Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers have a wide range of volunteer opportunities from which to choose. The Volunteer Services staff will help match your interests and skills with the needs of UVa's Health System. This list is a representation of the various programs in which you can volunteer. There may or may not be open shifts when you apply, however, please consider all your interests when you come to your interview.
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANCE
Volunteers assist staff with general clerical duties, including filing, making up new charts, answering or returning phone calls, using basic computer skills and handling occasional deliveries. Areas requesting this support include Emergency Department, Pre-Anesthesia Evaluation and Testing, Admitting, and Volunteer Services among other clinical areas. Volunteers who prefer a sit-down job might enjoy this very helpful role.
Hours: Monday-Friday, between 9:00 AM-5:00 PM; shifts individually arranged
BEDSIDE VISITING: Palliative Care & Gerontology
This is a combined unit that serves acutely ill older adults and those with a terminal diagnosis. Duties include supporting patients and families with companionship and diversional activities; also assisting unit staff by stocking supplies.
Hours: Daily, daytime or evening shifts
CANCER CENTER/PATIENT SUPPORT SERVICE
Volunteers staff the Radiation Therapy and Cancer Center waiting areas, providing a warm welcome, empathic listening and refreshments for patients and families. Listening and assisting with practical needs during cancer treatment can make a real difference.
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-12:30, or 12:30 PM-4:30 PM
CANCER (INPATIENT UNIT) COFFEE HOUR
Provide hospitality and an opportunity to gather for refreshments and supportive listening to patients and families of the Inpatient Cancer Unit. Volunteers pick-up donated baked goods from local vendors before reporting to the hospital. Volunteers may work alone or with a partner.
Hours: Wednesday mornings, 10:00-11:00 AM (plus time for set up, clean up, and retrieving baked goods)
CRAFTERS: knitters/crocheters/seamstresses/quilters/painters
A great opportunity for those who want to help from home! Volunteers who knit or crochet make baby caps for newborns. Other volunteers sew layette items for babies, lap robes for seniors, or quilts for children. Contact us to learn of our currant needs, 924-5251.
DISCHARGE ASSISTANT
If you enjoy being physically active and helping patients at the happy time of "going home," being a discharge assistant may be for you. Volunteers receive basic wheelchair training, and bring patients from their hospital room to the Discharge hub. Strong interpersonal skills needed.
Hours: Monday-Friday, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
DENTAL CLINIC
Volunteers assist staff at the UVa Dental Clinic. A great opportunity for those interested in a dental career.
Hours: Weekday daytime, 8:00-11:00 AM; 1:00-4:00 PM
EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT CLINIC VOLUNTEER
Assist staff and patients in the patient care area of the Emergency Department. Duties include stocking supplies or offering patient companionship once patient is stable.
Hours: Daily shifts: 9:00 AM-Noon, Noon-3:00 PM, 6:00-9:00 PM
EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT PATIENT REPRESENTATIVE
Volunteers staff the waiting room in the Emergency Department, supporting the families of patients receiving emergency treatment. Volunteers track patients' progress, facilitate communication with medical staff, direct families and patients to hospital and community resources, and offer support as families await news of their loved ones. A busy location suitable for high-energy volunteers.
Hours: Daily, 3 hour shift, between 10:00 AM-1:00 AM
FLOWER & E-CARD DELIVERY
Volunteers deliver florist arrangements to the patients' bedsides, and may visit if the patient desires. Flower Delivery is combined with e-card delivery for a full shift of customer service and walking.
Hours: Monday-Friday: 8:30 AM-Noon or 2:00-3:30 PM (approx.)
FLOWERS FOR PATIENTS
Volunteers arrange flowers donated by area Garden Clubs, and deliver them to patients who have none. A creative role; flower arranging experience not required.
Small donated glass bottles are always needed to use as vases. Please remove labels before donating to Volunteer Services.
Hours: Tuesday mornings, 9:00-11:30 AM
Working with the staff on the Front Door Team, volunteers greet patients and visitors, and walk with them or provide wheelchair assistance to their appointment. If walking and chatting are favorite activities, this role is for you. Basic Wheelchair Training provided.
Hours: Shifts available Monday - Friday, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
GIFT SHOP
The Hospital Auxiliary Gift Shop in the main lobby offers flowers, balloons, stuffed animals, gift items, books & magazines, snack foods, and toiletries. Volunteers run the cash register, stock items, and offer excellent customer service. A happy place with lots of people contact.
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM-1:00 PM; 1:00-4:00 PM; 4:00 (5:00)-8:00 PM; Saturdays & Sundays, 9:00-1:00 and 1:00-5:00 PM
HOSPITALITY HOUSE
The 62-bed Hospitality House provides close, low-cost lodging and companionship for patients and families far from home. Volunteers register new guests, show them to their rooms, help keep the Hospitality House running smoothly, and speak with guests as a friend. Hospitality House also has numerous opportunities for one-day events with guests. New Location: 205 14th Street
Hours: Monday-Friday, 10:00-1:00; 1:00-4:00 PM;4:00-7:00 PM; or one-day event
INTENSIVE CARE UNIT (ICU) FAMILY LIAISON
Volunteers focus their care and attention on the families of patients in the Intensive Care Units. Moving from Lounge to Lounge outside the ICU's, volunteers listen, assist with access to hospital resources and problem solve.
Hours: Daily, Daytime and evening shifts negotiated individually
INTERNAL MEDICINE CLINIC
The University Medical Associates clinic cares for adult patients with a broad variety of medical conditions, many of which are chronic. Volunteers assist clinic staff with exit interviews of patients; also with administrative activities behind the scenes.
Hours: Monday-Friday, Daytime shifts negotiated individually.
INTERPRETER (SPANISH)
Native or fluent speakers of Spanish are needed to assist patients and families with interpretation services. Volunteers may interpret at selected medical appointments as well as in support areas such as Financial Verification or at a Registration Hub. The required proficiency test is provided and paid for by the hospital.
Hours: Individually negotiated.
KIDNEY CENTER
In this position volunteers assist outpatients who are receiving regular kidney dialysis. Duties include assisting staff with telephones and occasional light clerical tasks, stocking supplies, and some companionship with patients.
Hours: Weekdays, 11:00 AM-1:30 PM; 3:00-5:00 PM; Saturday, 11:00 AM-1:30 PM
MAGAZINE CART
Volunteers distribute donated magazines to patients at their bedside. Patient care areas and family waiting lounges are covered by this service. Magazines are always needed--please bring yours to Volunteer Services.
Hours: Weekday mornings or afternoons
MAIL DELIVERY
Receiving mail from home can be the highlight of a patient's day, especially when a smiling volunteer brings it to the bedside! Sorting patient mail e-cards and hospital greeting cards by floor and unit, and locating patients who have moved within the hospital are also part of this role.
Hours: Weekday mornings, 8:30 or 9:00 till done (usually 2 1/2 - 3 hours)
MALCOLM COLE CHILDCARE CENTER
This center provides childcare for children of hospital staff. Volunteers will assist the childcare staff with playground supervision, reading stories, art & music activities, games, free play activities and feeding.
Hours: Weekdays, mornings and afternoon shifts, individually negotiated
MENDED HEARTS
Mended Hearts volunteers are heart patients and their caregivers/family members who have survived a life changing heart incident. Volunteers talk with other heart patients about what they may face including lifestyle changes, depression, recovery, and treatment, and invite patients/families to consider becoming part of a Mended Hearts support group after they leave the hospital. These visits can provide powerful encouragement for patients and their families. Mended Hearts training is required before starting patient visits.
Hours: Individually negotiated
MERCI PROGRAM
The Medical Equipment Recovery of Clean Inventory program shares our abundance with others in the world who need medical supplies, while preventing unused items from going to the landfill. Volunteers in the MERCI program help to sort, pack, and prepare a large variety of clean surplus medical supplies from UVa operating rooms, clinics and units for redistribution to medically needy areas.
Hours: Thursdays only, between 10:00 AM-4:00 PM, shift negotiable
MUSIC FOR HEALING Return to Top of Page
Soothing music can transform the busy hospital atmosphere and create a calm, relaxing environment. Volunteers who are pianists are invited to help create this feeling by playing the Hospital Lobby piano. Others who play more portable instruments are able to play in certain patient care areas. Audition required.
Hours: Individually arranged
ONE DAY EVENTS
From time to time throughout the year volunteers are needed to assist at one-day events or short-term volunteer assignments. Some examples of one-day events are: Daffodil Day, Walk for Kids, the Annual Memorial Service, Community Outreach Health Clinics, Lights of Love, Children's Hospital Memorial Service, Auxiliary Vendor Sales, and the Walk for Kids. Let us know if you'd like to be notified of these when you apply to volunteer.
ORTHOPEDICS CLINIC
This busy clinic located at the Fontaine Research Park, is seeking female volunteers. Duties include: stocking supplies in exam rooms, refilling patient education materials, and providing physician support as a patient companion.
Hours: Monday-Friday; Morning or afternoon shifts available
OUTPATIENT SURGERY CENTER
Volunteers assist patients having "in and out" surgery and their waiting families by offering support and information. Volunteers in this liaison role are based at OSC, 337 15th St., S.W. (parking provided.)
Hours: Monday-Friday, 3-4 hour shift between the hours of 6:30 AM and 6:30 PM will be negotiated individually
PATIENT REPRESENTATIVES-IN HOUSE
"In-House" volunteers visit the same floor weekly, speaking with patients and families, helping to make hospital resources accessible. Patient Representatives also assist with resolution of patient' problems or concerns.
Hours: 1 1/2-2 ½ hour shift, Monday-Friday, between 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
PEDIATRIC BEDSIDE VISITING
At both University Hospital and Kluge Children's Rehabilitation Center, volunteers make bedside visits to inpatient children to read a story or play a game.
Hours: Late afternoons, evenings and weekends. Individually negotiated
PEDIATRIC BOOKWORMS
Reading aloud with young patients and their siblings in the Pediatric Clinic waiting room. Volunteers model book-sharing techniques for parents, showing them by example that reading aloud is fun for adults and children. Locations: Primary Care Center AND Orange Clinic
Hours: Monday-Friday, Daytime hours vary
PEDIATRIC COMEDY CART
At the Primary Care Center, located next door to University Hospital, volunteers entertain children while they wait for weekly treatments and checkups, including chemotherapy. Hours: Monday-Thursday, 9:00 AM - Noon (Min. 2 hour shift)
PEDIATRIC PRE-SCHOOL CLASSROOM
Help staff lead educational and play activities for children. In addition to group activities in the classroom, volunteers may be asked to make bedside visits to read a story, play a game, or give parents a break.
Hours: Monday-Friday, Daytime hours
PEDIATRIC PET THERAPY
Working through Therapy Dogs International, certified dogs and their handlers visit pediatric patients at KCRC and University Hospital. Dogs must be certified before visiting the hospital.
Hours: varies at the University Hospital and KCRC
PEDIATRIC RECREATIONAL THERAPY: AQUATICS, DANCE, HORTICULTURE, YOGA
Part of the UVa Children's Hospital, KCRC provides comprehensive rehabilitation services for children, both inpatients and outpatients. Volunteers assist in therapeutic activities, play activities, and support activities. Great pre-professional experience for those interested in these fields!
Hours: Daily, Hours vary by program, days and evenings
PHARMACY
Volunteers assist in cart-fill and prescription delivery, stocking and repackaging non- narcotic medications, some clerical duties and other errands as needed.
Hours: Monday-Friday evenings, weekends, 3 hour shifts individually negotiated
PINKIE THE PUPPET
Volunteers meet at The Senior Center to sew "Pinkie the Puppet," and "Peter the Bear," which are given to pediatric patients. Receiving Pinkie or Peter can give a frightened child a lift.
Hours: Monday mornings (at the Senior Center, Pepsi Place)
PSYCHIATRIC RESEARCH/DATA ENTRY (UVa CARE)
UVa CARE is seeking volunteers who are facile with computers and would enjoy supporting ongoing research into addiction and recovery. Volunteers will enter data into research databases and can learn about the management of data in medical research. No patient contact. Located at North Fork Research Park.
Hours: Individually negotiated, Monday-Friday between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM.
SHOPPING CART
The Shopping Cart is the Gift Shop on Wheels, taking snacks, magazines and newspapers to visitors, staff, and some patients, the shopping cart serves the whole hospital. Best done in pairs.
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, evenings before 8:00 PM
SURGICAL FAMILY LOUNGE
The Family Lounge receives patients who are having surgery and ensures communication with family while the surgery is happening. Working with the Lounge employees, volunteers escort patients to the Surgical Suite, facilitate communication with medical staff, direct families to hospital resources, and act as empathic listeners.
Hours: Monday-Friday, 5:45 AM-8:30 AM and 8:30 AM-3:00 PM
UVa HOSPITAL AUXILIARY
Numerous volunteer opportunities exist in support of the Auxiliaries work to benefit the hospital. There are ongoing activities like serving on the Board of Directors or the writing of the Newsletter, annual events such as the "Lights of Love" Holiday Tree, or Daffodil Day, and helping with seasonal Book, Jewelry, and Uniform Sales. Volunteers may also assist the Gift Shop with special projects, or another role designed to match the Auxiliary's needs and your particular skills. For more Auxiliary information.
Hours: Days and times flexible, and individually scheduled
WAYFINDING
A customer service opportunity for those who like to walk! Volunteers greet patients and families and walk with them to their first destination. Friendly, gregarious volunteers are desired for this role. Morning Wayfinding is combined with morning Flower Delivery.
Hours: Monday-Friday, hours and locations negotiable
WELCOME GREETER
Volunteers greet and assist outpatients and visitors to find their destination in the KCRC facility and support a welcoming and comfortable visit. Requires good interpersonal skills and a willingness to provide excellent customer service.
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 9AM-Noon.
MISCELLANEOUS
Single volunteers perform many other services at the hospital. If you have a skill to offer or an interest that is not listed here, let us know! The Volunteer Services staff will work with you to determine whether your talent can be used at Medical Center.