Volunteering at St. Joseph 's Hospital
651/232-3041

Volunteers play an in important role at St. Joseph 's Hospital. Whether spending time in Maternity Care or at the information desk, their dedication enhances the care we provide.

We are always looking for compassionate people who can fulfill the important role of a St. Joseph 's volunteer. We can help you share your gifts, and you may even discover some talents you didn't know you had!

Find your niche

To find the best fit for you, our Volunteer Services staff matches your interests, skills and availability with departments and positions. With more than 50 areas in the hospital using volunteers, we offer a variety of stimulating and diverse opportunities that are sure to be a match for you.

Benefits of volunteering

The benefits of volunteering go far beyond the duties of the job. It gives you the opportunity to meet new friends, learn new skills and feel the satisfaction of a job well done.

Interested in a new career? You can use hospital volunteering as a way to explore health care careers. Get a feel for the work environment before you change or prepare for a new career. To accommodate most schedules, both daytime and evening positions are available.

In addition to a sense of accomplishment, volunteers receive:

• Meal coupon for the day they volunteer
• Flexible hours
• Excellent training
• Opportunity to explore new careers
• Free parking for the day they volunteer

Here's just a sampling of our volunteer opportunities:

Information Desk Volunteer
Staff our information desk and assist St. Joseph 's patients, families and staff. Answer phones, provide directions and help with customers' needs. Some computer experience is helpful. Four-hour daytime shifts are available.

Surgery Waiting Room Volunteer
Welcome surgical patients and provide information and support to their families before, during and after surgery. Weekday morning, afternoon and evening shifts are available.

Guest Services Volunteer
Provide escort and wheelchair transport services to visitors and patients. Deliver flowers and patient mail throughout the hospital. Weekday morning and afternoon shifts are available.

Gift Shop Volunteer
Provide friendly and helpful assistance to patients, visitors and hospital staff in our attractive auxiliary gift shop. Flexible hours are available.

For more information

Many other volunteer positions are also available. For more information call 651/232-3041 or e-mail nkthomas@healtheast.org.

Click here to download a volunteer application for St. Joseph's Hospital

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Adult Volunteers

St. Joseph 's Hospital is seeking active adults during daytime and evening hours to provide caring assistance to our patients, their families and hospital staff in a variety of areas.

St. Joseph 's volunteers come from diverse backgrounds and age groups. If you are interested in helping others while learning about your own personal strengths, St. Joseph 's volunteer opportunities may be right for you. You can help create your own schedule and can choose from weekdays, weeknights or weekends.

The Joint Commission requires new volunteers to complete the following qualification process:

• Application
• Interview
• Criminal Background check
• Mantoux (tuberculosis) test
• Measles, mumps and rubella screening
• Orientation

We look forward to receiving your application. If you have questions, please call 651/232-3041 or e-mail nkthomas@healtheast.org.

Teen Volunteers

Interested in becoming a volunteer? The following information may be helpful to you in choosing to join the special group of people who assist our patients and staff.

Sessions
Teens can commit to one or more sessions throughout the year:

Winter/Spring: Mid January to mid June
Summer: Mid June to late August
Fall/Winter: September to mid January

Requirements
The qualities we look for in a teen volunteer are: compassion, understanding, willingness, dependability, courtesy, loyalty and a pleasant attitude.

Teen volunteers must be between the ages of 13 and 18 years and meet the following requirements:

• Complete an application and a health form with a parental signature on each
• Visit the volunteer office for an interview with a staff member
• Commit to volunteer one day a week for:
    - 4 hours or more during the summer
    - 2 ½ hours or more during the school year
• A minimum of 44 hours is expected
• Attend an orientation session and complete a Mantoux screening before being placed
• Purchase a volunteer polo shirt ($13) as part of the volunteer uniform
• Complete a session with a minimum of absences

Rewards
Besides being of service, our teen volunteers gain:

• Experience dealing with people
• New skills
• New friends
• Work experience
• Eligibility for HealthEast Teen Volunteer Scholarships
• Job references
• Cafeteria coupon each time you volunteer
• Personal development and satisfaction
• Recognition events and awards

How and When Do I Start?
When we receive your application, we will place it in our "applicant waiting" file. You will hear from us before the beginning of the new session. At that time, you will be invited to come for an interview. Notification of the interview dates are sent to those who have an application on file.

Immediate openings do become available throughout the year for a variety of positions. Waiting applicants will be contacted as these needs occur. Please note that inexperienced first-time volunteers are generally not considered for weekends.

We look forward to receiving your application. If you have any questions, please call 651/232-3041 or e-mail nkthomas@healtheast.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q : How much time do volunteers usually spend at the hospital each week?
A: Volunteers usually donate one four-hour day or evening shift per week, which includes a lunch break. However, they may also choose to volunteer more hours each week.

Q : What do volunteers wear?
A : Volunteers wear a volunteer jacket that can be purchased from the volunteer department.

Q : What type of commitment is expected?
A : Volunteers are asked to plan on four hours per week for at least three to six months.

Q : What types of positions do volunteers hold?
A : Volunteer opportunities range from customer service and clerical positions to assisting staff with special projects. Assignments will be determined by your skills, interests and availability.

Q : Who do I call to find out more about the volunteer program?
A: Contact St. Joseph 's Volunteer Services at 651/232-3041 or nkthomas@healtheast.org.

Q : Where can I learn about volunteer opportunities at other HealthEast sites?
A: To find out about volunteer opportunities at other HealthEast sites, call 651/326-CARE (2273).