Volunteers
Join our team of approximately 50 medical center volunteers! These remarkable individuals of all ages generously donate their time and make a meaningful impact in the lives of others. Volunteers play a vital role in supporting our staff and enhancing patient care in many ways, from serving as couriers to assisting in the emergency department. Volunteering with us is not only a rewarding experience but also offers many benefits to you, our staff, and most importantly, our patients.
Volunteer Eligibility
To ensure an impactful volunteer experience, we require volunteers to be at least 16 years old. We encourage our volunteers to commit to three to four hours a week in their assigned placements, offering continuity and reliability. We hope that volunteers will choose to stay with Holyoke Medical Center for at least a year, allowing for deeper connections with our community and sustained contributions to patient care.
Current Volunteer Opportunities
Comfort Dogs
We’re excited to welcome certified Bright Spot Therapy Dogs to join our team as comfort dog volunteers. In this role, volunteers will provide valuable comfort, support, and affection to our hardworking team members. As a comfort dog volunteer, responsibilities include visiting various areas of the hospital and interacting and socializing with employees.
Interfaith Chaplains
“Holyoke Medical Center is proud of our holistic approach to wellness. With spirituality being a critical component to patient care, we are looking to expand our interfaith chaplain team to better serve our patients, their families, and our medical staff,” said hospital Chaplain, Reverend Joe DeGrande.
The hospital is seeking compassionate individuals with hospital experience as interfaith chaplains or completion of a Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) program. We value candidates who have demonstrated proficiency in honoring patients’ of diversified faith traditions and beliefs.
The demand for chaplaincy services is particularly high during weekend hours, and we happily accommodate all schedules. If you possess the necessary qualifications and a passion for providing companionship to patients, we encourage you to consider joining our chaplain team.
Companions for the Journey Program
We are seeking dedicated volunteers to provide invaluable presence and companionship to patients who are at the end of life, particularly those who may not have family or friends nearby. Our goal is to ensure that a patient in their final hours will not be alone.
As a volunteer in this program, your role will involve positively interacting with the patient, staff, and the patient’s family members (when present). Training and resources will be provided for this meaningful role. Volunteers are placed on a call tree with their availability, allowing for flexible scheduling to accommodate both volunteers and the needs of the patient.
Some Areas Where Volunteers Lend Support:
- Emergency Department
- Human Resources
- Orthopedics & other Medical Office Areas
- Patient Billing Office
- Print Shop
- Mail Room
- Wound Care Center
These are just a few areas, and volunteer opportunities may vary depending on the needs and programs offered by Holyoke Medical Center.
Onboarding and Orientation Process
As part of our onboarding process, every volunteer is required to participate in an onboarding process and orientation program. As part of the onboarding process, each volunteer will receive a photo identification badge. This badge not only serves as official recognition as a Holyoke Medical Center volunteer, but also enhances security measures within our facility.
Annual In-Service Training
We prioritize the safety and well-being of our volunteers, staff, and patients. As part of our commitment to maintaining high standards of care, all volunteers are required to complete a set of in-service training modules annually.
Rewards and Benefits of Volunteering
Rewards:
- Satisfaction of Helping Others: Experience the profound joy of making a positive impact.
- Meet New People: Forge meaningful connections with fellow volunteers, hospital staff, and patients, fostering a supportive community within Holyoke Medical Center.
- Help Make a Difference: Contribute to creating a compassionate and caring environment, where every gesture of kindness matters.
- Honoring Patients: Provide comfort, companionship, and dignity to patients, ensuring that they feel respected and valued throughout their healthcare journey.
Benefits:
- Serving the Community: Play an active role in serving the local community by supporting the healthcare needs of individuals from diverse backgrounds.
- Explore Hospital Departments: Receive notification about new volunteer opportunities as they become available. Gain valuable insights into various hospital departments and healthcare practices, expanding your knowledge of the medical field.
- Flexible Scheduling: Benefit from scheduling options that accommodate your availability, allowing you to volunteer at times that suit your lifestyle and commitments.
- Free Parking: Enjoy the convenience of complimentary parking while volunteering at Holyoke Medical Center, making your experience hassle-free.
How to Become a Volunteer
Thank you for your interest! To inquire about current volunteer opportunities, please contact the Volunteer Services Program Office at development@holyokehealth.com or call 413.534.2579. We’re here to assist you in starting your volunteer journey at Holyoke Medical Center.
