Do I need to take the online training in order to volunteer at OPT?
No. If you decide that you would like to volunteer in a Level One position (Clinic Support Volunteer) you are NOT required to complete the on-line portion of the OPT volunteer training program. You will still be asked to complete 3 orientation shifts — these are designed to help you understand and adjust to your new environment and responsibilities within your clinic.
If you would like to take on more responsibilities and volunteer beyond a Level One position, you will be required to complete the full OPT volunteer training program. This training is necessary as it provides volunteers with the knowledge and skill base to interact directly with clients and provide educational contraceptive counselling. Please see the link on the side-bar for details on the training program.
What is the difference between Level One and Level Two volunteers?
Level One positions differ from Level Two positions in several ways, including differences in responsibility, training, and age, as shown in this side-by-side comparison of the different levels.
Can I volunteer in more than one position?
We are committed to providing our volunteers with new and exciting positions to move into. The training activities provided by OPT, as well as the nature of each position creates the possibility for new challenges and positions in the future.
The longer you are with us, the more interest you show, and the more initiative you take in your own learning, the more experiences we can offer you!Things to consider:
- If you are currently involved in a clinic and want to switch and volunteer at the SEX SENSE Line (or vice versa) you can definitely do so — just remember that you will still be asked to complete your 12 month commitment to the clinic before you switch.
- If you decide to move from a Level One position to a Level Two, you are not required to complete your 12 month commitment beforehand. You ARE required to complete the OPT training program.
- When you move to a new position, you do not leave your other responsibilities behind! But, if you are enjoying things just the way they are, you can stay in any position as long as you like.
- A volunteer evaluation may be performed following your probationary period and annually thereafter (all volunteers begin with a probationary period of 3 to 6 months depending on the position and the clinic).
What is the OPT volunteer contract? Why is it important?
All OPT volunteers must sign the OPT commitment agreement. This contract has 3 main requirements:
- Volunteers must complete a 12 month commitment to OPT.
- Volunteers are required to perform a minimum of 2 to 3 shifts (depending on the clinic or program they are working in) per month.
- Once enrolled, Level Two volunteers are required to complete the full online training program (approx. 4 hours online/week for 8 weeks) and the in-class training.
We welcome volunteers into a space where they are given a great deal of responsibility, training, and form part of the OPT team. For this reason it is important to honor your volunteer contract.
What do I get in return?
People volunteer for different reasons and we can't guarantee that the OPT volunteer experience is for you. That said, we know our volunteers find it to be a very rewarding experience.
We offer our volunteers:
- comprehensive training in the fundamentals of sexual health, sexuality, and communication techniques
- lots of exciting opportunities to get involved in the community through outreach activities
- opportunities at the OPT Annual Clinical Services Conference
- a letter of reference after completion of the volunteer contract **
- the opportunity to receive certificates of achievement, special recognition and tokens of volunteer appreciation
- ongoing workshops, updates like the OPT Volunteer Facts newsletter and other skill development as the need arises
** No exceptions. We are happy to act as "verifiers" for your volunteer involvement but we cannot provide letters of reference until your contract has been completed.
If you have any other questions about the application process please see the link on the side-bar for details, or contact the Volunteer Coordinator.
How long will I wait to hear back after I have submitted my online application?
You should hear back within 2 weeks of submitting your application. If you have not heard back within that time, please be patient and write to the Volunteer Coordinator to ensure your application has been submitted correctly.
The number of volunteers accepted into our programs depends on the needs of each location. Therefore, applicants can wait from 1 month to 1 year for an opening in the location they are interested in. Please do not be discouraged by the wait. You can enquire about the status of your application at any time.
What is the best volunteer position for me?
When selecting a volunteer position with any organization, it is important that it meets your goals and expectations. It is also important that you support the vision and mission of the organization you choose.
Consider:- what experiences you want to have as a volunteer
- what roles interest you the most
- what clients you wish to work with
- where you live and how flexible your schedule is
Please look at a comparison of our three main volunteer programs: the Clinic program, the SEX SENSE Line program, the Community Relations Team, and what they each offer. You should also consider whether you would prefer volunteering in a Level One or a Level Two capacity (click here for more information).
Is it necessary for me to share OPT's philosophy in order to volunteer?
Yes. OPT is a voluntary health agency, providing service to all who seek information on healthy sexuality. It is independent of commercial interest and is non-discriminatory. We believe that knowledge and options for optimal sexual health should be available to all as a basic human right and is an important part of social development. Programs for education in human sexuality and for provision of birth control services are designed to advocate safer sexual behaviour and to promote the health and well being of families and individuals.
OPT operates from a position of being non-judgmental, unbiased, and pro-choice. As a potential volunteer you must decide if you can uphold OPT's values — if you are unsure please review the OPT mission and vision statements and, if required, contact the Volunteer Coordinator or the Director of Clinical Services for more information.
What do other volunteers say?
We value our volunteer's opinions and feedback. This is what a few of our volunteers had to say:
"Volunteering on the SEX SENSE Line has given me countless opportunities to develop my research skills and enhance my communication skills, making me confident that I can integrate new knowledge quickly, and then share it with others. There were challenges at first but over time, I realized that I have a very specialized skill set that I was trained to use. This realization was very empowering, and I surprised myself with the degree to which I could work independently to support clients."
-- OPT Volunteer, 1-800 SEX-SENSE Line
"This laughter and enthusiasm are there every time I go to the clinic. It helps immensely that my clinic supervisor gives 110% all the time. We bounce ideas off each other and are always thinking of ways we can better serve our community. I feel like I am part of the clinic and not just someone who passes out pills and fills in the paper work. Volunteering at OPT has done me a huge favor. It energizes me, and gets me thinking outside the box."
-- OPT Clinic Volunteer
"Volunteering with OPT has further solidified the idea that I'd like to be a sexual health educator and continue to volunteer/work in the reproductive health field. Not only am I gaining a variety of skills that will help with any career choice, I am making connections and networking with amazing people!"
-- OPT Clinic Volunteer
