Adult Volunteer Program

Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Children's Medical Center, where you will make a difference in the lives of children. All our volunteers work for our patients; some work with them. Each makes a significant contribution.

How to Apply

Volunteers join the hospital as an unpaid extension of the healthcare professional staff by closely following the hiring procedures of our human resources department:

1. Application: Complete and submit the online application.
   • Apply to volunteer at our Dallas location
   • At this time, all volunteer opportunities at Children's at Legacy have been filled. We encourage all interested applicants to train at our Dallas campus until an opportunity comes available.
     
   • Please note you will not be allowed to volunteer if you have ever been convicted of a felony, child neglect or abuse, or any crime involving a child.
   • Applicants seeking to complete court mandated community service will not be considered.
   • References: Please include full names and correct addresses/e-mail addresses for each reference. Letters will be sent to each one by Volunteer Services.
   • Information Session: After we receive two reference letters, a coordinator will call you to schedule a time to explore placement opportunities that will fit your personal schedule. Also at the information session, we will address the following requirements to volunteer:
     • TB Testing: A TB test is given by Occupational Health Services and is free of charge. If you have not had a TB test within the past 12 months, you must have a Quantiferon Gold TB skin testing. The Quantiferon Gold Test is a one-time blood draw.
       
     • Health Questionnaire: You will need to have had all of your childhood immunizations, including a tetanus shot in the past ten years. You will be provided with a Health Form at your info session which must be completed and signed by a nurse in Employee Health prior to volunteering.
2. Criminal Background Check: You will be asked to provide your Social Security Number and to sign a consent for a background check. This check will be performed before you begin volunteering and on an annual basis.
3. Training: General Orientation is held once a month (except for December) from 5 to 8 p.m. and is mandatory before you may begin volunteering. Depending on your volunteer assignment, you may be required to attend additional job-specific training. Your coordinator will discuss this with you.
4. Commitment: Be willing to commit to a minimum of 100 hours of volunteer service within a year. If you think you will be unable to meet the 100 hour requirement, but would still like to help the families and patients of Children's, please visit our Community Volunteer Program page for some ideas.

If you have questions, please contact Volunteer Services at (214) 456-6388 or volunteer_services@childrens.com. We look forward to personally welcoming you to the Children's Medical Center family to share our mission of "making life better for children."

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Frequently Asked Questions

When will I hear from you about my application?

You will receive an e-mail once your reference questionnaire is sent. After your references have been returned to us, we will send you another e-mail stating that your application is complete and has been passed along to one of our coordinators. The coordinator will review your application for acceptance into the program.

What is the time commitment over the course of the program?

We ask for each adult volunteer to serve a minimum of 100 hours over the course of one year. Typically, a volunteer agrees to come in once a week for a 3-4 hour shift. You will work with your coordinator to pick a day and time that you will most consistently be available. You will keep the same shift from week to week.

Can I volunteer more than once a week?

We begin with one shift a week. Then, if you are consistently available for that first shift, you can discuss adding a second shift with your coordinator.

Do I need to get a copy of my immunizations?

As an adult, we realize that it can be difficult, if not impossible, to obtain your original immunization records. Please bring as much immunization information as you can to your information session, scheduled after your application is processed. Other options for obtaining immunization information will be determined with one of our coordinators should you have difficulty acquiring this information.

Do I need to start my TB testing now?

No. As part of your information session, you will begin your TB testing at Children's.

I have been ordered by the courts to perform community service. May I do my hours at Children's?

No. We do not accept applicants who are obligated to complete community service hours.

I have a group that wants to come in this weekend, how can we schedule this?

Most group activities that involve coming to the hospital are handled through our Child Life office. Typically, it takes some time to go through the process of scheduling and approving a group for a special event, so it is rare that we are able to offer opportunities for a group on short notice. For group volunteering ideas, please visit our Community Volunteer Program page and submit the appropriate application forms required.

How old must you be to volunteer?

To participate in our Summer Session, you must be 14 years of age. You must be at least 15 years old to participate in our Fall or Winter Session. Students must be at least 16 years of age to volunteer directly with the patients. Please reference our Student Program regarding volunteering if you are a student.

Will I be able to shadow any nurses or doctors as a volunteer?

No. Volunteers serve to meet the non-clinical needs of the hospital and will receive a job description at the beginning of their placement. It is a great opportunity to experience a hospital setting, but the volunteers will not shadow a specific staff member.

How can I participate in a clinical observation program?

We only offer observation opportunities to:

1. Those whose schools have contracts with Children's. Please contact your school to determine if a contract is in place for students to observe clinicians at Children's.
2. Those who have been referred by a staff member for observing and who are willing to meet a strict set of guidelines.

For more information about this, please see our Observation Program page.

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