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UTMB Volunteer Services

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.

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  • 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
    3. Official proof of:
      • Annual TB Test (UTMB offers free Tuberculosis skin test to its volunteers)
      • Annual Flu vaccine or signed waiver (UTMB offers free flu vaccines to its volunteers)
      • Official proof of the following vaccinations:
        • Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) Vaccination
          • Please provide official documentation (including dates and results) of two MMR vaccinations or a blood test confirming immunity. Those born before Jan 1, 1957 will be presumed immune.
        • Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccination
          • Please provide official date(s) you had chickenpox. If you have not had chickenpox, provide official document (including dates and results) of two doses of varicella vaccinations or a titer confirming immunity. Those born before Jan 1, 1957 will be presumed immune.
        • Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (Tap) Vaccination Please provide official document (including dates and results) of one dose of Tdap followed by a Td every 10 years.
      • Orientation with Volunteer Services and department where you are volunteering.
      • Commitment to be able to volunteer at least 50 hours per year at UTMB (total time commitment; you set the timeframe).

      Please scan and email proof of your immunizations to: volunteer.services@utmb.edu or Fax: (409) 772-2550

      TB Testing & Flu Shots are provided free of charge for volunteers at the the UTMB Employee Health Clinics, Mon.- Fri., 7:30 am - 4:30 pm (the clinics are closed from 12 – 1 pm). The Employee Health Clinics are located at: 

      • UTMB Health Eye Center, Galveston
        700 University Blvd., Suite 3.420
        Galveston, TX 77555
        • Proceed to the back of the lobby
          Take an elevator to the 3rd floor
          Turn right when exiting the elevator
          Follow the signs to Suite 3.420
      • UTMB Health Primary and Specialty Care, Town Center
        (Report directly to Suite 1.1430. Appointments not required.)
        2660 Gulf Fwy. South
        Entrance A, Suite 1.1430
        League City, TX 77573 

      * 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.

    4. 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.
    5. 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. Complete the Online Volunteer Application and appropriate Packet below. Junior volunteers are 15-17 years old and adult volunteers are 18 years or older.
      Online Volunteer Application
      Junior Volunteer Certification Packet
      Adult Certification Packet
      2. Submit electronically to Volunteer.Services@utmb.edu, 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

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    • 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.

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    • 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.

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    • 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.

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    • 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.

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    At UTMB Health, Volunteer Services exclusively manages volunteers supporting patient care. If you are interested in shadowing, observation or lab/research volunteer positions, 

    UTMB Volunteer Services

    301 University Boulevard
    Galveston, TX 77555-0896
    Phone: (409) 772-2549
    Fax: (409) 772-2550

    Holly Jolin
    Administrative Manager
    (409) 266-9967

    Mary Moody
    Coordinator I
    (409) 266-9966

    Bradley Cooper
    Coordinator II – League City/Clear Lake
    (832) 505-9818

    Email: Volunteer.services@utmb.edu

    Learn more about the UTMB Health Angleton Danbury Campus Auxiliary, celebrating more than 55 years of service to the community.