What is the process for becoming a volunteer?
Please follow our
three-step process for becoming a volunteer. All volunteers are required to go through a Washington state background check before volunteering.
It is Harborview’s policy that all volunteers must be immunized, which includes a tuberculosis (TB) skin test once per year and a hepatitis series, if applicable. The TB skin test and hepatitis series are given free of charge.
Once your completed volunteer application is received, you will get a confirmation e-mail within two business days. Upon reviewing your availability and interests, and after your background check has been processed, you will be contacted to schedule an interview within three weeks.
After your references are checked and you have attended the interview, you may be scheduled for the next available orientation. You will receive your placement after attending volunteer orientation.
How often is volunteer orientation?
Volunteer orientation is held once a month.
I’ve attended orientation. What’s next?
Orientation is a two-step process. Once the competency quizzes and tuberculosis (TB) test results are completed, volunteer services will assigned you to a department and schedule.
How long will the interview take?
The interview will take approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
Where should I park for my interview?
Park in the View Park Garage on the west side of the hospital. The Health Sciences Express and King County Metro buses stop at Harborview.
How long does it take to become a volunteer?
It takes approximately six weeks to become a volunteer.
What are my time commitments?
The commitment for our regular volunteer program is four hours per week for six months. The commitment for our summer teen volunteer program is eight hours per week for six weeks. You must be able to commit to volunteering on a weekly basis at a scheduled time.
Your department depends on you to be consistent and dependable. If you are not able to volunteer for any reason, please call Volunteer Services at 206.744.3547 and your assigned department in advance.
How old do I have to be to volunteer?
Adult program participants should be at least 18. Summer teen volunteer program participants should be at least 14 and in the ninth grade. Age restrictions apply in some departments, including the Emergency Department.
Is there a dress code for volunteering?
We ask that our volunteers maintain a casual professional dress. Some volunteers may be required to wear scrubs, which can be purchased from the Volunteer & Community Services office. Volunteers should not wear blue jeans, sweatpants, sweatshirts, open-toe shoes, T-shirts or shorts. If you have concerns about the dress code, please speak with a member of our staff.
Where can I volunteer?
Most of our volunteers are placed
guest relations and
clinical areas, such as the Patient Family Resource Center, patient family liaison program, Emergency Department, the burn unit, rehabilitation therapy, pathology, radiology, information desk and volunteer services. We offer limited availability in other departments.
Do I need to sign-in for my volunteer shift?
Yes. It is very important for the volunteer department to keep track of all volunteer hours. Please sign in and out on the touch screen kiosk located in the Ground West Lobby before and after each volunteer shift.
May I volunteer for only the summer?
Yes. Summer teen volunteers must commit to a minimum of eight hours each week for six weeks. Volunteer applications are due by April 15 to be considered for program during the following summer.
Will I be able to shadow a doctor? Do you have research positions available? Does Harborview offer internships and/or externships?
No. Physician observation experiences are not offered, nor do we do internships, externships or research positions.
If I volunteer, will I get a job at the hospital?
Volunteering at the hospital does not guarantee employment at Harborview.
How long do you keep applications?
If you do not complete the process within three months, your application will be discarded.
Can I continue volunteering beyond my six-month commitment?
Of course! You will be kept on the volunteer schedule until you resign. In order to continue volunteering, you must update your file every year by the date of your original volunteer orientation.