Volunteering with ISHS **Not currently accepting new applications**
Our volunteers are vital to our programs! We make sure our volunteers get to practice valuable skills and knowledge in exchange for their amazing contributions to our clinics and clients. Our friendly and caring volunteers:
- learn about sexual health issues
- support clients during education and exam appointments
- model positive sexuality and comfort with sexual health
- gain experience in clinical and educational roles
- encourage our clients to feel comfortable and accepted
- create positive and lasting change every day
Want to volunteer?
We greatly appreciate all of our volunteers and know that they are greatly valued by our clients as well. Many of our volunteers have used the experience gained at ISHS to go onto studies and careers in medicine, nursing, genetic counselling, counselling psychology, and education.
Please note: The number of volunteers accepted is dependent on clinical needs. Generally speaking, we accept volunteer applications on an ongoing basis, but we cannot guarantee immediate placement upon acceptance.
Our volunteers fill vital roles in our clinics. Some of the responsibilities available to volunteers include:
Clinician’s Assistant/CA (Entry level position, available at Quadra St location)
Duties of CAs include:
- cleaning and preparing the exam rooms for clients
- stocking the room with exam supplies
- supporting the client during an exam
- assisting the clinician during the exam by labelling requisitions and passing swabs
- processing swabs and samples
- assisting with our clinical duties such as condom package assembly, preparing harm reduction kits, etc.
Volunteer Board Directors
Director Responsibilities:
Directors are voting members of the Board of Directors and are jointly responsible for the governance of the organization. More specifically this includes determining and monitoring the mission, mandate and values; ensuring services meet the mission, mandate and values of ISHS; approving and monitoring strategic directions; ensuring the finances of ISHS are handled responsibly; and ensuring ISHS meets all of its legal obligations.
Specific Responsibilities:
- Understand and demonstrate a commitment to the organization’s mission and programs
- Keep up to date with issues and trends that affect the organization
- Prepare for meetings by reading agendas, minutes, reports and other documentation required to actively participate in them
- Attend meetings regularly
- Contribute skills and knowledge by participating actively in meetings and committee work
- Understand and monitor the organization’s financial affairs
- Avoid any potential conflicts of interest
- Understand and maintain confidentiality
- Ensure the organization is complying with all legal and regulatory requirements
- Participate in Board Committees as required
Please contact Bobbi Turner, Executive Director for further information on Board Positions.
Who volunteers at ISHS clinics? Our volunteers come from many different backgrounds and include community professionals, students, and retired people.
We do no require any previous experience or special training but we require all volunteers to be interested in positive sexual health promotion, work within a pro-choice framework, and working with the community in a friendly, accepting, and open manner.
Application to the clinic does not guarantee acceptance. All volunteers are carefully screened upon application and require a criminal record check.
