Giving Volunteering

Volunteering at UMC

Together with medical staff, support staff, and leadership, volunteers play a critical role in our strong commitment to our patients, one that defines our culture: Service is our Passion.

We are grateful for those in our community who give their time and energy in support of our cause. Volunteers provide vital services to our patients and visitors that otherwise would not be available.

The objective of the Volunteer Services department is to: 

  • support UMC Health System through service to patients, visitors, and the community 
  • improve patient care with volunteers and donations by providing hospitality and amenities 
  • educate and prepare students for future healthcare careers 
  • provide a fulfilling experience for community members through meaningful volunteer service 

Why Volunteer at UMC

Volunteers decide to serve at UMC for many reasons, including serving and supporting patients during life’s most precious moments. Volunteers at UMC can both celebrate with those who are welcoming new life and comfort those facing challenging times. Among other opportunities to volunteer throughout the community, UMC stands out by providing a personalized and meaningful environment that invests in both the volunteer and the patient. Volunteering at UMC will provide the unique experience of serving patients who are recovering and healing, and serving families who are supporting and caring. Volunteers at UMC are an extension of our culture and are essential to the fulfillment of our mission.

Volunteer Opportunities

Community Volunteers – Generally, adults 18 years of age or older who can give 2-4 hours per week or more. This category offers access to most volunteer opportunities including Information Desk, Couriers, Greeters, and Patient Advocacy, as well as specialty volunteer assignments. This category includes access to join the UMC Auxiliary – a non-profit group whose mission is to furnish support to UMC Health System and assist the hospital in the care, comfort, and well-being of the community through service and funding.

Student Volunteers – Generally, collegiate age who can give 2-4 hours per week or more. UMC requires a minimum of a semester commitment from student volunteers. Various roles and opportunities are available with limited patient contact, including Health Unit Coordinator, cancer center, pediatrics, trauma & burn office, pharmacy, and more. This category includes access to join the UMC Auxiliary – a non-profit group whose mission is to furnish support to UMC Health System and assist the hospital in the care, comfort, and well-being of the community through service and funding.

Pet Therapy – Generally, adults are 18 years of age. Pet therapy offers our patients positive human-animal interactions in a clinical setting and emotional support during a vulnerable time for our patients, guests, and staff. Our teams visit both children and adults throughout UMC on a regular basis. Pets must be certified with paperwork and up-to-date vaccinations. This category includes access to join the UMC Auxiliary – a non-profit group whose mission is to furnish support to UMC Health System and assist the hospital in the care, comfort, and well-being of the community through service and funding.

Pastoral Care and NODA – Through these programs, chaplains, support staff members, NODA (No One Dies Alone) volunteers and other diverse volunteers provide companionship and spiritual support to patients.

Jr. Volunteers – Must be 16 years of age or older, generally high school students. Jr. Volunteers roles include transportation, delivering flowers, messenger, and assisting guests with navigating our hospital. More opportunities may be available in the summer months based on students’ attendance and commitment to volunteering.

Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) – AGS CoCare: HELP (Hospital Elder Life Program) is a structured care program for hospitalized older adults designed to PREVENT delirium and functional decline throughout hospitalization. HELP goals are to maintain physical and cognitive functioning by utilizing daily volunteer interventions directly at the bedside. This program gives volunteers a level of patient contact and responsibility unique among hospital programs. Work is of medium demand; walking, sitting, and standing most of the time while on duty. Occasional lifting of patients with assistance may be required. Adequate hand/eye coordination and fine motor skills are required. Talking and hearing are essential in communicating with patients and nursing personnel. **A minimum time commitment of one shift per week for one year or 150 hours of volunteer service with the program is required.

How to Apply

To be considered for a position as a volunteer at UMC Health System, please complete the online volunteer application by following this link:

UMC Volunteer Application

Please also review the Volunteer FAQ’s and other important information here.

All volunteers undergo a background investigation. Please click here for the disclosures and your rights regarding the background investigation process at UMC.

Once your application has been submitted, you will receive confirmation and information about the next step in the application process. 

Those interested in becoming a community volunteer may submit their application at any time. Please contact our office for more information.

Volunteer Stories

  • Stephen – Volunteer Chaplain

    Stephen serves as a Volunteer Chaplain with UMC; in his first 3 months he accumulated over 130 hours-incredible dedication to our patients and Health System! He dedicates his time to UMC patients primarily in the ICU. Stephen is forever grateful for UMC and the care he received as a patient. He states that being a volunteer chaplain is an indescribable feeling as he sees miracles happen every day!

  • John P. – Student Therapy

    I became a student volunteer at the start of my college education in 2018 and was able to volunteer in both the Geriatric Trauma/ Supportive Care Unit as well as the Emergency Center. During my first two years, I was able to help support the nurses in both units by helping answer bed calls and running critical lab samples. It was only after I graduated that I applied to become a community volunteer because I enjoyed interacting with many members of the medical team, from the physicians to the secretaries, nurses, and pharmacists. Because of my time volunteering, the meaningful connections I made translated to shadowing multiple physicians with different specialties and even being hired as a Health Unit Coordinator. Today, I volunteer in the Cancer Center which made me acutely aware of the importance of finding pockets of joy in the everyday even the face of sorrow. Volunteering has strengthened my belief in wanting to pursue medicine as a career because I see the depth of knowledge and compassion health care workers must have to care for their patients all while working in a multidisciplinary team.

  • Teri H. – Pet Therapy

    God gave me my love for animals and the desire to share that love with others.

    I started my pet therapy ministry in July of 2016 with a German Shepherd named Lexy.

    Our first official visit was at UMC. When Lexy passed in 2018, Lexy’s Legacy Pet Therapy

    continued with Kolby and Zoey. My passion has always been visiting hospitals and

    rehab facilities. So many smiles, tears and laughter are had by staff, patients and visitors

    alike when they encounter the love of animals. Such a blessing to me and others!!

    All things bright and beautiful,

    All creatures great and small,

    All things wise and wonderful,

    The Lord God made them all!

FAQ

For more information, contact the Volunteer Services office by e-mail at volunteerservices@umchealthsystem.com or by phone at 806.775.8238. We look forward to serving alongside you. 

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