Frequently Asked Questions for Volunteers

How old do I need to be to volunteer at PIH Health?

You must be at least 16 years old to volunteer at PIH Health.

Can I apply to volunteer at any time?

Opportunities to apply are based on the hospital’s current needs. Please check the “Apply” tab for filing dates.

Now that I have submitted my application, what is the next step?

Once your application is received and reviewed, you will be given information to schedule an interview. If you are a good match for the Volunteer Program, you will be invited to attend an orientation. After orientation, you will be required to complete the necessary health requirements and a background screening if you are 18 years of age or older.

Why do I have to be interviewed?

The interview process allows us a chance to determine whether we can meet your interest and expectations as a volunteer and ensure a great experience with PIH Health. All volunteer applicants are interviewed by a member of the volunteer services Interview Committee.

Is it necessary to provide my social security number?

If you are 18 years and older, we are required to conduct a background screening, which requires a social security number, work visa number, or student visa number. This information can be entered by the applicant directly into the secure background screening website. Instructions will be sent to you after you complete the volunteer orientation.

What type of medical clearance do I need?

Volunteers will be asked to bring their vaccination record when presenting to Employee Health. Health requirements include:

• Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccine
• Varicella vaccine
• COVID-19 vaccine or decline the vaccine in writing
• Two initial TB screenings provided free of charge by PIH Health. The results of these screenings will stay current for one year. If you have tested positive in the past, proof of chest x-ray within a six month period is required.
• Seasonal Influenza vaccine or decline the vaccination in writing. This vaccine is provided free of charge by PIH Health if volunteering during flu season (typically Sept-April)
• Hepatitis vaccine series or decline the vaccine in writing
• Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap) if volunteering in certain departments

What time commitment do I need to make as a volunteer?

We ask that you commit to volunteer at least 3 hours weekly for 100 service hours total, but you are welcome to do much more. Volunteers who serve the minimum weekly service hours usually take about 9 months to complete the 100 hour requirement.

How long does it take to receive my volunteer assignment?

From the time you submit your volunteer application, it may take up to six weeks to fully complete the screening process. Our goal is to match your interest and availability with our needs. With over 700 volunteers at PIH Health, we do our best to match each department’s volunteer needs based on your interest, availability and skills.

Are all volunteers required to wear uniforms?

Yes, all volunteers are required to wear a uniform. We have an established dress code that applies to all individuals volunteering at PIH Health. The uniform consists of a blue smock or polo that is given to volunteers free of charge. White or khaki pants and closed toe/closed heeled shoes are also required and are the responsibility of the volunteer. Volunteers who drive trams or who participate in the Mended Hearts program or Chaplain program have a different uniform.

Where can I buy the white pants for the uniform?

Any department store or uniform store should have white pants. We recommend the Dickies brand as they are sturdy and professional.

Can I transfer to a different campus once I start volunteering?

We ask that you stay at the campus to which you applied as a volunteer for the initial 100-hour commitment. Volunteers may transfer to a different campus once this requirement is met and may volunteer at other campuses for special events or if a special need arises.

Once I’ve reached my 100 service hours, what comes next?

Once you reach 100 service hours, we are happy to write a letter of recommendation for our student volunteers who are applying to school or for a scholarship. If you wish to continue to volunteer past the 100-hour minimum requirement, we encourage our volunteers to do so! We have volunteers who have served for decades and hope you will find the same fulfillment as these dedicated individuals.

Can I complete my high school senior project at PIH Health?

You may complete your high school senior project at PIH Health but must be willing to commit to the 100-hour service requirement. Placement for senior projects is based off department and staff availability.

Can I perform my short-term community service project at PIH Health?

We do require a minimum of 100 hours of volunteer service. If you are looking for a short term or one time volunteer opportunity, you may wish to visit www.volunteermatch.org for other volunteer opportunities in your community.

Is an internship different than volunteering?

An unpaid internship is coordinated through the Education Department at PIH Health. To qualify for an internship, your school must have an agreement with PIH Health and you must be receiving school credit for the internship.

Can I still volunteer even though I am looking for a job?

If your overall goal and objective is to have a career at PIH Health, please visit our Careers page to view job postings. In the meantime, we would love to have you volunteer with us. In fact, we have employees who also volunteer simultaneously.

How do I donate items to PIH Health?

For the safety of our patients, PIH Health can only accept new items for donations. Please see our Donation Menu for more details and ideas. A donation letter can be made available upon request.

Can I complete court ordered community service at PIH Health?

PIH Health does not accept volunteer applicants who have been court-ordered to perform community service.

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