Jamaica Hospital Medical Center Volunteer Department
As an integral part of Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, volunteers offer an extra dimension of care and services to patients, families, and visitors, as well as supportive services to the staff. Volunteers’ selfless contributions of time and energy help make the hospital stay brighter, more comfortable, less intimidating and a lot less lonely for some. Volunteers also are there to comfort the loved one of patients during emergencies and make them feel at ease during surgical procedures.
Volunteers are a very special group of people from all walks of life but are connected by one common thread, a desire to share their talents, compassion, and dedication. Their personal rewards are intangible, expectations of recognition modest, yet hundreds of volunteers find fulfillment, practical work experience and companionship within Jamaica Hospital Medical Center.
Requirements Prior to Starting as a Volunteer
Adult Volunteers Must:
- Commit to a minimum 150 hours of service
- Provide 2 letters of reference
Junior Volunteers Must:
- Commit to a minimum 100 hours of service
- Provide 1 letter of reference
PLEASE NOTE: DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR THE SUMMER PROGRAM IS APRIL
Overview
There are many departments and programs at Jamaica Hospital where volunteers are assigned to carry out their service. The list below will give you a small window into some areas and show the diversity of available volunteer opportunities. Assignments may involve indirect patient / client contact, and others that are focused on clerical support. Assignments are available depending on department or program specific needs at any given time. Therefore, qualified volunteers are being sought for the following activities:
Surgical Waiting Room Volunteer Program
This opportunity requires volunteers to be ambassadors and liaisons among patients, families, and staff. Volunteers provide non-medical information in a professional and compassionate manner to family and guests of surgical patients. Escort patients and family to the Ambulatory Outpatient Surgery unit and engage in active listening to ensure patients are comfortable while they wait to be seen. Volunteers must have strong communication and customer service skills. Training will be provided.
Time frame: Monday to Friday with available hours between 6:00 am- 5:00 pm
Volunteer Companionship Program
This program seeks to reduce the sense of isolation in the hospital. To provide patients with compassionate and attentive care; thus, provide a comforting presence. Volunteers are responsible for providing a comforting presence to patients, reading books or magazines to patients, engaging patients in conversation when appropriative, and simply sitting with patients to be a listening ear. Training will be provided.
Available daily with flexible hours.
Emergency Department Ambassadors
Volunteer ambassadors assist patients and staff in the Emergency Department by offering compassionate and attentive care; thus, providing a comforting presence, volunteers providing comfort care to patients and family by rounding and honoring patients and family request with input from staff. They provide navigation services to ensure patients are directed to their assigned area of care, allowing staff to perform elements of their positions.
Available daily with flexible hours.
Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy
This opportunity allows volunteers to explore the Occupational and Physical Therapy field to fulfill education requirements for OT/PT schools or pre-application.
Availability: Monday to Friday between 9:00 am- 4:00 pm
Unit Aide
Seeking volunteers who are compassionate and like helping others to provide assistance on our patient units. Volunteers round on patients on the nursing units to ensure patient satisfaction, assist with Cup of Kindness (between 2pm- 4pm), and answer call bells.
Available daily with flexible hours.
Clerical
Volunteers provide a wide range of clerical support for departments throughout the medical center. Duties may include filing, answering phones, data entry, and typing.
Availability: Monday to Saturday between 9:00 am- 5:00 pm.
Patient Escort Services Volunteer Program
Volunteers serve as a liaison between the staff, patient, and the patient’s family/escort, providing guidance and direction throughout the various locations. Volunteers will greet patients and/or visitors upon arrival at each location. Engage those needing help with assistive devices, escort patients and visitors to proper location to lesson anxiety.
REQUIREMENTS: Volunteers must be mature, compassionate, empathetic, and have strong interpersonal and communications ability. Provide non-clinical information. Bilingual is a plus.
Availability: Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
BENEFITS TO PATIENTS, FAMILY AND VISITORS
- Lesson patient, family and visitors’ anxiety
- Be on time for appointments
- Being taken care of with VIP service.
- Engage in social interaction with a smile
Music Program
We offer the opportunity to provide entertainment to our patients by maximizing patient engagement. If you play an instrument and would love to volunteer your time and talent, we would like to hear from you. Volunteers will provide 3-6 hours per month of live instrumental or vocal music through respectful engagement with patients, families, and staff.
Cup of Kindness Program
Help us promote patient satisfaction with our Cup of Kindness initiative. We are seeking volunteers to greet and provide social interaction with patients, families, and staff. Volunteers visit our patients and provide tea, healthy snacks, and refreshments, creating the perfect opportunity to start a conversation and learn how their day is going.
Time commitment: Monday- Friday 2 hours per day
ABOUT THE SUMMER PROGRAM
DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR THE NYC-DYCD SUMMER PROGRAM IS FEBRUARY- MARCH USUALLY WITH AN EXTENDED DATE ((TBD)
Jamaica hospital hosts an annual summer program in partnership with the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development. – NYC-DYCD. Under the DYCD providers such as Police Athletic League and Queens Community through a lottery system choose and assign accepted participants to the hospital. Participants may work up to 25 hours per week and are paid minimum wage by the DYCD. The program lasts for 6 weeks; July through August. For more information, please visit the New York City Summer Youth Employment Program website.
The Benefits of Volunteering
- Volunteer service offers a wide range of benefits including
- Building critical skills like communication and empathy
- Enhancing skills through mentorship and networking
- Gaining exploration, experience and insights to diverse medical careers
- Learning and developing new skills
- Improving physical and mental health
- Offering a sense of purpose
- Giving back to the community
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the interview online or in person?
It is in person
What is the minimum age required to volunteer?
It is 16 years of age.
How do I sign up for volunteer service?
You can call us on 718 206 6003; 718 206 6000 ext. 4078 (you must dial 718 206 6000 and then dial 4078 to reach the Volunteer office).
or email us at [email protected]
What type of services do you offer volunteers?
If you are looking for exposure in a patient care setting, you can be placed on one of our nursing units. If you are interested in clerical opportunities, you can be placed in an office type setting. We also offer applicants the opportunity to assist with patient navigation and companionship.
(See the overview section for further explanation.)
How long does it take before I volunteer?
The onboarding process may take up to three weeks prior to the start of volunteer service. Once accepted as a volunteer, a medical form (given to you at the interview) must be completed by your physician and be brought in person by appointment only to our health office. When you are medically cleared, you must attend a mandatory orientation and training. Once the aforementioned and these other requirements are handed in, you will be able to start your volunteer service.
- Juniors- a copy of your state ID or school ID, working paper, a copy of the parental consent form, one letter of recommendation
- Adults- A copy of state ID, resume and two letters of reference
What does health information involve?
Prior to you starting, you will be required to complete:
- Medical Clearance – Once accepted, you will be given a medical form that must be completed by your physician. The completed medical form must be brought in person to our Occupational Health Services Department, Staff Residence Building, 89-06 135th Street, 5th floor, Room 5C. You must call to make an appointment. Phone: 718- 206-6813.
- Drug Screening – it is the policy of the Jamaica Hospital Medical Center that all volunteers are to undergo urine toxicology (drug screening) in our Occupational Health Services Department (OHS).
- For Adults, a Drug Screening Consent and Release form will be presented for you to sign in at OHS.
- For Minors (under 18 years of age), the Drug Screening Consent and Release Form given to you at the interview must be signed by your parent/guardian, and an active phone number must be provided. Your signature will be required to be done in the presence of Occupational Health Services (OHS) staff to witness.
- Please note that the Influenza vaccine is required.
You must present an active photo ID when presenting to OHS. A notification of medical clearance form will be forwarded to the Volunteer Services Department.
Does volunteer service lead to employment?
No, there is no guarantee of employment after volunteer service.
When do I get a letter of hours completed or a recommendation letter for my volunteer service?
A letter certifying your hours can be issued upon prior written request. A letter of recommendation is issued after you have met the required hours of (juniors 100 hours) and (adults 150 hours).
Is there a uniform worn by volunteers?
Yes, volunteers can purchase and wear a maroon polo shirt as part of the uniform policy. Cost: $15.00
