Volunteer Opportunities

As a leader in musculoskeletal health and among the top-ranked organizations for orthopedics and rheumatology, we’re proud of what we’ve achieved. Now more than ever, our guiding principles are helping us in our search for exceptionally talented candidates who align with our unique workplace culture and who want to maximize the abundant opportunities for growth and success.

As all HSS volunteers and interns are required to be fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19 and the seasonal flu, we encourage you to get your shots now.

Steps to volunteer at HSS

To comply with HSS policies, volunteers and interns must complete the following steps before beginning to volunteer at HSS:

1. Email your resume and cover letter to volunteering@hss.edu. Please note, we will only accept cover letters that include the following details:
   • A detailed description of your background experience
   • Specific areas of interest for volunteering (please see description of available opportunities below)
   • Your schedule to volunteer (i.e., M-W 9 am-3 pm)
2. Should we determine that you may be a good fit for a particular volunteer program, we will reach out to you for an initial virtual interview.
3. If the interview is successful, we will move to the onboarding process which entails:

• Complete a 2-page application form;
• Complete orientation materials via PDF;
• Complete medical screening, background check and drug testing.

Please note, on average our process takes about 3-4 weeks to complete.

Requirements

• From Fall through Spring:  volunteers/interns are required to donate at least 150 total hours over a 6-month period with a minimum of 5 hours per week.
• During the summer: volunteers/interns are required to donate at least 100 hours within a 10-week period with a minimum of 10-12 hours per week.
• Volunteers/interns must be 16 years of age or older.

Current opportunities for volunteering/interning

Patient Navigation and Transport

This program is designed to facilitate seamless communication between various clinical and non-clinical departments within the hospital and to ensure a coordinated approach to patient’s overall experience while upholding the utmost confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations. As a valued volunteer, you'll be entrusted with extending a friendly welcome to all patients and visitors upon their arrival while ensuring the efficient confirmation of appointments. Your role extends to guiding and, if necessary, accompanying patients and their families to various destinations within the hospital premises. Additionally, you'll be assisting in wheelchair transportation for patients; collaborating closely with physician offices and diverse clinical teams to address patient concerns promptly and effectively, thus enhancing their overall experience. You'll serve as a knowledgeable resource, offering insights into hospital facilities and local amenities such as dining options, transportation services, and accommodations. 

This vital program operates seamlessly across the HSS main campus, encompassing key buildings including: 

• The Main Building
• Pavilion
• Belaire​​​​​​​
• East River Professional Building 
• The Radiology Unit within the Main Building. 

Volunteers will be assigned based on the dynamic needs of the hospital, ensuring optimal support throughout the campus.

9th floor Family Atrium 

The volunteer will assist in formally greeting patients and visitors upon their arrival and will facilitate their smooth transition into the surgical waiting area. They will play a vital role in communicating effectively with the pre-op and PACU teams to ensure seamless coordination of patient care. Responsibilities include escorting families to the Pre-OP/PACU areas, identifying and addressing any patient or visitor concerns, and promptly escalating issues to Patient Liaisons when necessary. Additionally, volunteers will engage with families, provide assistance in maintaining a tidy and professional environment, and serve as a knowledgeable resource for patients and visitors throughout the surgical process.

4th Floor Family Atrium  

The volunteer will assist in formally greeting patients and visitors upon their arrival and will facilitate their smooth transition into the surgical waiting area. They will play a vital role in communicating effectively with the pre-op and PACU teams to ensure seamless coordination of patient care. Responsibilities include escorting families to the Pre-OP/PACU areas, identifying and addressing any patient or visitor concerns, and promptly escalating issues to Patient Liaisons when necessary. Additionally, volunteers will engage with families, provide assistance in maintaining a tidy and professional environment, and serve as a knowledgeable resource for patients and visitors throughout the surgical process.

4th Floor Pre-OP Area

The volunteer will help support operations for the busiest holding area in the hospital, which averages approximately 75-80 cases per day.  The volunteer will be responsible for prepping patient beds, cleaning necessary equipment, patient transport as well as transferring patient belongings from Pre-Op holding area to property room on 4th floor.  Volunteers will report directly to Service Excellence while also maintaining active and constant communication during shifts with clinical leadership for 4th Floor Pre OP area (Patient Care Director, Charge Nurses) 

SPU, 75th Street Volunteer Program

This program is designed to facilitate seamless communication between clinical and non-clinical departments within the Special Procedure Unit and to ensure a coordinated approach to patient’s overall experience while upholding the utmost confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations. As a valued volunteer, you'll be entrusted with extending a friendly welcome to all patients and visitors upon their arrival while ensuring the efficient confirmation of appointments. Your role extends to guiding and, if necessary, accompanying patients and their families to various destinations within the unit. Additionally, you'll be assisting in wheelchair transportation for patients; collaborating closely with physician offices and diverse clinical teams to address patient concerns promptly and effectively, thus enhancing their overall experience. You'll serve as a knowledgeable resource, offering insights into hospital facilities and local amenities such as dining options, transportation services, and accommodations.

• In-patient Nursing floor:  The volunteer will help humanize hospitality and service delivery to patients by identifying and communicating patient needs during their stay.  They will assist nursing staff with non-clinical duties such as patient transports, visitor escorts, and other duties as needed.  The volunteer should have excellent customer service skills, actively pursuing a career in the medical field and able to multi-task and be mobile.  Do note, volunteers cannot perform patient related clinical duties of HSS staff members. 
• Ambulatory Care Center: The volunteer in the Ambulatory Care Center at 475 E. 72nd Street welcomes and greets patients, provides instructions and directions, and/or guides patients as needed to the correct location. The volunteer serves as a liaison between the patient and the ACC areas, offering snacks, providing communication about waiting time, and other information as needed. A professional, courteous, efficient manner with attention to detail is essential. The volunteer is responsible for ensuring a coordinated and consistent patient experience through the clinical practice area. We are looking for long-term volunteers and the busiest days/times are M-TH from 10 AM-3 PM.
• The Hospitality Cart: This program is a joint venture between HSS and Ronald McDonald House where volunteers offer beverages and healthy snacks for families who have children receiving medical treatment at HSS. The volunteers will provide a break from the stressors facing the caregivers by giving them a brief moment to recharge, only steps away from their child. Volunteers must adhere to Polices and Boundaries Guidelines by HSS and RMH.  Because you will be working with the pediatric population all volunteers for this program are required to get a T-DAP vaccine.  Hours needed for this program are currently M-TH from 2:30 PM-5 PM.
• Nursing Administration:  The volunteer in this role will be responsible for maintaining the clerical functions of the office which includes coordination of file archive, managing inventory, mail pick and distribution.  The volunteer will work closely with various nurses and admin staff.  Other special projects would include Nurse’s Week Initiative and data entry to the Nursing intranet pages.  Flexible with preferred days/times including M/W with hours between 9am-4pm.
• Patient Accounting: The purpose of the department is to ensure that money is collected from insurance companies and patients who have received services from the Hospital. It is critical that all of these interactions are conducted in a professional, courteous, efficient manner with attention to detail. Volunteers will be responsible for correcting invalid patient addresses, working with a computerized patient database, preparing reports as assigned and other basic tasks in support of the department’s mission.
• Rehabilitation:  Volunteer experiences in Rehabilitation include outpatient physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. Please be aware that we do not offer inpatient acute care experiences. Please check the specific requirement of any schools to which you may be applying. Additionally, volunteers must be at least 18 years of age. Volunteers are responsible for preparing and storing exercise equipment, preparing towels, and pillowcases, restocking supplies, keeping the treatment area clean, offering clerical support as needed, and assisting rehab technicians and therapists as requested.

Volunteer Shifts for Rehab:

Monday-Saturday; based on clinic needs

• Hours are site-specific and are not earlier than 7 am and not later than 8 pm
• 1-hour allotted for lunch if a volunteer is working a full 7-hour shift
• Days and times are scheduled based on volunteers’ availability and the needs of the site

NOTE: Due to the number of applications we receive, we are unable to respond to everyone. We will respond to applicants whom we determine to be good matches for programs that have openings. Please be aware that volunteering with us does not guarantee employment.

For more information, email volunteering@hss.edu or call 212.606.1228.