Adult Volunteer Program
Adult Volunteer Program Update | Sept. 29, 2023
Fall Adult Volunteer Recruitment Now Closed
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with us! Please check back in December for updates regarding our spring recruitment.
IMPORTANT: Please review our program policies and requirements outlined below.
About Our Adult Volunteer Program:
Typically, the greatest variety of volunteer opportunities become available during our spring and fall recruitment periods. It is only during these time periods that we recruit new adult volunteers, as we are fortunate to host many ambitious high school and college students during the summer months.
Volunteer Requirements:
- You are considered an adult if you are 18 years of age or older and not enrolled in classes for college credit.
- Attend a group information session. Our next available group sessions to be announced.
- Schedule a personal interview with one of our volunteer coordinators. You will learn about available volunteer opportunities at this meeting.
- Participate in a health appointment with Employee Health. (There is no charge for this. All arrangements will be made for you through Friends of Strong).
- Commit to volunteer three or four hours per week for a minimum of one year.
- You agree to submit to a background check, including Federal Exclusions and State Sanctions.
- You agree to any additional requirements that are mandated by the University of Rochester.
- Able to communicate clearly and fluently in English.
- Please use only one single consistent email for all paperwork and communications with the Volunteer Program coordinators.
- After the group info session, personal interview and health appointments, you also may be required to attend an orientation for the department you are assigned.
Frequently Asked Questions for Adult Volunteers:
- How do I get started?
- Sign up to attend an in-person group information session during our open recruitment periods as announced at the top of this page.
- I’m retired now. Can I volunteer more than three to four hours per week?
- That would depend on the number of volunteers and opportunities we have available at any given time.
- Can I volunteer any time I want?
- Volunteer shifts may vary depending on the type of position we match you with. Currently, most placements occur during weekday hours, Monday through Friday. Occasionally we have evening and weekend positions available.
- What kinds of activities will I be doing?
- We offer a variety of activities in hospital departments and units. Some of those are Pediatrics, Patient Discharge, and the Gift Shop. All of our positions involve contact with patients on some level.
- I have heard about hospital volunteers who “cuddle” premature infants and newborns. How can I do that?
- These openings are called NICU Volunteers (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) and are so popular that we rarely have openings. Please check our website regularly to see if the needs have changed.
- I just had a physical. Why do I need a health appointment?
- Your safety and the safety of our patients and staff is our first priority. The only way we can assure that is when you have been seen by our staff at Employee Health. The will also confirm that your vaccinations and other health-related requirements are up-to-date.
-
- Federal Exclusions are a severe form of restriction that prohibits an excluded person or entity from participating in federal healthcare programs or receive federally funded reimbursement. State Sanctions are medical sanctions that resulted in disciplinary action by a state administration. These sanctions occur when an individual or entity violated an administrative rule, civil law or has committed a criminal offense. Exclusion from participation in federal or state healthcare programs is a severe form of sanction. Exclusion prohibits an identified or entity from participating in federal healthcare programs or receiving federally funded reimbursement. Federally Excluded and State Sanctioned individuals are not allowed to volunteer at URMC.
-