Volunteering with ISHS
Our condom crew is one fun way to volunteer at Island Sexual Health.
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.
Please note: The number of volunteers accepted is dependent on the needs of each clinic location. Generally speaking, we accept volunteer applications on an ongoing basis, but we cannot guarantee immediate placement upon acceptance.
For more information, please call us and speak to our Volunteer Co-ordinator or email volunteers@islandsexualhealth.org
Volunteer positions
Our volunteers fill vital roles in our clinics. Some of the responsibilities available to volunteers include:
Doctor’s Assistant/DA (Entry level position, available at all locations)
Duties of DAs include:
- cleaning and preparing the exam rooms for clients
- stocking the room with exam supplies
- supporting the client during an exam
- assisting the Dr. during the exam by labelling requistions and passing swabs
- processing swabs and samples
- performing pregnancy tests
- assisting with our clinical duties such as stamping, photocopying, condom package assembly, etc.
Birth Control Educator/BCE (not an entry level position, available at all locations)
Duties of BCEs include:
- educating our clients on various contraceptive methods
- supporting clients with their decisions around birth control choices
- working with Dr.’s to ensure client receives access to information about birth control methods
- outlining the mechanisms of action, effectiveness, benefits, risks, and instructions for use with clients on chosen method
Pregnancy Options Supporter/POS (not an entry level position, available at all locations) – ISHS is a PRO-CHOICE agency and provides equal and unbarriered access to ALL choices for pregnancy.
Duties of POSs include:
- informing clients and their partner/support person about ALL options for pregnancy
- supporting client in her personal decision about pregnancy in a non-judgmental manner
- providing resource materials to clients
- facilitating referrals to appropriate agencies when appropriate
Special Events Volunteers/SEVS (an entry level position open to all genders based out of our Fort Street Location)
Duties of SEVs include:
- Preparing for and participating in special community based events including: Pride Parade, Welcome Week, Community Health Fairs
- Participating in Condom Crew (a crew of volunteers who visit downtown bars and pubs and other special community events to distribute safer sex materials)
Who volunteers at ISHS clinics?
Island Sexual Health Society has over 100 valuable volunteers. Our volunteers come from many different backgrounds and include community professionals, students and homemakers.
We do not require any previous experience or special training but we expect all volunteers to be interested in positive sexual health promotion 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. A minimum of 15 hours training is required prior to filling any volunteer positions