After Hours Volunteers support The Royal Children's Hospital, patients and families weekday evenings and weekends. Please read the information on this website under Services and Frequently Asked Questions. If you are interested in applying 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 apply 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 volunteers and how it has positively affected them. We will also provide you with an Application Form.
- currently not scheduled.
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 Auditorium on the ground floor. As you enter the main entrance in Flemington Road, turn sharp left and you will be at the Ella Latham Auditorium.
We have had an excellent response to our April/May Information Sessions and are currently working through applicatons. Please keep checking the website which will be updated as soon scheduled dates for Information Sessions.
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
- With your application, provide the contact details of 2 referees that are non family members who have known you for a minimum of 12 months.
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 and patients
- Assisting staff with clerical duties
- Attend an Information Session
- After attending an Information Session, complete the Application Form (only handed out at Information Sessions) and then submit with a photocopy of your Working With Children Check card if you already have a card
- If your application is successful
- you will then be asked to attend an interview
- we will conduct referee checks
- we will ask you to obtain a National Police Check
- we will ask you to obtain a Working with Children Check (if youdon't already have one)
- we will invite you to attend our Induction Training.
- 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
Can I change volunteer roles 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 at the hospital?
Volunteering can make you a more competitive applicant but there is no guarantee that it will get you a job.