Becoming a Volunteer

Steps to becoming a Baycrest volunteer

Volunteers of all ages are welcome at Baycrest! Just a few hours of your time can make a significant difference in the lives of clients.

Before you apply:

• Volunteers must be 13 years of age or older to volunteer without a guardian.
• A time commitment is required.
• A good command of the English language is required. Fluency in a second language like Yiddish, Russian, Hebrew, or Polish is always helpful.

Preparing your application:

Follow the steps below to begin your journey as a Baycrest volunteer.

• Step 1: Apply and register for an orientation to learn about Baycrest
  • To reserve your spot complete the application here.  You will receive an email with the dates of the upcoming orientations.  You will then be able to register for the orientation of your choice.
  • ​Complete eLearning courses. Instructions and log-in ID will be emailed to you upon completion of orientation.
• Step 2: Screening
  • Obtain a signed reference form
    • Please note: references cannot come from a family member
  • Complete the Volunteer Immunization Record for onsite volunteers.
  • Applicants 18 years or older must submit a Vulnerable Sector Screening from the police in your region. Supporting documents will be provided.
• Step 3: You are now ready to book an interview
  Volunteer Checklist:
  
  The following steps are required prior to scheduling your interview.

  1. Submit your online application and register for an orientation
  2. Complete a Baycrest Volunteer Orientation
  3. Complete the online eLearning modules.  The link will be emailed to you after completing the orientation session.
     1. Accessibility and the Customer Service Standards
     2. Accessibility and the Human Rights Code
     3. Infection Prevention and Control for Volunteers
     4. Managing Responsive Behaviours
     5. Patient Safety
     6. Privacy for Volunteers
     7. Workplace Violence, Workplace Harassment, and Domestic Violence
  4. Obtain a signed reference form.  The form can be downloaded from the website.
  5. For onsite volunteers: Submit a completed and physician-signed immunization record. The form can be downloaded from the website.
  6. If you are 18 years of age and older: submit a police check including a vulnerable sector screen.  To obtain the forms and for more information please email or call volunteer services. You will be reimbursed after six months of volunteering.
  7. For onsite volunteers during flu season: submit proof of have received the current flu vaccine.

  If you have completed all of the above steps you are ready for your interview.  Please call or email to arrange the interview.  A Zoom video meeting will be used for virtual interviews.  Please ensure that the email address you have provided us is accurate.
• Step 4: Conditions of Volunteer Placement
  After you have completed a successful interview and have been placed in your volunteer role you will be given a Baycrest Volunteer Handbook, Code of Conduct and Conditions of Volunteer Placement / Conditions Of Placement For Pet Therapy Volunteers. After reading the Volunteer Handbook and Code of Conduct please  download the Conditions of Volunteer Placement, complete the form, print, sign and date and email or fax it back to Volunteer Services. Upon receipt of this form you will be referred to a volunteer supervisor who will be in touch with you to get you started!