Volunteer Requirements

Update as of Tuesday, September 22

We will be opening up registration for new volunteers on Tuesday, October 13th at 9:30 am for the following high need volunteer programs:

Parnassus Patient Amenity Program: Monday through Friday, between 9 am – 5 pm 

Mt. Zion and Mission Bay Sleep Promotion Program: Monday through Friday, 4 pm – 8 pm 

We are unable to accommodate new volunteers for other opportunities, as they are at capacity.  

If you should have any questions, please email [email protected].

FAQs/Volunteer Requirements

What are the volunteer requirements?

  • Prospective volunteers are required to attend a virtual info. session, attend an in-person group interview, complete online volunteer training courses (including HIPAA, the Patient Experience, Infection Prevention, and Safety), complete a background check if 18+, and receive a health clearance in order to volunteer.

What is the minimum age requirement to volunteer?

  • The minimum age requirement to volunteer is 16; volunteers must be at least 18 years old to volunteer in pediatric inpatient settings or with the Emergency Department.

What is the time commitment?

  • Our program requires a minimum six-month commitment.
  • Volunteers must be able to serve one 3–4 hour shift on the same day and time each week.

Where can I serve?

  • We have volunteer opportunities available at our Parnassus, Mission Bay, Mt. Zion, and BCH Oakland campuses.

When can I volunteer?

  • Our volunteer schedule needs currently are on weekdays between the hours of 8 am – 5 pm.
  • We currently do not have opportunities for volunteers to serve on weekends or after 5 pm on weekdays.

What can I do as a volunteer?

  • Volunteer duties vary, but may include visiting and socializing with patients, helping with light clerical tasks such as sorting or filing, and assisting patients/visitors with wayfinding.
  • Volunteers cannot perform any “hand-on” or clinical duties, perform the same job as staff members, or shadow or observe medical staff.  
  • We do not coordinate any shadowing, research, or internship opportunities.  

If you should have any questions, please email [email protected].

Health Requirements:

If you are accepted to become a UCSF volunteer, you will be required to complete the series of immunization requirements listed below. It is requested that you complete all of your immunization requirements through your own healthcare provider. However, if this presents a financial hardship for you, Occupational Health may be able to assist with these requirements.

Click the below link for more information about the health requirements:

Health Requirements for UCSF new hires (including volunteers)

Volunteers will:

  1. Receive an email from Occupational Health Services with an access code and a link to the Access OHS portal.

  2. Complete the required tasks in the Access OHS portal.

  3. Schedule and complete an in-person medical evaluation (multiple visits may be required).

  4. Need to be accompanied by a parent/guardian to the OHS appointment if under 18.

PLEASE NOTE:

  • Live virus vaccines including but not limited to measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, mpox, and yellow fever, interfere with TB testing. This could cause a 28-day waiting period before TB testing can be completed and the 28-day waiting period can delay your start date. Do not obtain a vaccine outside of OHS without first speaking to OHS to avoid delays in clearance. 

  • The Hepatitis B vaccine is required for ED volunteers ONLY (those with possible contact with blood or body fluids).

  • Respirator Clearance (N95 mask fit testing) is not required for volunteers (volunteers will not be entering isolation rooms, but are required to follow standard precautions and wear a standard surgical mask when entering patient rooms).