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UTMB Volunteer Services

Hello UTMB Volunteers,

UTMB Health, along with many other organizations across the country, is closely following the highly transmissible Delta variant of the COVID - 19 virus. This variant is spreading rapidly in our region. UTMB Health places a high priority on the health and safety of our patients, families, volunteers, and staff; therefore, the organization has elected to limit those who enter our hospitals and clinics.

At this time, we are pausing all clinical volunteer placements in the hospitals and clinics, effective Monday, July 26, 2021, until further notice.

You are a vital part of our team at UTMB Health, and we want to protect all within our care and service. Once this precaution is lifted, we hope you will return to your volunteer position. Thank you for your understanding and continued commitment to the health and safety of our patients and families. We value your service and look forward to fully resuming our volunteer program once the threat of COVID-19 has passed.

If you would like more information, please reach out to our Volunteer Services team at, volunteer.services@utmb.edu.

Thank you,

Volunteer Services Staff

Overview and Application Info

Welcome to the Volunteers Services Website.  Volunteers are an important part of our care team because they are able to add an additional level of compassionate support to the care we provide.  They find many ways to enhance both our patients' and our employees' experience at UTMB.  Volunteer Services at UTMB recruits, orients, and trains volunteers to participate in a wide variety of opportunities throughout UTMB's hospitals and clinics.

Volunteering affords individuals the opportunity to attain knowledge, promote interests, remain active, and make friends, while providing supporting services that contribute to the health and well-being of our patients. If you are interested in volunteering at UTMB, below is some information on the process.

We truly appreciate individuals in our community who are willing to share their time and talent in the interest of a better and healthier Texas. The greatest rewards come from the heart, and you CAN make a difference in someone’s life.

  • Becoming a volunteer:

    Thank you for your interest in become a UTMB Volunteer.  To ensure that we receive only the best volunteers and that we keep our patients safe, we require some items before you can volunteer.  This includes:

    1. Completed volunteer application (links below) and consent for background check
    2. A background check (conducted after orientation)
    3. A health screening at UTMB Employee Health that includes a drug screening and tuberculosis check
    4. Proof of annual flu vaccine or signed waiver (note: UTMB offers free flu vaccines to its volunteers)
    5. On-site orientation with Volunteer Services and department where you are volunteering
    6. Commitment to be able to volunteer at least 40 hours at UTMB (total time commitment; you set the timeframe).

    * Please note that once you apply, the process can take up to a month to complete

    As a valuable member of the UTMB support team, you’ll find many people thankful for your assistance, eager to help you be successful, ready to help train you, and able to assist you whenever you have a question. We want your experience to be meaningful and enjoyable.

  • The benefits of becoming a UTMB Volunteer:
    • complimentary parking when you are scheduled to volunteer;
    • free annual flu immunizations (while supplies are in stock);
    • free annual TB screening;
    • complimentary local bus transportation with your volunteer ID badge
    • new skills; and
    • a sense of fulfillment and an opportunity to make a difference.
  • Apply to become a UTMB Volunteer:

    We look forward to receiving your completed application. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please contact the volunteer program coordinator at 409-772-2549.

    Note: As applications are reviewed, the top candidates are selected for service, based on criteria intended to ensure that an applicant is able to safely and successfully meet the duties and responsibilities of the volunteer role. UTMB does reserve the right to decline an application, contingent on the results of the security check, institutional need or other factors related to anticipated duties. No application will be rejected due to an individual's gender, race, color, religious creed, national origin, sexual orientation or disability.

    1. Download the UTMB Volunteer Application form below: 

    Volunteer

    Online Volunteer Application Packet
    Summer Junior Volunteer Application Packet
    2. Submit electronically, or MAIL/FAX your completed and signed paper application to:

    UTMB Volunteer Services
    301 University Blvd.
    Galveston, TX 77555-1370
    Phone: (409) 772-2549
    FAX: (409) 772-2550

Examples of Opportunities

Volunteer

  • Acute Care for Elders (ACE) Geriatric Unit

    Seniors serving seniors!  Become a “Friend of the Ace Unit” volunteer and help make a difference!  Nurture patients by serving as a listening presence, help diffuse loneliness, and bring comfort and companionship.  This program offers initial training and continuing education as well as occasional lectures by geriatric specialists.

    Volunteer

  • Clerical Support Team

    A Clerical Support Team volunteer assists hospital and clinic staff with departmental responsibilities that help facilitate and enhance the efficiency of the department’s role. Clerical assistance may include answering phones, preparing charts, sorting and filing records, distributing mail, copying, running errands between departments, shredding, assembling packets, mail outs, and/or other light duties as deemed necessary.  Available areas vary depending on departmental needs.

    Volunteer

  • Coffee Cart
    Delivering complimentary coffee and tasty seasonal beverages to our waiting areas allows patient family members and visitors to have the benefit of refreshments without being fearful of missing their appointments or important information regarding their loved one.  Our coffee cart volunteers also deliver magazines to waiting areas and may assist Volunteer Services with a variety of projects. The coffee cart volunteer position is a great way to get some light exercise while performing a valuable service.  This job may be performed with a partner.
  • Emergency Room & Trauma Center

    Volunteers in this position can assist in a variety of ways including greeting new patients in the Emergency Department waiting area, answering phones, monitoring the information desk, providing patients and visitors with needed information and directions to campus services and locations (parking, cafeteria, restrooms, and campus maps), and by displaying courtesy and responsiveness to all patient, visitors, and staff.

    volunteer

  • In-Patient Nursing Units

    Assist staff by answering phones, patient call lights, and other light clerical and nursing unit duties.  Volunteers may also interact with designated patients, offering companionship and encouraging communication--especially for those without family--or by encouraging patients to eat, filling water pitchers, and/or reading.

  • Library Cart Volunteer
    Offer complementary books and magazines to patients and their guests.  The library cart also contains toiletries, and assorted games such as cards, checkers, crossword puzzles, etc. for distribution.  If time allows, volunteers may visit with patients.  Volunteers may also assist by labeling and sorting reading materials.  This job may be performed with a partner.
  • Navigator
    This volunteer position requires a friendly, upbeat person to greet and guide our patients and visitors throughout our hospital and clinics.  Navigators provide helpful resources and directional information and may walk with or escort our visitors when necessary.  Do not let unfamiliarity with the complex turn you away from this fun position—you can learn your way as you go.  Volunteers must have good communication skills and the ability to walk extensively.  This is a great way to combine your walking routine while providing a valuable service.  This job may be performed with a partner.
  • Pediatric Medical/Surgical Unit

    Play games and make art creations with pediatric patients in the children’s playroom.  When a child is unable to leave the hospital room, volunteers may be asked to deliver toys, games and/or books to the child’s bedside.  Under the supervision of a registered nurse or child life specialist, volunteers occasionally visit with and rock/cuddle infants, toddlers and children who are in stable condition.

    volunteers

PLEASE NOTE:  Individuals interested in volunteering in lab or research settings should contact their area of interest directly. Opportunities in these special environments are managed by individual departments rather than by our clinically and patient-focused Volunteer Services Department.

UTMB Volunteer Services

301 University Boulevard
Galveston, TX 77555-1370
Phone: (409) 772-2549
Fax: (409) 772-2550

Carol Arvie Gooden and Mary Moody
Email: Volunteer.services@utmb.edu