Volunteering Can Help Your Job Search

Many job seekers who have been out of the work force for some time feel hesitant about jumping back in.  Getting back in the work force can feel like a daunting task for many reasons – my skills are outdated, my contacts and references have retired or moved, I’m nervous about starting work again…  Whatever your reason is for returning to work, keep in mind that volunteering is a great way for you to build your skills, confidence, and provide you with references for your resume before taking the plunge back into the employment pool.

Did you know that volunteering has been proven to reduce stress, combat depression and leads to a greater sense of self-worth?  Volunteers often learn new skills that they may not have otherwise tried and make long lasting social connections with people who share common interests.

April 14-20 is National Volunteer Week and if you are feeling that desire to make a difference in a volunteering capacity, there are many organizations in the Oceanside area who could benefit from your energy and enthusiasm.

The Society of Organized Services is always in search of volunteers to help with the large number of programs that they offer the residents of Oceanside.

The local Salvation Army has numerous volunteer opportunities that you can explore on their website.

The Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce has a number of volunteering opportunities listed on their site for different community organizations.

Island Health is always looking for volunteers to support their patients, residents, clients, visitors and staff.

The local SPCA currently has 6 different volunteer opportunities.

Here are a few other opportunities for volunteering in the area:

Parksville Community Centre
Oceanside Building Learning Together (OBLT)
The Tutoring Program (Career Centre)
Inclusion Parksville
Oceanside Community Safety
Haven Society

Volunteering truly is a rewarding way to give back to your community while gaining valuable experience and references at the same time! 

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”
– Winston Churchill

Tell us about your business/organization and what makes you stand out as an employer?

Island Health provides a comprehensive range of progressive health services to the 885,000 residents of Vancouver Island and adjacent coastal communities.

We offer an exceptional employer-paid benefits package (depending on position) including dental and prescription coverage, group life, long term disability and extensive extended health plan, plus up to four weeks’ vacation after your first year of employment.

How many employees do you have?

Approximately 30,000 employees, 13,000 volunteers, and more than 3,000 doctors, nurse practitioners, midwives, and dentists support our patients across the Island.

What do you look for in a new employee?

We are always searching for people who are passionate and dedicated to providing the highest quality patient care.

The ideal candidate would be motivated and goal-oriented, with an eagerness to learn. They would adapt well to change, challenge any obstacles with a positive attitude, and can think outside the box. They would work well individually and in a team environment.

What advice would you give someone who wants to work for your organization?

Explore your options!

We have a wide variety of work environments from remote, rural hospitals to busy urban centers, and everything in between!

Consider your lifestyle.

Would you prefer working in a remote community on northern Vancouver Island where you have access to incredible outdoor recreational opportunities and cultural experiences or would you prefer to live in an urban setting with easy access to a variety of restaurants, festivals and shopping?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Search our career opportunities.

Visit our VI-Hire website and search all current job postings. We are always hiring talented people – and may have an opportunity for you!

Do you anticipate hiring in the next 6 months?  If so, for what types of positions?

We are always hiring talented people! Some of the positions we are currently hiring for include:

• Registered Nurses / Specialty Nurses
• Laboratory Technologists and Laboratory Assistants
• Physiotherapists
• Community Health Workers
• Cooks
• Food Service Workers and Food Service Supervisors
• Environmental Service Workers
• Patient Porters and Interfacility Porters
• Drivers
• Ambassadors

What is the best way for someone to apply if they are interested in working for your organization?

Island Health recruiters will be present at the Career Centre Hiring Fair on March 8 in Parksville and the WorkBC Hiring Fair March 9 in Sooke. Come on by to chat with a recruiter about available opportunities!

OR

Visit the How To Apply page on our website. This is a great resource on how to navigate the Island Health Career Centre and our job application tracking system (VI-Hire). You can search current opportunities, create a profile and set up job alerts for new job postings.

Search current Island Health careers.

 

Updated Hiring Fair news and lots more! Click here for your JAM update for March 13th.

Hiring Fair news and more! Click here for your JAM update for February 28th