Volunteer Opportunities

Explore available volunteer opportunities below:

Purposeful Visits Ambassador
Eucharistic Minister Opportunity
Procedure Center Ambassador
Surgical Waiting Room Ambassador
Spiritual Care Ambassador
At the Ready Program
PFAC Advisor
Events & "At the Ready"
Textile Crafting
Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting Facilitator
Nayden Rehabilitation Clinic
CCMC NICU Volunteer

Location:
UConn Health John Dempsey Hospital
100 Hospital Drive, Farmington, CT 06030

Time Commitment:
4 hour shifts

Physical Demands:
Bending, sitting, standing, walking, pushing

Purpose

To provide support and assistance to UConn Health staff, patients, and families.

Days & Hours

Flexible 7 days per week

Number of Volunteers

Limit two volunteers per shift per unit

Volunteer Responsibilities

To be courteous, cooperative, and considerate when dealing with patients, visitors, and UConn Health staff.
To hold in strict confidence any information, observed, overheard or surmised regarding a patient, a diagnosis, or a member of the hospital staff.
To be patient & sensitive to divergent cultures, religions, ethnicities, and persons with disabilities.
To perform only those tasks within the scope of volunteer duties
To be punctual and attentive in performing duties
To be compliant with the department specific standard operating procedures
To be compliant with all UConn Health trainings & competencies

Duties & Daily Procedures

Visit patients that have received a referral. or are identified by the clinical team as needing extra support.
Engage patients by conversing, reminiscing, reading, playing cards, crossword or word find, puzzles listening to music, coloring etc. - mainly to maintain their cognitive functioning
Utilize the activity cart to socialize and connect with patients that are lonely or those with disruptive behaviors
Perform rounds by checking patients to ensure that personal items and call bell are within reach; scan the room for any safety hazards
Assist the patient with comfort needs like adjusting bed height, obtaining blankets or pillows or performing face washing, adjusting the blinds etc.
Update the white boards in patients' rooms
Assist in ordering meals
Serve as meal mates by identifying food items in tray, opening containers, cut food as needed, coaching, and encouraging patients to eat, and companionship during mealtime
Answer call lights and communicate patient's care needs to the care team

Minimum Requirements

Strong active listening and empathetic communication abilities, with a nonjudgmental and supportive approach.
Understanding of the importance of privacy and confidentiality
Ability to work respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Capacity to remain calm and composed in emotionally charged situations.
Willingness to work collaboratively with staff, clinicians, and other volunteers.
Openness to training, supervision, and ongoing education in mental health practices.

Supervision

While on duty, receives direction from the charge nurse or their assigned delegate.

Location
UConn Health John Dempsey Hospital
100 Hospital Drive, Farmington, CT 06030

Time Commitment
4 hour shifts

Physical Demands
Bending, sitting, standing, walking, pushing

Purpose

Eucharistic Minister Volunteers are those who have received endorsement from their Catholic Church and distribute communion to Catholic patients and staff.

Days/Hours

Flexible, based on availability and patient needs

Number of Volunteers Needed

Multiple opportunities available as this is an "on call" position

Volunteer Responsibilities

Distribute Holy Communion to patients in accordance with hospital protocols and religious guidelines.
To communicate with the Chaplain and the UConn Health staff any urgent needs that arise during supportive visits
Distribute Holy Communion to patients in accordance with hospital protocols and religious guidelines.
To hold in strict confidence any information, observed, overheard, or surmised regarding a patient, a diagnosis, or a member of the hospital staff.
To be patient & sensitive to divergent cultures, religions, ethnicities, and persons with disabilities.
To perform only those tasks within the scope of volunteer duties
To be punctual and attentive in performing duties
To be compliant with the department specific standard operating procedures
To be compliant with all UConn Health trainings & competencies

Duties & Daily Procedures

Visits will be arranged in coordination with the Chaplain.
Visit patients in a timely fashion.
Report any variations or additional requests made by patient, family, or staff.
Listen empathetically and engage attentively to the patient or their family.
Provide any relevant updates to UConn Health staff and participate to resolve non-medical concerns and problem solve and advocate on the caregivers' behalf.
Alert the Chaplain or Patient Relations when family or visitors are requesting additional support.
Attend continuing education events as arranged or requested.

Minimum Requirement

Must be a practicing Catholic and commissioned as a Eucharistic Minister by a parish or diocese.
Comfortable navigating hospital environments and interacting with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Ability to carry out written and oral instructions
Ability to maintain professional demeanor with patients, visitors and staff in high-stress situations
Stand and sit for periods of time

Supervision

While on duty, receives direction from the Chaplain or their assigned delegate.

Location:
150 Academic Way, Farmington, CT 06030

Time Commitment:
4 hour shifts

Physical Demands:
Bending, sitting, standing, walking, pushing

Volunteer Responsibilities:

To be courteous, cooperative, and considerate when dealing with patients, visitors, and UConn Health Staff.
To hold in strict confidence any information, observed, overheard, or surmised regarding a patient, a diagnosis, or a member of the hospital staff.
To be patient & sensitive to all cultures, religions, ethnicities, and persons with disabilities.
To perform only those tasks within the scope of volunteer duties
To be punctual and attentive in performing duties
To be compliant with the department specific standard operating procedures
To be compliant with all UConn Health trainings & competencies

Duties/Daily Procedures:

Provide directions to pertinent areas of the hospital including the coffee market, cafeteria, and chapel.
Greet patients who are entering the unit or passing in the hallways
Provide drinks or snacks as appropriate and approved by the clinical staff
Assist preparing patient bays and stretchers
Prepare bags for patient care that include linens, gowns, and other necessary items.
Escorting patients out to their approved transportation after the procedure complete
Administrative duties as assigned i.e.. refilling printer, filing paperwork, etc

Special Requirements:

Ability to carry out written and oral instructions
Ability to sit, stand and walk for extended periods of time
Ability to lift 40lbs
Ability to push/pull adults in a wheelchair
Strong interpersonal, communication and customer service skills and computer abilities
Ability to maintain professional demeanor with patients, visitors and staff in high-stress situations

Supervision:

While on duty, receives direction from the Charge Nurse or their assigned delegate.

Location:
UConn Health John Dempsey Hospital

Time Commitment:
4 hour shifts

Physical Demands:
Bending, sitting, standing, walking, pushing

Volunteer Responsibilities:

To be courteous, cooperative, and considerate when dealing with patients, visitors, and UConn Health Staff.
To hold in strict confidence any information, observed, overheard, or surmised regarding a patient, a diagnosis, or a member of the hospital staff.
To be patient & sensitive to divergent cultures, religions, ethnicities, and persons with disabilities.
To perform only those tasks within the scope of volunteer duties
To be punctual and attentive in performing duties
To be compliant with the department specific standard operating procedures
To be compliant with all UConn Health trainings & competencies

Duties/Daily Procedures:

Provide an empathetic ear, updates on logistical progress via the patient tracking screen, resolve non-medical concerns and problem solve and advocate on the caregivers' behalf.
Provide directions to pertinent areas of the hospital including the coffee market, cafeteria, and chapel.
Alert the Chaplain when family or visitors are requesting support.
Escort visitors into Pre Op/PACU areas as directed by the Periop staff.
Ensure patient charts for next day arrive via Courier.
Review charts to confirm accurate patient identification stickers on all paperwork.
Answer surgical front desk phone and direct callers as appropriate.

Special Requirements:

Ability to carry out written and oral instructions
Strong interpersonal, communication and customer service skills and computer abilities
Ability to maintain professional demeanor with patients, visitors and staff in high-stress situations
Ability to sit or stand and walk long distances for a period of time

Supervision:

While on duty, receives direction from the Charge Nurse or their assigned delegate.

Location:
UConn Health John Dempsey Hospital
100 Hospital Drive, Farmington, CT 06030

Time Commitment:
4 hour shifts

Physical Demands:
Bending, sitting, standing, walking, pushing

PURPOSE:

Spiritual Care Volunteers provide additional and specific types of spiritual support to our patients in the hospital setting.

DAYS/HOURS:

All days available, 9AM-8PM

NUMBER OF VOLUNTEERS:

Multiple opportunities available

VOLUNTEER RESPONSIBILITIES:

To communicate with the Chaplain and the UConn Health staff any urgent needs that arise during supportive visits
To perform specific tasks related to Spiritual Care in support of a specific patient and/or their family
To be courteous, cooperative, and considerate when dealing with patients, visitors, and UConn Health Staff.
To hold in strict confidence any information, observed, overheard, or surmised regarding a patient, a diagnosis, or a member of the hospital staff.
To be patient & sensitive to divergent cultures, religions, ethnicities, and persons with disabilities.
To perform only those tasks within the scope of volunteer duties
To be punctual and attentive in performing duties
To be compliant with the department specific standard operating procedures
To be compliant with all UConn Health trainings & competencies

DUTIES/DAILY PROCEDURES:

Visits will be arranged in coordination with the patient and the Chaplain.
Visit patients in a timely fashion being prepared to provide the agreed upon type of support.
Report any variations or additional requests made by patient, family, or staff.
Listen empathetically and engage attentively to the patient or their family.
Provide any relevant updates to UConn Health staff and participate to resolve non-medical concerns and problem solve and advocate on the caregivers' behalf.
Alert the Chaplain or Patient Relations when family or visitors are requesting additional support.
Assist with all other patient and caregiver experience duties assigned.
Attend continuing education events as arranged or requested.

Preferred Requirements - Ideal candidates will possess the following qualifications:

Educational Background: Coursework or degree in psychology, social work, counseling, mental health, or a related field.
Relevant Experience: Prior experience in therapy, counseling, peer support, crisis intervention, or mental health advocacy.
Communication Skills: Strong active listening and empathetic communication abilities, with a nonjudgmental and supportive approach.
Confidentiality Awareness: Understanding of the importance of privacy and confidentiality in mental health settings.
Cultural Sensitivity: Ability to work respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Emotional Resilience: Capacity to remain calm and composed in emotionally charged situations.
Team Collaboration: Willingness to work collaboratively with staff, clinicians, and other volunteers.
Commitment to Learning: Openness to training, supervision, and ongoing education in mental health practices.

Minimum Requirement:

Ability to carry out written and oral instructions
Ability to maintain professional demeanor with patients, visitors and staff in high-stress situations
Stand and sit for periods of time

Supervision:

While on duty, receives direction from the Chaplain or their assigned delegate.

Location:
UConn Health Farmington Campus
Time Commitment:
Flexible depending on the task at hand
Physical Demands:
Bending, sitting, standing, walking, pushing

Purpose

An ad-hoc opportunity for individuals interested in special events, one off tasks and single day opportunities.

Days & Hours

Any - to be determined by the requesting department and task at hand

Number of Volunteers

To be determined based on the task at hand

Volunteer Responsibilities

To be courteous, cooperative, and considerate when dealing with patients, visitors, and UConn Health Staff.
To hold in strict confidence any information, observed, overheard, or surmised regarding a patient, a diagnosis, or a member of the hospital staff.
To be patient & sensitive to divergent cultures, religions, ethnicities, and persons with disabilities.
To perform only those tasks within the scope of volunteer duties
To be punctual and attentive in performing duties
To be compliant with the department specific standard operating procedures
To be compliant with all UConn Health trainings & competencies

Special Requirements

Dependent on the departments requested tasks

Minimum Requirements

Ability to carry out written and oral instructions
Strong interpersonal, communication and customer service skills and computer abilities
Ability to maintain professional demeanor with patients, visitors and staff

Supervision

While on duty, receives direction from the assigned department supervisor or their delegate.

Location
UConn Health John Dempsey Hospital
100 Hospital Drive, Farmington, CT 06030

Physical Demands
Bending, sitting, standing, walking, pushing

Purpose

Provide feedback that fosters meaningful collaboration between patients, their networks and hospital staff with a focus on collaborating with the council in sharing diverse perspectives, promoting patient and family-centered care, and advancing initiatives that improve the overall experience, safety, and quality of care at UConn John Dempsey Hospital.

Term

Three years beginning in July

Days & Hours

2-3 hours monthly

Responsibilities

Partner with hospital/organizational leadership to align PFAC goals with system priorities
Provide meaningful input on policies, programs, quality initiatives, and patient experience efforts
Represent the voice of patients and families in leadership meetings, committees, or forums as requested
Advocate for transparency, equity, dignity, and respect in care delivery
Uphold PFAC charter, and participation expectations
Foster a culture of psychological safety, trust, and mutual respect
Promote PFAC visibility and credibility within the organization
Be on time and actively participate in monthly PFAC meetings. July and August there are no meetings to accommodate summer break
Optional participation in hospital committees or special projects ?Communication throughout the month regarding projects, programs and other miscellaneous items.

Minimum Requirements

Have been a patient or caregiver of a patient at UConn Health
To be courteous, cooperative, and considerate when speaking with other advisors, staff, and physicians
To hold in strict confidence any information, observed, overheard, or discussed as an advisor
To be patient & sensitive to divergent cultures, religions, ethnicities, and persons with disabilities.
To be compliant with all UConn Health trainings & competencies

Location

Location will vary based on event & need

Time Commitment
Time commitment will be based on event. Anticipate at least two hour commitment.

Physical Demands
Bending, sitting, standing, walking, pushing, lifting, talking

Purpose

An ad-hoc opportunity for individuals interested in special events, one off tasks and single day opportunities.

Days & Hours

Any - to be determined by the requesting department and task at hand

Number of Volunteers

To be determined based on the task at hand

Volunteer Resonsibilities

To be courteous, cooperative, and considerate when dealing with patients, visitors, and UConn Health Staff.
To hold in strict confidence any information, observed, overheard, or surmised regarding a patient, a diagnosis, or a member of the hospital staff.
To be patient & sensitive to divergent cultures, religions, ethnicities, and persons with disabilities.
To perform only those tasks within the scope of volunteer duties
To be punctual and attentive in performing duties
To be compliant with the department specific standard operating procedures
To be compliant with all UConn Health trainings & competencies

Duties

Administrative duties as assigned i.e.. refilling printer, filing paperwork, etc.
Guiding crowds, assisting in creating lines
Verifying badges
All other duties as assigned

Special Requirements

Dependent on the departments requested tasks

Minimum Requirements

Ability to carry out written and oral instructions
Strong interpersonal, communication and customer service skills and computer abilities
Ability to maintain professional demeanor with patients, visitors and staff

Supervision

While on duty, receives direction from the assigned department supervisor or their delegate.

Location:
Anywhere!

Time Commitment:
At your leisure

Physical Demands:
Ability to crochet or knit

We are looking for individuals who are interested in donating their time and skills to create textile materials for our long-term patients and patients who need a little pick-me-up. We are looking for blankets, gloves, hats, quilts, mittens etc. Sizes can range from preemie to adult

Location
300 UConn Health Boulevard
Farmington, CT 06030
Inpatient Psychiatric Unit

Time Commitment
2 hours per month - 1 hour facilitating AA meeting and 1 hour prep/cleanup

Physical Demands
Bending, sitting, standing, walking, pushing, lifting, talking

Purpose

To assist with weekly Alcoholics Anonymous meetings at UConn Health's inpatient behavioral health unit.

Days & Hours

Weekdays 4-5PM or Sundays 11AM-12PM

Number of Volunteers

One volunteer per meeting

Volunteer Responsibilities

To be courteous, cooperative, and considerate when dealing with patients, visitors, and UConn Health Staff.
To hold in strict confidence any information, observed, overheard, or surmised regarding a patient, a diagnosis, or a member of the hospital staff.
To be patient & sensitive to divergent cultures, religions, ethnicities, and persons with disabilities.
To perform only those tasks within the scope of volunteer duties
To be punctual and attentive in performing duties
To be compliant with the department specific standard operating procedures
To be compliant with all UConn Health trainings & competencies

Duties & Procedures

Prepare the Meeting Space
- - Arrive early to set up chairs and materials.
  - Ensure literature (e.g., AA Big Book, pamphlets) is available.
- Welcome Attendees
- Open the Meeting
  - - Start on time.
  - Facilitate the Meeting
    - - Keep the meeting on track and within time limits.
      - Encourage respectful sharing and listening.
      - Gently redirect if someone dominates or strays off-topic.
    - Support Newcomers
      - Ensure newcomers are welcomed and understand the meeting format.
        
        Literature and contact information for sponsors or other support.
      - Post-Meeting Duties
      - Clean up the space.
      - Store or dispose of materials as needed.
      - Debrief with other group members if necessary.
        
        Special Requirements
        All volunteers applying for this role should be invited through appropriate AA Organizers. Volunteers will be accompanied by a UConn Health staff member at all times, including during the meeting. Staff members are responsible for any de-escalation or patient behavioral concerns.
        
        Minimum Requirements
        
        Ability to carry out written and oral instructions
        
        Strong interpersonal, communication and customer service skills and computer abilities
        
        Ability to maintain professional demeanor with patients, visitors and staff in high-stress situations
        
        Stand and sit for periods of time
        
        Supervision:
        While on duty, receives direction from the Charge Nurse or their assigned delegate.

Location
Storrs Campus
6 Alethia Drive
Storrs, CT 06269

Time Commitment
4 hour shifts

Physical Demands
Bending, sitting, standing, walking, pushing, lifting, talking

Purpose

To support physical therapy staff by assisting with clinic flow, maintaining a clean and organized environment, and providing a welcoming and supportive experience for patients.

Days/Hours

Flexible based on clinic needs and student availability.

Business Hours are Monday 8-4:30, Tuesday 9-5:30, Wednesday 8-4:30, Thursday 9-5:30, Friday 7:30-4

Number of Volunteers: 1-2 volunteers per shift

Volunteer Responsibilities

To be courteous, cooperative, and considerate when dealing with patients, visitors, and UConn Health Staff.
To hold in strict confidence any information, observed, overheard, or surmised regarding a patient, a diagnosis, or a member of the hospital staff.
To be patient & sensitive to divergent cultures, religions, ethnicities, and persons with disabilities.
To perform only those tasks within the scope of volunteer duties
To be punctual and attentive in performing duties
To be compliant with the department specific standard operating procedures
To be compliant with all UConn Health trainings & competencies

Duties

Stock treatment rooms with linens, towels, and basic supplies
Maintain organization of supply closets and storage areas
Ensure equipment is returned to proper locations after use
Assist with general clinic tidiness and workflow
Wipe down and disinfect equipment and high-touch surfaces between patient use
Help maintain a clean and safe environment in accordance with clinic protocols
Greet patients and help create a welcoming environment
Escort non fall risk patients safely from the waiting room to the treating therapist
Provide wheelchair follow/assistance as directed by staff
Assist patients with basic set up for exercises such as adjusting seat height on stationary bicycle under staff supervision
Administrative duties as assigned i.e.. refilling printer, filing paperwork, etc

Minimum Requirements:

Ability to carry out written and oral instructions
Strong interpersonal, communication and customer service skills and computer abilities
Ability to maintain professional demeanor with patients, visitors and staff in high-stress situations
Must be able to push adults in a wheelchair
Lift up to 40 pounds
Stand and sit for periods of time
Walk long distances

Supervision

While on duty, receives direction from the Rehabilitation Services Supervisor or their assigned delegate.

Location:
UConn Health John Dempsey Hospital
100 Hospital Drive, Farmington, CT 06030
Time Commitment:
2 hour shifts
Physical Demands:
Bending, sitting, standing, walking, pushing, lifting
Anyone interested in volunteering with the NICU must complete an application through CT Children's Medical Center: volunteer.connecticutchildrens.org.