Volunteer

Shriners Hospitals for Children offers many opportunities for volunteers. Volunteers make a difference in our hospital; whether they are pushing the book cart or welcoming our families at the front desk, all volunteers support the needs of our patients, families and staff.

Our need for volunteers is greatest during normal business hours, Monday through Friday between the hours of  8 a.m. and  5 p.m. A limited number of opportunities are available on weekdays between the hours of 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Very few opportunities are available on the weekends. Because of the significant screening and training required of volunteers, we need loyal volunteers who can commit to staying with us for at least three months, working one day a week for a few hours each visit.

A prospective volunteer must:

• Be 18 years or older
• Summer opportunities are available for those 16 years and older
• Complete a volunteer application
• Review the list of jobs that are available (see below)
• Participate in an interview with a hospital staff member
• Undergo a background check before placement in a volunteer position
• Complete computerized training on patient confidentiality
• Sign a confidentiality agreement to protect the privacy of all patients and families

Please note that we do not have positions for volunteers to read to our patients or hold infants. In addition, we have a limited number of opportunities to shadow a medical professional. Volunteer positions that work directly with patients are funneled through our child life department. If there are openings, they will be listed below.

If there is a job that interests you, please fill out a volunteer application and return it to the hospital. Volunteers opportunities change frequently and we can not always guarantee placement in a department of your interest.

Current Volunteer Positions

Clerical duties:
Available in the health information services and medical staff departments.
Duties include assisting various departments with mailings, filing, and organizing and other duties on an as needed basis. 

Greeters:
Available in the admissions, outpatient clinic, and orthotics & prosthetics departments
Volunteers will be trained by the department to assist in welcoming families to the department. Some of the volunteer work may include, checking-in patients, assisting with medical charts and light filing. Other duties include providing directions to guests for areas within the hospital. A pleasant smile is encouraged for this position. Volunteers who are bilingual in Spanish and English are encouraged to apply.

Recreational therapy / child life:
Volunteers will work with the recreational therapists and child life specialists, adding to the activities that take place during the patients stay. Some of the volunteer work may include setting up activities, playing games and interacting with the patients and families, tidying play areas, restocking play materials and distributing welcome bags.  It is encouraged for evening and weekend recreational therapy / child life volunteers to buddy up with a friend to volunteer. 

Benefits of Volunteering

• A sense of accomplishment in that your work contributes to the mission of the hospital and that you are helping our patients and their families
• A feeling of belonging
• Development of a community of active and engaged volunteers
• A chance to be a part of a legacy of helping children
• Volunteer recognition lunch
• Participation in employee events
• Complimentary meal in the hospitals cafeteria on volunteer days
• Free parking in the hospital garage

For more information about volunteer opportunities at the hospital, contact Stephanie Spagnola.