Volunteering at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse is a highly rewarding experience, that expands skills and experience, creates an opportunity to engage with the community and is integral to the work we do. Volunteers work side-by-side with staff to deliver uncompromising care and support to our patients, their carers, and their families.
Our volunteers work across all areas of the hospital – behind the scenes assisting staff with administrative tasks in HR, finance, communications and fundraising, other roles include welcoming patients and visitors to Lifehouse, giving directions and assisting patients to appointments, art and music in health, transport, providing refreshments or a shoulder of support during an emotional and at times uncertain journey. Some roles require regular set hours where others provide flexibility. Event volunteer roles are available at different times throughout the year on weekends or after hours.
What is the commitment time?
Given the extensive training provided by Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, we ask that our volunteers commit to a minimum of 12 months.
What is the age requirement?
To be considered as a volunteer at Chris O'Brien Lifehouse you must be over 18.
How do I become a volunteer?
STEP ONE: Please express your interest in becoming a volunteer by submitting the application form below.
STEP TWO: You will then receive a call from the Volunteer Support Services Manager to discuss your application. This provides an opportunity for you to ask questions.
STEP THREE: National Police Certificate
All volunteers will be subject to a National Police Check. This is done by Chris O’Brien Lifehouse and the process is confidential.
STEP FOUR: Working with Children
All volunteers will be asked to apply for a Working with Children check to be submitted to the Volunteer Support Services Manager. The process is confidential.
STEP FIVE: Due to the NSW Health Policy to protect patients, staff and the wider community from vaccine preventable diseases, you will need to provide documentary evidence of vaccination or evidence that you are not susceptible to the following vaccine preventable diseases before commencement of volunteering (event volunteers not on site may not require immunisation)
- Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)
- Pertussis (Whooping Cough) including booster
- Varicella (Chickenpox)
- Influenza (Flu)
- Engerix-B (Hepatitis B)
We are unable to provide the vaccinations or cover any associated costs.
STEP SIX: There are several training modules all volunteers must undertake, and some annual requirements. Most of these are done online, which can be done in your home or at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse. We don’t assign your first volunteer shift until all training is complete.
STEP SEVEN: Everyone is required to complete a site orientation. This will include, meeting the CEO and Executive Team, tour of the hospital and information sessions on emergency procedures, basic life support, safety and wellbeing.
STEP EIGHT: Once the steps above are complete, your manager will organise your shift and a start date with you.
Thank you so much for your interest in volunteering with Chris O'Brien Lifehouse.
Unfortunately there are currently no open positions.
We encourage you to check back at a later date.
Corporate Volunteering
Volunteers are a vital part of Chris O'Brien Lifehouse. Volunteers contribute significantly to the work we do as they provide assistance and care to our patients, and their families. Corporate volunteering is a rewarding and enjoyable way for companies to show their support, learn more, contribute to the community and enhance their corporate social responsibility. The opportunity provides an enjoyable team building activity and participants feel they have made a meaningful contribution to our patients going through their cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery.
Participants begin the day with an educational workshop to learn more about Professor Chris O'Brien AO's vision, an introduction to Chris O'Brien Lifehouse and the work that we do. This is followed by a guided behind-the-scenes tour of the hospital. Participants assist in a range of activities including art therapy, food preparation, cooking and serving lunch to our patients and their families.
Cost
To support us in continuing to deliver our volunteer program, we ask our corporate partners make a contribution when they are part of the experience. Costs vary depending on the number of participants attending. Please contact us using the form below for more information about costs.
What is provided?
Lunch, tea, coffee and water are all provided by us for your team.
Sample Program
9:00am Registration
9:15am Welcome and WHS
9:30am Tour of Lifehouse
11:00am Prepare and cook lunch for patients, their carers and families, volunteers and staff
12:30pm Deliver lunch to patients, their carers and staff
2:30pm Pack down
