It takes a team to heal a child, and hospital volunteers are an essential part of that effort. Whether playing with children during waiting times, greeting visitors or helping families find their way through the halls, the volunteers at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) make a difference providing a special human connection that often eases the stress for patients and families going through difficult times.
CHOP assigns volunteer positions based on the current needs of the hospital along with the volunteer’s availability, interests and skill sets. Due to the high interest in CHOP’s volunteer programs, we strive to select compassionate, enthusiastic individuals who are committed to making a difference.
CHOP employees and contractors: If you're a current CHOP employee or contractor who's interested in volunteering, email us at Volunteers@CHOP.edu.
Volunteer Requirements
For the safety of our patients and families, we require all volunteers to meet the health requirements and background checks listed below. We offer no exemptions.
Required Health Clearances
CHOP Volunteer Services will provide applicants with instructions and will cover costs associated with these clearances through CHOP’s Occupational Health Office.
- COVID-19 vaccination
- Flu vaccination during flu season (September-April)
- Proof of immunity (vaccination, immunization record, or titer bloodwork)
- Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)
- Varicella (Chicken Pox)
- Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis)
- TB screening
- Drug screening
Required Clearances
CHOP Volunteer Services will provide applicants with instructions and will cover costs associated with these background checks through our vendor, Sterling. These background checks must be completed through our background check vendor, Sterling.
To be considered for the volunteer program applicants will need to complete the required Pennsylvania background checks to volunteer with children. These clearances include, but are not limited to, the following:
- PA Child Abuse History Clearance
- PA State Police Criminal Clearance
- FBI Fingerprinting Clearance
Volunteer Opportunities
We have an array of volunteer opportunities available to support patients, families, visitors, and staff throughout the CHOP network. Opportunities include staffing the Wawa Coffee and Care Cart, supporting the patient and family experience, or assisting our nursing and child life teams. Volunteer placements are based on the needs of the hospital. Applicants will learn more about these placements during the application process. Please see below to learn more about our volunteer programs and how to apply!
Traditional Volunteer Program
- Volunteers are 18 years and older
- One year commitment (12 consecutive months)
- 3-4 hour fixed weekly shift (shifts are currently Monday-Friday between 9am-5pm, with limited evening and weekend shifts)
- Volunteer positions are located at CHOP’s Main Hospital in Philadelphia, with limited availability at CHOP’s King of Prussia Hospital
- Sign-up here to learn more and apply
College & Graduate Volunteer Program
- Volunteers are enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or medical school program
- The program will begin in the Fall Semester; volunteers must serve at least 2 consecutive Semesters (for example, Fall and Spring Semesters).
- 3-4 hour fixed weekly shift (shifts are currently Monday-Friday between 9am-5pm, with limited evening and weekend shifts)
- Volunteer positions are located at CHOP’s Main Hospital in Philadelphia, with limited availability at CHOP’s King of Prussia Hospital
- Sign-up here to express interest in being added to our waitlist. We will contact you once the applications are open!
Summer Volunteer Program
- Volunteers are high school and college students ages 16 and over.
- Applications for the 2023 Summer Volunteer Program are now closed.
Pet Therapy Volunteer Program
For adults interested in volunteering with their registered canine, visit the Gerald B. Shreiber Pet Therapy Program for information. Please note, pet therapy volunteers must be available once per month.
Other ways to support CHOP
Interested in knowing all the ways you could support CHOP? Learn about how you can make a difference in our care for patients and their families:
Contact
Contact us: 215-590-1093 and volunteers@chop.edu.