Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteers complete tasks and provide service that maximizes efficiency of operations and maximizes service for patients, guests, and staff. Wide-ranging examples include: escorting visitors, answering call lights, responding to questions and needs, assisting at information or reception desks, serving in the gift shop, offering comfort items, checking on individuals in patient and waiting rooms, ensuring the cleanliness of the environment, preparing for patient arrival, and more.

Your volunteer coordinator will review the expectations of the role you mutually decide upon in your interview.

Hospital volunteering is a hands-in activity, where you will be part of a team ensuring the best in customer care and efficiency for patients, guests, and staff. However, patient care (“hands on”) activities are limited to qualified professionals.

We are committed to helping every volunteer have a rewarding and impactful experience. Since onboarding and training require a significant investment from both volunteers and Baystate Health, we ask for a commitment of at least 100 hours or six months of service. If you're unable to make that commitment at this time, there may be other community organizations with more flexible opportunities that better fit your schedule.

The hospital is a 24/7 environment, and volunteer opportunities are available at all hours. The availability of some roles is dependent upon the hours of the department or the location.

All individuals must be 14 years or older to volunteer at the hospital (those nearing their 14th birthday can begin the onboarding process). Certain roles have higher minimum ages.

Volunteer roles exist for those who prefer to be at a desk and those who want to get 10,000 steps a day. We enjoy working with all candidates to arrive at a fulfilling role that will match your physical abilities and desires.

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Hospital volunteering is a commitment, and individuals should expect the process to take several weeks. Steps involved include an interview, a medical clearance, a background check, and an orientation. Those committed to the process and who follow up on expectations can expect to start in three to six weeks from the time of application.

For the safety of our patients, there are certain vaccination requirements that align with the standard for all healthcare staff. These include child vaccines (or proof of immunity) for MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and chicken pox. Vaccination or proof of immunity can be obtained free of charge, during the onboarding process.

During the flu season, typically November through March, all volunteers are required to have a current year flu vaccination.

There is no longer a COVID vaccine requirement for volunteers.

The amount of patient interaction depends on the amount of patient interaction you desire. We have roles that have significant patient interaction, others that have significant guest interaction, and some that have significant staff interaction. We will discuss your interests and applicable roles during the interview.

Every year, hundreds of volunteers, ranging in age from 14 to over 100, contribute tens of thousands of hours in service across Baystate Health. While every volunteer brings unique talents and experiences, we've found that the most rewarding volunteer experiences share four key characteristics:

1. Commitment. Volunteers should expect to serve a weekly shift of 3-4 hours on the same day and time every week. Be sure your schedule can accommodate this.
2. Engagement. Volunteers should be ready to engage with the staff/customers/patients they are serving. Be outgoing and willing to talk. We welcome those who may be introverted but willing to step out of their comfort zone.
3. Flexibility. The hospital is a dynamic environment where no two days are exactly alike. While volunteers receive clear role descriptions and training, unexpected needs can arise. The most successful volunteers are adaptable, take initiative when appropriate, and are willing to help where needed within the scope of their role.
4. Customer Service. Volunteers should enjoy serving people and show know how to maximize every interaction, leaving people feeling welcomed, supported, and cared for.

Yes. Exposure to the medical environment is a critical skill for those who wish to become a caregiver in the future. Our volunteers have gone on to become doctors, nurses, physician assistants, patient care technicians, radiologic technicians, and more. Others chose successful careers outside of medicine where they utilized the skills learned while serving customers in the hospital.

Volunteering is separate from employment, and we are unable to promise that volunteering will lead to a job. Many of our volunteers have successfully pursued employment with Baystate Health and now serve in dozens of roles throughout the organization.

We are always looking for ways to expand the volunteer influence and actively encourage those with special talents to apply. Please be prepared to discuss your talent and vision in the interview and let’s see what we can create together.