Becoming a Volunteer

Before you apply

Explore our volunteer postings to get a clear understanding of the eligibility criteria, essential requirements, key responsibilities and expectations for each role. Get to know SickKids by learning about our mission, vision and values as well as our strategy.

Don’t see any opportunities posted? Learn more about the programs we offer and when they accept applications.

What’s in it for you? Learn about the perks of volunteering at one of Canada’s top paediatric hospitals and research institutes.

Application

Browse volunteer opportunities and apply now!

All applications must be submitted through our careers and volunteering website by the closing date. Applications are not accepted in person or via email.

You can apply online using a smart phone or tablet.

You’ll be asked screening questions based on the program you’re applying for.​ We also ask sociodemographic questions when you create your account profile. All responses are kept confidential. This information helps us to understand the diversity of our candidate pool.

You’ll receive a confirmation email when your application is received​.

Applications to volunteer postings require a resume and cover letter. Additional screening questions are asked to support these requirements. We prefer to see your resume, but if submitting a cover letter and resume is a barrier for you to apply, we welcome you to submit a letter of intent that tells us about who you are, your interest in the program, and any relevant skills or experience.

At SickKids, we are committed to providing a safe space for all volunteers, where individuality is celebrated, where diversity is embraced and where everyone can feel acknowledged, valued and respected.  If you require accommodation during the application process or if navigating the on-line application system is a barrier to you applying, please reach out to ask.hr@sickkids.ca.  SickKids can provide access, and inclusion supports to eligible candidates to support their full engagement during the interview and selection process as well as to ensure candidates are able to perform their duties once successfully hired.  If you are invited for an interview and require accommodation, please let us know at the time of your invitation to the interview. 

Need help with your resume? We've got you covered with tips and tricks to make it shine.

Application review

All applications are reviewed against the essential requirements for the role, listed under "here's what you'll need" on the volunteer posting​. Screening question responses are also taken into consideration.

We may reach out if we need clarification about your application. The resume review process typically takes two to three weeks from the time the volunteer posting closes.​

Interview

If you’re selected for an interview, we’ll reach out by email to schedule a time to meet.

During the interview, you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about the role, ask questions, and share your skills and experiences with the hiring team.

If you’re not selected for an interview, you’ll hear from us by email. Don’t be discouraged, we’re always looking for talented people and there may be another opportunity for you to volunteer at SickKids in the future.

What to expect from the interview:

• Interviews are typically conducted online, though some may be in-person. You will be notified of the format prior to scheduling the interview.
• While most interviews are one-on-one with a SickKids staff member, some programs may involve group interviews.
• You’ll receive an email to schedule your interview (please check your spam folder for messages from SickKids.) Once you’ve selected a time, you’ll receive an interview confirmation email with all the details. ​
• The interview questions are chosen to help us better understand how your experience and skills match the volunteer opportunity requirements. We want to learn more about you and share what makes SickKids special too.
• If you need an accommodation to take part in an interview, please advise the Hiring Manager or Volunteer Resources staff member scheduling your interview. 

Need help prepping for your interview? Review this tip sheet with more information about our interview approach.

Selection and offer

After all interviews have been completed, the team will decide who will be offered a role.

If you’re selected, you’ll receive an email that includes an offer letter with details about the role and our volunteer agreement. You will have seven days to review and respond to the offer.

We’re happy to answer your questions about the offer or joining the SickKids team. Contact the program coordinator or a member of the Volunteer Resources team.

Our offers are conditional upon satisfactory completion of:

• Two recent character references (cannot be family or friends)
• Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check or Vulnerable Sector Check (role dependent)
• Compliance with immunization requirements
• Attendance at Volunteer Orientation

We appreciate the time you invest through the application and interview process, so if you’re not selected for a role, we’ll connect with you to let you know.​

Onboarding

Congratulations and welcome aboard. We’re excited you’re joining the SickKids team!

You’ll receive an email about next steps, including any required documentation we need from you. We'll guide you through this process, to help ensure a smooth start.

Some of the requirements to volunteer at SickKids have costs associated with them, which are your responsibility. These requirements are time sensitive and therefore should only be initiated once an offer has been extended and accepted.

All onboarding requirements must be completed prior to starting as a volunteer. Here is more information about the two requirements that take the longest to complete and have fees associated with them:

• TB & Immunization Compliance (Public Hospital Act, Regulation 96; Section 4):
  • You’ll need to visit a health-care provider a total of four times to complete a 2-step TB test. In addition, you will need to provide proof of immunity to Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Varicella (chicken pox). Depending on the health-care provider, there may be a cost for this, which can range from $0 - $100.
• A Criminal Record & Judicial Matters Check (free-of-charge) or Vulnerable Sector Check ($20 - $40) (the volunteer posting specifies which one is required for the role). Please note that the amount charged for these checks are subject to change.

Some volunteer programs require a volunteer uniform (vest or t-shirt). T-shirts cost $10 and vests require a $40 deposit.

Onboarding for all volunteers includes an orientation session. Orientation and training requirements vary based on the program and are outlined in each volunteer posting.