1. Careers @ Horizon Health Network
  2. Volunteering

Volunteering

Volunteers are a driving force for us. Whether they actively help those in need or are simply present with patients that need it the most, volunteering at Horizon has always proven to be one of life’s most rewarding experiences.

Volunteering enables our communities to be involved in enhancing the care experience for every person, every day.

In addition to adding a caring and personal touch to our patients’ experience with Horizon, our volunteers complement the role of our professional staff. They are an important and valued asset of our operations, and they make all the difference in the world for our patients.

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Benefits of volunteering:

  • Helping and serving those in need
  • Networking with other volunteers
  • Obtaining references for employment, scholarships, and bursaries
  • Gaining valuable experience
  • Making new friends
  • Visiting with patients
  • Assisting with patient recreation programs such as music, cards, and bingo
  • Participate in hospital projects and committees to collaborate with staff and provide input
  • Greet and assist the public in outpatient clinics
  • Provide service in our hair salons, gift, and coffee shops
  • And so much more

Whether you want to help those in need, dip your feet into the medical world, witness the work of health professionals first-hand or all three at once, we want to hear from you!

Volunteer Opportunities

Patient Experience Advisor

Patient Experience Advisors volunteer with our committees and working groups, in partnership with healthcare professionals. They bring the voice of the patient/family and contribute to quality improvement and safe health care for everyone.

Greeter

Greeters are the go-to people and often the first face you will meet when coming to our facilities. They welcome and help patients and find their way through our facilities, deliver cards and flowers, and help with discharges. If you like to stay active, this program is for you.

Host

Receiving treatment, having surgery, or waiting for love-ones can be hard. Host volunteers provide support to patients and families in our clinics and waiting rooms, and act as a connection between patients, families, and staff.

Gift Shop

Funds from retail therapy contribute to required state-of-the-art equipment and comfort items for our patients. Help out in the Auxiliary operated gift shops by assisting patients/families pick out that perfect gift for a newborn baby or choosing the right “Get Well” card that will bring a smile.

Coffee Shop

A hot cup of coffee served with a smile, is enjoyed by staff and visitors. Auxiliary operated coffee shops raise funds for needed equipment and patient comfort.

Library Cart

Reading helps pass the time while in the hospital. Volunteers provide a convenient free mobile book service to patients and families.

Friendly Visiting

Your presence can make a difference. Volunteers visit patients who are lonely or from out of town.

Goodnight

A friendly visit with patients offering a warm blanket, bedtime snack, game of cards, reading a book, conversation, or helping settle in for a good night’s rest.

Oncology Coffee Cart

A warm cup of coffee, a chat and a smile provide comfort and help pass the time for patients and families waiting for treatment.

Palliative Care

Being there… Palliative care volunteers provide an atmosphere of caring and support to end of life patients and their families.

Pet Therapy

Four-legged volunteers bring joy and comfort with a wag of a tail to our patients and staff. All dogs and handlers must be part of an accredited Pet Therapy Program.

Therapeutic Services

Volunteers enhance services in therapeutic departments by assisting professional staff in preparing materials and engaging in activities.

Church Service

Attending church services can provide peace and comfort. Volunteers assist patients to and from the chapel for services.

Recreation Programs

Who doesn’t like to play games? Bowling, bingo, and card games are just some of the activities you can assist with to help make our patient’s day more enjoyable.

Plant Care

Have a green thumb? Volunteers help keep patient gardens beautiful for their pleasure.

Meal Mates

Help boost patients’ dining experience! Join us during mealtimes and be part of our volunteer Meal Mates program. The simple act of opening containers or packets, cutting up food and engaging in friendly conversation with patients at mealtimes can do so much to improve the nutritional intake and happiness of our patients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Applications can be found here, or by visiting the Department of Volunteer Resources at your local facility for an application package.

Yes, applicants must be 15 years old. Please note: Application requirements for high school student programs vary across Horizon, please check your local volunteer office for more information.

You will be asked for a commitment of at least 6 months, volunteering once a week for 2-4 hours (length of shift depends on the assigned position).

Volunteer placement will depend on the needs of the facility and your skill set, preferences, and availability.

All selected volunteers who are aged 18+ will be asked to complete a criminal reference and vulnerable sector check. The Department of Volunteer Resources will provide you with the paperwork to have this completed.

Volunteers will be required to provide proof of immunization against certain communicable diseases prior to starting as a volunteer.

We have a greater need for volunteers from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays, however, there are some evening and weekend programs available.

We will try our best to work with your schedule based on the availabilities of our programs.

Yes, we will do our best to accommodate a transfer to another facility or community. Volunteer placements may vary and your volunteer role could change.

Initially, all volunteers receive a general orientation and program specific training. Volunteers are required to complete an education update yearly.

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