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.

Volunteering at UMC

We are grateful to you for volunteering your time and energy at UMC. Volunteers are an important part of our
organization. Similar to our staff, we have high expectations for our volunteers. Those expectations include
adhering to our culture, values and mission. UMC expects that our volunteers will maintain a positive attitude,
servant mindset, effective teamwork and communication, an eagerness to help in any way possible, and a focus
on making our patients and visitors have an exceptional experience at UMC. It is an honor and a privilege to wear
the UMC badge, and we expect that you’ll experience great satisfaction knowing that you’re making a positive
difference in people’s lives.

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

  • Ann Sanders – Welcome Desk

    “If I had to give up all my other obligations in life, this would be
    the one I’d keep.” Ann Sanders’ eyes light up as she reflects over her
    forty-six years of volunteer service at UMC. It was friendship that
    brought her through the hospital doors on its opening day in 1978,
    but the family-like atmosphere has kept her faithfully returning week
    after week for decades.
    Service has always been second-nature to Ann. Her first experience as
    a hospital volunteer came during her junior year in high school. Years
    later, as a young mother who was already busy serving in PTA, her
    church, and her children’s Girl Scout Troop, she received an invitation
    to join a group of women and help develop a volunteer program for
    the new hospital. She didn’t hesitate to accept, and by the end of
    the first year, the program boasted over one hundred volunteers and
    sixteen areas of service.
    Ann has not only given countless hours to UMC, she’s also an active
    member of the UMC Auxiliary, which helps fund-raise and financially
    support many endeavors throughout the health system. “Our first
    big project was to pay tuition for nine paramedics to complete
    their training at South Plains College. However, I’m most proud of
    our $100,000 contribution to UMC Children’s Hospital through
    Children’s Miracle Network. It holds a special place in my heart since
    I was able to participate in the very first tele-thon.”
    Whether greeting at the Welcome Desk, making special deliveries
    to patients, recognizing veterans, cuddling babies, training new
    volunteers, or serving popcorn in the cafeteria, Ann is willing and
    able to fill-in anywhere help is needed. “The truth is, the rewards
    I have received from volunteering far outweigh more than I’ve given.”
    From a simple four-story building to a multi-campus system, Ann has
    witnessed the transformation of UMC year after year. As the health
    system grows, so does her perspective and gratitude. “Anyone can
    volunteer. You don’t need to do anything to prepare for it. Just show
    up and be willing. The simplest act, like a smile or a hug, can make
    a huge difference and plant a seed of kindness.”
    And that’s exactly what Ann Sanders plans to continue doing until she
    achieves her goal of fifty years of service… and then maybe a few more.

  • 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

  • Can I Volunteer in more than on area/department?

    Initially, you will be assigned one job description for volunteering in a single area. After orientation and assignments are distributed to all volunteers, please contact us to discuss volunteering in multiple areas.

  • How do I clock in and out?

    You will be required to come to the Volunteer Office to clock in and out. Our office is located on the first floor, in the Main Lobby, across from the South Elevators.

  • Is there a minimum or maximum of hours required?

    Student Volunteers should commit to at least 3-8 hours per week. We require a minimum 1 semester, but strongly prefer a minimum of 2 semesters. Community volunteers have more flexibility, but 4-12 hours per week is the norm. Volunteers should not work more than 20 hours per week.

  • Where do I park to volunteer?

    You will be given a windshield marker that lets security know you are here to volunteer. If you should be given a ticket, please bring it to the Volunteer Office and we can help you with it.

  • Who do I contact for absences or schedule changes?

    Notify the Leadership Contact in your area. You will receive a Job Description with the contact name and number for your area. Any extenuating circumstances (extended absences etc.) should be communicated to the Volunteer Services department.

  • Is there a dress code for volunteers?

    Yes. All Volunteers must wear a UMC Volunteer Polo, with dress pants in khaki, black or grey, blue or white (no jeans and no leggings). The volunteers will purchase a volunteer polo for $15 upon admittance into the volunteer program. If your area requires a separate dress code (scrubs, or professional dress) that will supersede this requirement and you should dress according to that department’s guidelines.

  • I forgot my badge, can I still volunteer?

    You must always have your name badge on while volunteering at UMC. If you lost your badge, you must purchase a new one for $10 in the Volunteer Office. Badges must be worn at chest height and always be visible while in the hospital.

  • If I see someone that I know in the hospital, can I tell my family/friends?

    No, when you sign the HIPPA form you are agreeing that you will not talk about who or what you see in the hospital outside of that department/area. Patient information is strictly confidential. You should not discuss patient information in the hallways, elevators or other common areas. Failure to follow this law
    will result in termination and potential criminal charges. Those criminal charges might include payment of up to $250,000 and 10 years in prison.

  • Does the Volunteer Office provide reference letters?

    Yes, we can provide a reference letter and speak only to the number of hours you have served, a copy of your hours or time sheet and a copy of your TB or Flu record upon request.

Important Items

  • TB Screening – All volunteers are required to complete the Tuberculosis Questionnaire BEFORE volunteering. If the
    questionnaire indicates that you need formal Tuberculosis testing, you will be directed to have this completed with Employee Health BEFORE volunteering. You must submit the questionnaire to the Volunteer Office at least
    1 week before your scheduled hours and receive confirmation of your clearance to begin volunteering.
  • Influenza Vaccine – All volunteers are required to obtain an Influenza vaccine at the beginning of flu season (September). Volunteers are responsible for obtaining the flu vaccine on their own. You can contact your physicians’ office, a UMC Clinic,
    the campus medical center or other retail or walk-in clinic for this vaccine. You cannot obtain the vaccine from UMC Employee Health. Volunteers will be notified by the Volunteer Office when it is time to complete the flu vaccine and will be provided with a deadline for submitting documentation. If you have a documented reason for denial of the influenza vaccine, this documentation should be submitted and approved BEFORE you can begin volunteering. Failure to submit vaccine documentation or denial of the vaccine documentation will result in
    suspension.
  • Name Badge – All Volunteers are required to wear their name badge at all times while inside of the hospital. You will not be
    allowed to volunteer if you do not have your badge. Badges must worn at chest level and be always seen. All name badges must be returned to the Volunteer Office on your final day of Volunteering.
  • Attendance and Tardy – Volunteers must work all scheduled shifts and arrive on time. Repeated absences or tardiness may result in suspension or termination of your volunteer position.

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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