Volunteer Opportunities
Welcome, and thank you for your interest in volunteering.
As a volunteer, you provide your time, passion, talents, and dedication throughout our hospital, adding an extra dimension of care to our patients, their families, and other visitors. Our volunteers are an integral part of the hospital team!
We are looking for people who are committed, kind, and have a history of going above and beyond. We want proactive, responsible applicants seeking an opportunity to improve the patient experience. Whether you are interested in greeting and directing visitors, bringing your certified therapy dog for regular visits, or assisting with various non-clinical tasks, we can match you with the right opportunity.
Contact Us
Mount Sinai West Hospital
1000 10th Avenue
New York, NY 10019
Volunteer Office, Lobby Level
Tel: 212-523-7155
mswvolservices2@mountsinai.org
Volunteer Programs
Lobby Ambassadors help visitors, patients, and their families feel more comfortable in our hospital. Ambassadors greet patients and visitors with a friendly smile and a positive attitude; they are often the first faces guests see upon entering our facilities. By proactively addressing questions, concerns, and requests, ambassadors complement the work of our staff. They offer directions, escort patients, and provide information to those looking for a little help.
CARE Inpatient Volunteers strengthen the quality of care by providing friendly visits, fulfilling small requests, and answering call bells. The primary focus is to make sure we meet patients’ non-clinical needs. This opportunity is appropriate for volunteers 15 years old and older. Availability in:
- Medical and Surgical Patient Care Units
- Inpatient Rehabilitation Patient Care Unit
- Age-Friendly Patient Care Unit for our Geriatric Patients
Emergency Department Patient Care Support Volunteers provide non-clinical support by utilizing communication, companionship, and fast-paced problem-solving techniques to enhance the overall ED experience. This opportunity is appropriate for volunteers 18 years and older.
Volunteering in our Ambulatory Surgery department means stepping into an environment where patients and their families often arrive carrying a heavy mix of anxiety and fear as they prepare for same-day procedures, and a calm, compassionate volunteer can make all the difference in how they experience that moment. You’ll offer reassurance, guide patients through the check-in and waiting process, and provide general assistance to keep the unit running smoothly. This role is ideal for someone who wants to be a grounding, steady force for people facing something stressful, while also supporting a dedicated clinical team. It’s meaningful work that lets you bring comfort exactly when it’s needed most, and it offers a close-up view of patient care in action.
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.
Take 10 provides staff support by engaging in relaxation and stress-reduction techniques, including serving tea, offering snacks, and providing aromatherapy items.
Additional Volunteer Opportunities
Other ways you can help include:
- Administrative Volunteer
- Fall Reduction Program
- Music for Patients
- Donating books or current magazines for distribution to our patients
- Knitting lap blankets
Requirements and Expectations
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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)
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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.
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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:
- A completed Application Form
- One letter of recommendation (not a relative)
- A resume (required to apply)
* https://mountsinai.vsyslive.com/pages/MSW
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
FAQ
How do I become a volunteer at Mount Sinai West (MSW)?
The first step is to complete the volunteer application.
What is the time commitment to volunteer at MSW?
150-hour minimum requirement for most of our placements and a 3-hour commitment per week.
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.