Volunteers are an integral part of the Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Department.

Volunteers offer play and art activities to pediatric patients and families throughout inpatient and outpatient pediatric areas of the hospital. Volunteers also assist with toy cleaning and other non-direct patient care tasks, deliver play and art materials, and engage in other activities that support daily child life programming needs.  

Volunteers are asked to make a minimum commitment of one shift per week for a total of nine months during the academic year. A condensed 10-12 week option is available for the summer months of May through August. Placements may include weekdays and/or weekends, daytime and evening hours depending on program openings and needs.  

It is preferred that candidates have prior experience with children, a background in child development, creative resourcefulness, and a desire to work with children. All volunteers should have the capacity to work independently, but be open to supervision.

Before beginning their service, volunteers must complete an application, an interview, and a comprehensive background and medical clearance which is managed by the Department of Volunteer Services. Additionally, volunteers will participate in a child life volunteer orientation. 

Volunteer positions for high school students (minimum age of 15) are very limited as these placements are restricted to select areas of the Child Life program, primarily in the KidZone TV studio. 

For more information on volunteer requirements, and to submit an application, please visit the Department of Volunteer Services. Any questions should be directed to VolunteerDept@mountsinai.org.