Volunteering at Northern Health

We’re looking for compassionate and caring individuals who can commit to regular volunteering for a minimum of 6 months from your start date. Volunteers are expected to complete one shift per week, and the length varies depending on the role. Generally we ask for between 2 – 4 hours per week.

1. Apply: Complete the volunteer application form.
2. Interview: Qualifying candidates will be invited to an in-person, phone, or virtual interview.
3. Screening: We will coordinate required screenings (Criminal Record Check, reference checks, etc.).
4. Orientation: You will be provided with an online orientation, training, and site orientation. Most of this is done online and generally takes between 3 - 4 hours. Some roles require extra training.

We screen volunteers carefully because our patients are vulnerable. You can expect this process to take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple months or more.

Northern Health acknowledges with gratitude that our work takes place on the territories of the Tlingit, Tahltan, Nisga’a, Gitxsan, Tsimshian, Haisla, Haida, Wet’suwet’en, Carrier (Dakelh), Sekani (Tse’khene), Dane-zaa, Cree, Saulteau, and Dene Peoples.

Our values guide us to a commitment to truth and reconciliation. Northern Health acknowledges the harms experienced by Indigenous peoples and the health system. We are committed to new ways of being through building healthy and trusting relationships with Indigenous communities, families, individuals, and employees. We’re seeking Indigenous talent to join our volunteer team and enhance the services we provide for northerners.

What skills and experience do I need to volunteer?

This depends on the role you’re interested in. Some roles need more specialized skills. In general, we are looking for people who are caring and compassionate and have strong communication skills.

Here’s what we are looking for:

• Ability to make a minimum of 6 month commitment from first assignment.
• Consistent availability. The more flexible your schedule, the easier it is to find a suitable placement.
• Suitability, interests, and experience are a fit for the volunteer role.
• Application MUST be filled out in full with no missing information.
• Appropriate written and spoken English language levels.
• Candidates who are passionate about contributing their free time to our mission of providing excellent health services to Northerners.
• An understanding of Northern Health's mission, values and vision.
• Being a health care student, or having an interest in a post-secondary health care program, is an asset.

Can I volunteer for one-time events, or for a short time?

In general, Northern Health does not conduct any one-time events, and we do not have short term volunteer roles. You may wish to contact local health care foundations as they sometimes offer volunteer opportunities for special events. In Prince George, we do maintain a list for volunteers who would be available to help with occasional, temporary projects, however these are few and far between.

Will volunteering for Northern Health get me a job?

Volunteering is not a direct pathway or a guarantee of a job. Volunteering can certainly help you enhance your skills, make contacts, and improve your resume, but it does not give you preferential access to a job.

I’m in Canada on a visa/ permit. Can I volunteer?

That depends on your permit:

1. We do not accept volunteers who are here on a visitor visa.
2. If you have a work or student permit, make sure your permit allows you to volunteer. It is up to you to be sure you aren’t breaching the conditions of your permit.
3. Check that your permit is valid for 12 months.
4. Check that there are no restrictions that would stop you from working in health care (e.g. “Not permitted to work in health care” or “Not permitted to work with vulnerable people”).

If you meet these conditions, we welcome your application.

Further questions?

• Visit our volunteer portal
• Contact Volunteer Resources at volunteers@northernhealth.ca or call 250-645-8520.