Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers are integral team members to the operations and culture of Mount Sinai Morningside (MSM). We are honored you are interested in joining us to deliver safe, high-quality, equitable, and compassionate care to our patients and visitors.
Our volunteers are dedicated caring individuals who have the desire to give their time and talents to positively impact the patient experience. Each volunteer has special skills and a unique contribution to make here at MSM. We want to find the right placement for you.
We offer a rewarding opportunity that lets you help others while learning and growing personally. We know you have a choice about where you provide service, and we thank you for considering Mount Sinai Morningside.
Contact Us
Mount Sinai Morningside
1111 Amsterdam Avenue at 114th Street
New York, NY 10025
Tel: (212) 523-2188
MSMVolunteers@mountsinai.org
Volunteer Programs
Unit Support Volunteers help us meet our patients’ non-clinical needs. They visit with patients, fulfill small requests, and help orient them to the hospital and unit. The Unit Support Volunteer position is open to High School students. Volunteers are required to commit to a consecutive 3-hour shift per week and 150 hours minimum. This opportunity is appropriate for volunteers 15 years old and older.
Emergency Department (ED) Volunteers provide non-clinical support by utilizing communication, companionship, and fast-paced problem-solving techniques to enhance the overall ED experience. The volunteer will play an important role in altering what might otherwise be perceived as an intimidating and scary environment to one of compassion and genuine concern for both our patients and staff. This opportunity is limited to those over the age of 18. Volunteers are required to commit to a consecutive 3-hour shift per week and 150 hours minimum.
Delirium Program Volunteers provide non-medical interventions to promote cognitive stimulation, reorient to the environment, and increase the mobility of delirium patients. Delirium is a syndrome of global brain dysfunction associated with acute medical and surgical conditions, typically occurring in hospitalized geriatric patients. Volunteers serve as part of a team to treat active cases of delirium and prevent delirium in high-risk cases and gain one on one patient experience in medical and surgical unit settings. Orientation, ongoing supervision, and education will be provided. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age, serve a minimum of 130 hours over 6 months, and have afternoon availability (12:30 pm – 5:00 pm) Monday through Friday. Must commit to one 4.5-hour shift per week.
The Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Volunteer Program at Mount Sinai Morningside offers adults 18 and older the chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of young patients during an especially vulnerable time. Volunteers become a steady, positive presence on the unit—playing games, engaging in creative activities, helping with homework, or simply offering conversation that eases loneliness and builds trust. Their presence gives patients comfort and connection, and it allows staff to focus on clinical needs while knowing their patients are supported. Beyond the impact on children and families, volunteers gain firsthand experience in child psychology and mental health care, often discovering new skills, new perspectives, and, for many, clarity about whether a future in healthcare is right for them. This is a place where compassion becomes action, and small moments of encouragement can carry enormous weight.
Food is one of the most basic forms of care a hospital can offer, yet mealtimes are often when patients feel most vulnerable. Patients with limited mobility, confusion, or anxiety can make something as simple as eating feel overwhelming. The Volunteer Meal Assistance Program (MAP) steps into that gap with calm, compassionate support. Volunteers help patients get set up for meals, open packaging, adjust trays, offer conversation, and make the experience feel less rushed and more human. It’s a small intervention that carries real weight: better nutrition, more comfort, and a reminder that someone is looking out for you.
Our Animal Assisted Therapy Program allows volunteers with a qualified therapy dog to engage with patients and staff throughout the hospital. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, possess a pet therapy certification from an approved vendor, and be willing to commit to making one visit per month.
Our Junior Medical Program, or JuMP, is a summer program for 15 to 17-year-olds to learn from our healthcare professionals, in both clinical and non-clinical areas, and contribute to overall patient satisfaction. You can observe daily activities and responsibilities involved in running a hospital, as well as gain direct patient contact. This 6-week program requires a commitment of 100 hours. Participants must be fully available for all 6 weeks. Applications are accepted from January 1 to March 1.
Other Opportunities
Other limited opportunities include:
- Administrative Volunteer
- Child and Adolescent Psych Department
- Ambulatory Surgery
- Fall Reduction Program
- Music for Patients
- Meal Assistance Program
- Take 10, a wellness program for hospital staff
Requirements and Expectations
- All volunteers must have a valid Social Security number and be at least 15 years old to volunteer. Some programs have an age requirement of 18 years old (e.g. Emergency Department and Delirium Program)
- To contribute to our volunteer program, we require a minimum time commitment of 150 hours or 100 hours for high school students. Volunteers are asked to work at least one 3-hour shift per week.
- Our summer JuMP program is designed for students interested in health care who can commit to a 6-week summer program and 100 hours of volunteer service. The application process is the same as our other programs, but JuMP applications are only accepted from January 1 through March 1, and space is limited. If accepted, the participant must be available for the full six weeks.
Application Process
To apply, please submit the following documents through the link below:
- To apply, please complete an *Application Form
- One letter of recommendation (not a relative)
- A resume (required to apply)
* https://mountsinai.vsyslive.com/pages/MSM
Once we receive your application, we:
- Review applications monthly to see whether we have a need that you can fill. We review all applications but contact only those whose interests and availability best match our needs.
- Interview requests are sent via email. Interviews are scheduled to discuss possible volunteer placements, your interest, and what you can contribute as a volunteer. An interview does not guarantee acceptance
The full process from application to volunteer can take 4 – 8 weeks.
If we invite you to join our volunteer team, you will need to complete the following:
- Volunteer Medical Clearance by your personal physician, which the New York State Public Health Law requires. Prospective volunteers are responsible for any costs associated with obtaining medical clearance, not including the required drug test, which the hospital provides.
- Background Check
- A series of training modules.
- Hands-on training with an experienced volunteer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become a volunteer at Mount Sinai Morningside (MSM)?
The first step is to complete the volunteer application.
What is the time commitment to volunteer at MSM?
150-hour minimum requirement for most of our placements.
What does the onboarding process entail?
Please visit the APPLICATION PROCESS above.
How do I apply for the Summer Volunteer Program?
Complete the volunteer application between January 1 and March 1.
What is the age required to volunteer?
15 years old and older.
Do I need prior hospital or clinical experience to apply?
Not at all.
Will I have an opportunity to shadow and interact with hospital professionals?
We do not place volunteers in shadowing positions, but they do work closely with hospital personnel and professionals.
Do you offer central sterile, Phlebotomy, EKG, or any hands-on opportunities?
We do not.
Would a job be offered at the conclusion of my volunteer service?
Job offers are the exception, not the rule. Should you be job searching, please look for job opportunities on our careers website, as our volunteer opportunities do not guarantee employment.