To find out about becoming a volunteer at another Baystate Health location, contact that location directly.
Volunteers are considered staff and part of our team. As such, you will need to go through several steps before you are actually able to start volunteering. The entire process from time of interview to receiving one’s badge and uniform should take 4-6 weeks to complete.
INTERVIEW WITH THE VOLUNTEER MANAGER
Schedule an interview by calling 413-794-4210. The typical interview is 30 minutes long. By the end of the interview, you will know when and where you are volunteering. We will provide you with information about health services requirements. We'll also give you a reference form to be filled out on your behalf.
BACKGROUND CHECK
Applicants 18 and older are required to go through a national criminal background check. The actual process is handled by a 3rd party – the same company that does background checks for new employees. You will receive a link requesting you to complete an online background check. Once you respond, it usually takes 2-10 business days to receive your background clearance.
HEALTH SERVICES
You will be required to complete a medical history form and provide proof of immunization. Clearance includes 2 TB tests and proof that the volunteer is immune to measles, mumps, rubella and chicken pox. All volunteers are encouraged to have the annual flu vaccine. In cases where volunteers do not want the vaccine, a declination form will need to be signed, and if volunteering in a patient care area or building, a mask will need to be worn during the entire flu season. Any tests or procedures performed during the clearance process by health services or under their direction will be done at no cost to the applicant.
GENERAL VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION*
Once you are cleared by health services, you will be scheduled to attend a volunteer orientation. Orientation is held once a month and will run no more than two hours. The volunteer orientation is an interactive session which will help to ensure that you are fully prepared to volunteer at Baystate Medical Center in a safe and effective manner.
* In some cases, volunteers will also need to attend a unit-specific orientation before starting their assignment. Volunteers will be notified of this during their initial interview.
BADGE AND UNIFORM
You will receive a badge and uniform at orientation. Badges and uniforms are the property of Baystate Medical Center, and must be returned at the end of your volunteer service.