How to become a Day Volunteer
Day Volunteers support The Royal Children's Hospital staff and families weekdays 7am - 4.30pm
Please read the information on this website under Services and Frequently Asked Questions. Consider carefully as our minimum requirement for Volunteers is 3 hours per week for a 12 month commitment. If interested you will be required to attend an information session so that you have a clear understanding of just what the hospital requires of you and what you can expect through your volunteer work.
At our information session we cover eligibility to volunteer and how to become a volunteer; training provided to volunteers to ensure that they are well prepared for their volunteer work and how long you can expect this process may take.
You will also hear first hand from current volunteers why they volunteer and how it has positively affected them.
We will also provide you with an application form together with all relevant documentation.
- Volunteer Information Sessions
- Can I volunteer?
- What kinds of things do volunteers do?
- What does the application process involve?
- Once I start what is expected of me?
- Can I change volunteer jobs once I have started?
- What does the hospital do for volunteers?
- Will volunteering help me get a job a the hospital?
Volunteer Information Session - Wednesday 20th June at 10.30am - duration 1 hour approx.
Prospective volunteers must attend an Information Session prior to applying to become a volunteer at The Royal Children's Hospital. These sessions are provided so that prospective volunteers have a clear understanding of what they are applying for and the required commitment.
The Volunteer Information Sessions are held at The Royal Children's Hospital, Flemington Road, Parkville in the Ella Latham Theatre on the ground floor. As you enter the main entrance in Flemington Road, turn sharp left and you will be at Ella Latham Theatre.Alternatively if you would like more information please email the Volunteer Service.
Can I volunteer?
The minimum requirements for Day Volunteer applicants are:
- At least 18 years of age
- Able to give at least three hours per week
- A commitment to volunteer for a minimum of 12 months
- No criminal history
- Provide the contact details of 2 referees with the application
What kinds of things do volunteers do?
Volunteering at RCH covers a wide variety of activities in many departments, not all of which involves contact with our patients. Volunteer activities may include:
- Providing directions and information
- Escorting patients and families
- Providing a warm welcome and support to families
- Assisting staff with clerical duties
- Couriering documents between departments
- Collating files and assisting with mail outs
- Assisting with the provision of play activities
- Assisting with patients' school work
- Assisting in the care of siblings of patients
- Providing support and respite for families of patients
What does the application process involve?
- Attend an information session
- Complete a National Police Record Check
- Complete a Working with Children Check (WWC)
- After attending an information session complete the application form and return it with a copy of your National Police Record Check Certificate and WWC Card
- Attend an interview
- Attend induction training
Once I start what is expected of me?
- Be punctual, reliable and inform us of any absences
- Respect patient's and family's privacy, confidentiality and cultural differences
- Work cooperatively with staff and act as part of a team
- Maintain standards of safety and infection control
- Wear your hospital identification badge while on duty
- Wear appropriate clothing
- Register arrival and departure for each shift
Can I change volunteer jobs once I have started?
We encourage a change of roles about every 2-3 years if there are vacancies.
What does the hospital do for volunteers?
Our volunteers are highly valued. Each year we acknowledge this at our Volunteer Recognition Day. We also provide:
- Awards for service
- Initial and ongoing training
- Support for issues related to volunteering
- Free on site car parking
- Annual flu vaccines and other immunisations including hepatitis B, tetanus, measles, mumps and rubella
Will volunteering help me get a job a the hospital?
Volunteering can make you a more competitive applicant but there is no guarantee that it will get you a job.
