How to become an After Hours and Weekend Volunteer

We currently have no vacancies for After Hours or Weekend Volunteers.  We will update this page when recruitment for the After Hours and Weekend Volunteer programs resume.

The following recruitment information is provided for your information.

After Hours Volunteers support The Royal Children's Hospital, patients and families weekday evenings and weekends.

Can I volunteer?

The minimum requirements for After Hours 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

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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 a warm welcome and support to families
  • Providing support and respite for families or patients
  • Assisting in providing distraction for families
  • Assisting staff with clerical duties

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What does the application process involve?

  • Attend an Information Session - duration 1 hour approx.  No dates currently available for After Hours & Weekend Volunteer roles.
  • 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 you National Police Record Check Certificate and WWC Card
  • Attend an interview
  • Attend training

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Once I start what is expected of me?

  • Be punctual, reliable and inform us or 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

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Can I change volunteer jobs once I have started?

We encourage a change of roles about every 2-3 years if there are vacancies.

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What does the hospital do for volunteers?

Our volunteers are hightly 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

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Will volunteering help me get a job at the hospital?

Volunteering can make you a more competitive applicant but there is no guarantee that it will get you a job.

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Still interested in becoming an After Hours & Weekend Volunteer...

For more information on becoming a Volunteer at The Royal Children's Hospital you will need to attend an Information Session which usually takes 1 hour.  There are no dates currently available for After Hours & Weekend Volunteer roles.  

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 email the Volunteer Service.

 

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