Our Services

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I become a volunteer at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC?
Potential volunteers must first complete an online application. Please note that the online application includes two reference forms which may be either professional or personal references. Personal references cannot include immediate or extended family members. In addition, references must have known the volunteer applicant for at least one year. Potential references may include former or current co-workers, supervisors, professors or neighbors. Volunteer Services staff will review your application and contact you for a personal interview. Interviews are scheduled only once a candidates’ application is entirely complete, including the receipt of both required references. During the interview, the Volunteer Coordinator will review the additional requirements to become a volunteer (including clearances and recent TB test). Once all of the additional requirements are met, candidates are scheduled to attend mandatory orientation training.

Are applications available online?
Yes. Please go to the Apply Now! section.

Is prior hospital experience, special training or education necessary?
While prior hospital experience is always useful, it is not required. In addition, professional communication skills, reliability, responsibility and punctuality are essential.

What additional requirements are necessary to become a volunteer?
Volunteers are required to have a tuberculosis test, which is offered by the hospital free of charge, and must comply with Act 33/34/73 requirements (Criminal Record Check, Child Abuse History Clearance and Fingerprint Check). In addition, potential volunteers must be willing to make a scheduled commitment. Orientation classes and training, which are held monthly, also are mandatory.

Are teen volunteers accepted?
Teen volunteers, ages 14-18, are invited to apply for the summer program beginning in March and are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. This program has become extremely popular and spots fill up fast! Applications are made available online in early March and we encourage applying as soon as the applications are posted.

What types of activities do volunteers provide?
The focus of the volunteer program at Children’s Hospital is supporting and nurturing children and families. Generally, volunteer positions are classified into five areas: direct work with children, family support, technical/specialized positions, hospitality and office/clerical positions. Volunteers provide valuable support to many areas of the hospital. Some examples of volunteer duties include helping children with crafts, greeting families in the waiting areas and serving as an information resource, assisting with administrative tasks, escorting patients to special events, or distributing informational and recreational materials to patients and families.

Can I select which unit and hours I choose to volunteer?
Volunteer assignments and hours will be discussed during your personal interview. Children’s Hospital will work with you to best match your individual interests, working style, talents and skills and scheduling availability to the needs of our patients, families and staff.

Can I volunteer during off-hours, evenings or weekends?
Yes. Children’s has an “off-hours” program for individuals who work full-time during the day. Off-hours begin after 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Volunteers also are needed on the weekends for a variety of assignments.

What happens if I can’t make it into the hospital on any given day?
Volunteers are asked to notify both their assignment supervisor and the Volunteer Coordinators on days they are unable to be in attendance.

What perks do volunteers enjoy at Children’s Hospital?
Click here for a listing of Volunteer Perks.

Will I have an opportunity to interact with hospital professionals and pursue my interests in a health care career?
Volunteers work closely with many members of Children’s medical and support teams. After fulfilling a two-semester commitment, a letter of recommendation may be provided upon request.

How can I receive additional information?
For more information, or to request a volunteer application packet via mail, contact the Volunteer Services Department at 412-692-5185 or e-mail chpvolunteer@chp.edu.

Last Update
December 13, 2012

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