergency procedures, infection control information, and policies and procedures. A tour of the facility and arrangements for your identification badge are completed at this time. All Volunteers are required to wear their identification badges while on duty.
The second half of the General Orientation will be dedicated to completing your mandatory learning modules. The following Mandatory Training eLearning Modules must be completed prior to commencing Volunteering activities at Ontario Shores:
- Basic Safety
- Accessibility and You
- Privacy and Information Security
- Emergency Preparedness
- WHMIS
- Workplace Violence, Harassment, and Domestic Violence
- Infection Control
The second day Volunteers are required to complete a 4-hour Safe Management Group Training session before starting their volunteer placement. This training provides a unique and proactive approach that enables staff and volunteers to manage individuals who are showing signs of escalation. Participants will learn skills most appropriate to their everyday duties.
The test at the end of the SMG session is optional for volunteers. Volunteers who do complete and pass the test will receive a Certificate of Training.
Registration for General Orientation and Safe Management Group Training is completed through Volunteer Services.
Step Six: Placement
Volunteer placements are arranged through the Volunteer Services Specialist. Depending on the placement, additional training / orientation with an experienced volunteer or staff member may be required. New Volunteers are asked to participate in one of three areas before moving forward to a specifically requested placement on a Unit.
NOTE: Costs associated with completion of the Police Reference Check/Vulnerable Sector Screening, or Health Screening outside of Ontario Shores, is the sole responsibility of the applicant.
For additional questions or inquiries about becoming a volunteer, please contact us at 905.430.4055 ext. 6592 or @email.
