Volunteer Assignments

Volunteer Information

PLEASE NOTE THAT OUR SUMMER PROGRAM IS FILLED UP. YOU CAN CALL US IN MID JULY FOR VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES.

Overview

There are many departments and programs at Jamaica Hospital where volunteers are assigned to carry out their service. The list below shows 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:

Breastfeeding Support Volunteer Program

The program is aimed at providing breastfeeding support to obstetric patients in an effort to improve exclusive breastfeeding rates both upon discharge at delivery and at the postpartum visit. Training will be provided.
Available daily with flexible hours

Patient Escort Services Volunteer Program

The purpose of the Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Patient Service Escort Volunteer Program is to provide a supportive, caring environment in the Axel and Staff Residence buildings and the TJH Clinic. Volunteers will help to lessen the anxiety and frustration a patient, family escort or visitor may experience with a friendly smile and positive conversation. Volunteers serve as a liaison between the staff, patient and the family/escort providing guidance and direction to their desired locations. Training will be provided.

Volunteers must be mature, compassionate, empathetic, and have strong interpersonal and communication ability. Bilingual in English and Bengali, French Creole, Hindi, Punjabi, Spanish is a plus.

Currently available Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.

The Emergency Services Department Caring Links Volunteer Program

The Emergency Services Department Caring Links Volunteer Program is to provide a supportive, caring environment in the Emergency Services Department. Volunteers serve as a liaison between the Emergency Services Department staff and the patient and the patient’s family/escort, providing updated non-medical information. Caring Link Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age and possess maturity, flexibility, friendliness, tact, sensitivity, good judgment and a commitment to patients’ privacy and confidentiality. Training will be provided.
Available daily 7am- 9pm

Medical Interpreter Services Program

You must already have done an interpreter training in order to apply for this program.

The purpose of the program is to lessen the anxiety and frustration patients and families sometimes encounter with language barriers. The volunteers’ assistance can help the patients and family/escorts focus and communicate confidently with staff.

If you are looking to give back to the community and you speak English and Spanish, Bengali, Hindi or Punjabi, and have knowledge of medical terminology in both languages, this program may be for you. Volunteers will provide a comforting presence to patients. Provide medical interpreting assistance to LEP patients. Be available to accompany administrators on MAD rounds to assist with interpreting. Engage patient in conversation when appropriate. Must be at least 19 years of age and possess strong communication and customer service skills. Currently available with flexible hours.

Surgical Waiting Room

Are you a caring and compassionate individual? This program is what you are looking for. Volunteers provide non-medical information to family and friends of surgical patients. Volunteers act as a liaison between family/escorts and staff and must be able to provide information in a professional and compassionate manner. Strong communication and customer service skills are required. Training will be provided.

Volunteers must be mature, compassionate, empathetic, and have strong interpersonal and communications ability. Bilingual in English and Bengali, French Creole, Hindi, Punjabi, Spanish is a plus.

Currently available Monday to Friday 7:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.

The Family Medicine Center Volunteer Greeter Program

The aim of the Family Medicine Center Volunteer Greeter Program is to provide a supportive, caring environment in the Family Medicine Center. Volunteers serve as a liaison between the Family Medicine Center staff and the patient and the patient’s family/escort, providing guidance and direction throughout the Center. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age, compassionate, empathetic and have strong interpersonal and communication ability. Bilingual in English and Spanish, Hindi, or French Creole preferred.
Available Monday to Saturday day 9am- 4pm

Volunteer Companionship Program

This program seeks to reduce the sense of isolation in the hospital. To provide patients with compassionate and attentive care; thus providing a comforting presence. Volunteers are responsible for providing a comforting presence to patients, read book or magazine to patients, engage patients in conversation when appropriate, and simply sit with patients to be a listening ear. Training will be provided.

Currently available with flexible hours

Reading Cart

Volunteers are responsible for bringing a library cart with books and magazines to patient floors.
Available daily with flexible hours

Clerical

Volunteers provide a wide range of clerical support for departments throughout the medical center. Duties include filing, faxing, answering phones, data entry and typing. Computer is helpful but not required.
Available Monday to Saturday 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.

Emergency Department Aide

Volunteers assist patients and staff in the Emergency Department. They are responsible for transporting specimens and patients, meal assistance, companionship and clerical functions.
Available daily with flexible hours

Friendly Visiting

Volunteers provide friendly visiting to patients in the hospital setting.
Available daily with flexible hours

Occupational Therapy/ Physical Therapy

Volunteers interested in these fields assist patients and staff.
Available Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.

Pediatric Recreation

Volunteers provide recreation assistance and supervision to pediatric inpatients.
Available daily with flexible hours

Unit Aide

Volunteers provide assistance on patient units. Responsible for assisting nursing staff and patients, transporting supplies, running errands, meal trays, clerical, and other duties as deemed necessary and appropriate.