Volunteer at Sinai Health

Sinai Health volunteers offer compassionate support to patients and visitors.

Volunteers are valued members of the Sinai Health team. They play a very important role in creating a welcoming environment for patients and caregivers while they are in the hospital.

Our volunteers come from many different backgrounds. They are committed to providing compassionate and inclusive support to patients and their families. They enjoy working with others and always strive to learn and improve.

Volunteer requirements

Before you can start volunteering, you need to meet the following requirements:

Be at least 16 years old
Be a resident of Canada for at least one year
Be fluent in English with excellent written and spoken communication skills
Complete a health screening, including screening for tuberculosis, immunity screening for measles, mumps, rubella, varicella and hepatitis B (you are responsible for any associated costs)
Attend a general hospital orientation
Complete a set of online education courses
Purchase a volunteer uniform and badge

Please make sure you are able to commit to a volunteer placement before you apply. It is important that you are able to attend your volunteer shifts. If you anticipate not being able to fulfill your volunteer commitment due to study workload or other commitments, you may wish to wait to apply at a different time when your schedule is less full.

Volunteer application process

The year-round program accepts applications on an ongoing basis. Please note our greatest need for volunteers is on weekdays during the day time. Volunteer opportunities on evenings and weekends are limited.

As a volunteer in the year-round program, you are required to complete one shift of at least three to four hours a week, for a minimum of six months.

If you are interested in volunteering, please send an email with your resume and availability to:

Mount Sinai Hospital: [email protected]

Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital: [email protected]

We will contact you for a phone screening within 72 hours. Volunteers are placed in different areas of our hospitals based on Hospital needs, suitability, availability and interest.

Acceptance to the volunteer program is not guaranteed.

Summer program: We do not currently offer a summer program for volunteers.

High school co-op program: We currently do not have any opportunities for high school students.

Patients have life experiences – jobs, family histories, and accomplishments – and it’s an honour to get to know and support them. I think of the caregivers who cannot be there, and what I do is on their behalf.

Fran Turner, Mealtime Assistance Program (MAP) volunteer, Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital

Current volunteer opportunities

St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program

We welcome certified volunteers from the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program. For more information about getting your dog certified, contact the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program.

Frequently asked questions

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Does Sinai Health provide TTC fare?

Transportation to and from volunteering is the responsibility of the volunteer. We do not provide funding for transportation.

Do volunteers get free parking?

Yes, volunteers are given free parking.

Do volunteers need to wear a uniform?

All volunteers are required to wear a uniform and photo ID badge while on duty. You are responsible for the costs associated with the uniform.

What shifts are available for volunteering?

Volunteer shifts are Monday to Friday (morning, afternoon, and evening) and limited shifts on Saturday-Sunday (morning and afternoon).

Can high school students complete their 40 hours of volunteer service with Sinai Health?

All volunteers commit to a minimum of 70 hours of service. Any hours accumulated by volunteering at Sinai Health may be used towards your secondary school volunteer requirement, but you will need to complete the full 70 hours of service to have your hours verified.

Are there research or shadowing opportunities available?

No, we do not offer research or shadowing opportunities.

What if I am an internationally educated professional or trained in other health-care fields?

Please be aware that we do not offer specific volunteer roles that provide the opportunity to practice or gain experience within your specific profession. Volunteers do not perform tasks that are performed by a licensed or regulated profession such as physicians, physiotherapists, nurses and lab technicians.

Does volunteering secure me an employment position?

Volunteering at Sinai Health does not lead to a paid position. For all career opportunities, please visit our Careers section.