Volunteering

St. Joseph’s Hospice has relied on volunteers for more than three decades to fulfill its mission of offering compassionate care and support to individuals facing palliative illness and their families during bereavement.

St. Joseph's Hospice relies on volunteers to offer compassionate care to individuals with palliative illness and their families. With 300 dedicated volunteers contributing their time, skills, and compassion, the hospice provides support and companionship to residents and community members. Volunteers play a crucial role in enriching the lives of those served by the hospice, and various opportunities are available for those interested in making a positive impact in the community.

Volunteer Opportunities

  • Volunteer Visitors 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.

  • 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.

  • Kitchen Volunteers are responsible for assisting staff (in accordance with the kitchen guidelines) with the preparation of meals and snacks for residents as outlined in the weekly menu and with the direction of the Nutrition Services Coordinator. Volunteers must have a basic level of comfort and competency in a home-like kitchen environment. Shifts are 4 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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 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 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 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • A Certified Esthetician provides manicures and pedicures to clients in our Hospice facility. Volunteers must have esthetician diploma from a recognized college (Diploma of Vocational Studies (DEP) in Esthetics). Commitment of time is flexible.

Get Started

Contact Us for more information OR complete the Volunteer Application Form

Follow these steps:

Requirements:

  • Completed application form

  • 2-3 references

  • Proof of COVID-19 vaccination

  • Photo ID

  • Police records check

  • Copy of certification (if applicable to role)

  • Review of Hospice policies and procedures

  • Completion of orientation package

  • Completion of Hospice Palliative Care Ontario (HPCO) volunteer training

  • Role-specific training

Considerations:

When applying to become a Hospice volunteer, it's essential to consider several important factors outlined by the organization

  • Interest and desire to help

  • Sensitivity to special needs

  • Awareness of loss and grief / Personal grief consideration

  • Self-care and stress management

  • Openness and acceptance

  • Self-reliance and adaptability

  • Teamwork and growth

  • Commitment to training and responsibilities: Being willing to commit to the required training and volunteer responsibilities, as well as adhering to the organization’s standards and policies, is crucial

  • Overall, qualities such as warmth, empathy, humor, and approachability are valued, along with a dedication to the mission of the Hospice program