Volunteer

Volunteers are an important part of Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy at Kravis Children’s Hospital. If you would like information on volunteering, contact Cheryl Stauss at cheryl.strauss@mountsinai.org.

Requirements

Eligibility as a volunteer includes:

• A commitment of a minimum of 4 hours per week for a minimum of at least 6 months
• Energy, enthusiasm, creative resourcefulness and a desire to work with children
• Child Life can consider individuals
  • 18 years of age and older for inpatient openings
  • 17 years and older for The Zone
  • 16 years of age and older for outpatient openings
• Prior experience with children or a background/strong interest in child development (preferred)
• Ability to work independently, but be open to supervision
• Completing all necessary paperwork and medical clearance
• Participation in orientation to the specific unit/area by their Child Life supervisor

Responsibilities

The role of a Child Life volunteer:

• Provide developmentally appropriate, therapeutic activities to individual patients referred by the Child Life Specialist
• Assist Child Life Specialist or CL Intern in group activities, including set-up and clean-up of the activity room or clinic area
• Practice strict hand-washing/hygiene techniques and follow procedures for contact and other isolation precautions
• Follow safety and other guidelines as outlined in the checklist for volunteer orientation (given by CL supervisor)

We also encourage volunteers to make note of significant interactions with patients and to pass it on to Child Life or other health care team members; this information can contribute to the care of the patient.