VOLUNTEER SERVICES
Volunteer Services
Thank you for your interest. Our Volunteer Program is now open! No Summer only opportunities.
We will take applications using the following link: APPLY HERE
Click here to download a SCVMC Volunteer Reference Form
References can be sent to [email protected]
The following is a list of questions commonly asked by individuals seeking the opportunity to help us serve the patients and families at SCVMC. For those interested in the Volunteer Doula Program, please see tabs to the left.
Frequently Asked Questions:
A. What are the basic qualifications to apply for the Volunteer Services Program at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center?
- Must be at least 15 years old.
- Must be willing to work at least one 4-hour shift each week.
- Must be available to volunteer for at least 100 hours and six consecutive months. (We are unable to accommodate volunteers who are only available during a school break or cannot commit to at least six consecutive months of service.)
- Must be available Monday – Friday from 9 AM to 1 PM or 1 PM to 5PM. (Weekend shifts are minimally available at this time)
- First 100 hours will be spent under supervision of Volunteer Services staff for training and familiarity with our hospital, policies, and procedures.
- Must demonstrate a positive, helpful, and compassionate demeanor and possess a genuine desire to serve others.
- Must be able to communicate effectively with patients, families, visitors, and staff with diverse backgrounds.
- Proficiency in spoken English. Applicants who are bilingual are strongly encouraged to join our team of helpful volunteers.
- Must be fully vaccinated and be able to provide proof of vaccination status prior to volunteering on campus.
B. What types of volunteer opportunities are available at SCVMC?
- SCVMC is proud to offer a wide variety of opportunities to its dedicated team of volunteers.
- During the first 100 hours, SCVMC volunteers will have the opportunity to serve at our Screening Stations, Hospital Gift Shop, or our Volunteer Services Office.
- Upon completion of the initial 100-hour commitment, volunteers are placed in an area of interest and need. These include:
- Dynamic and fast-paced patient care units.
- Inpatient and outpatient-based Occupational or Physical Therapy Services.
- SCVMC’s Outpatient-based Primary or Specialty Care Clinics
- Surgical Patient/Family Waiting Areas
- SCVMC’s Medical Library
- SCVMC’s Pharmacy Services (Placement in this specialized area is 240 hours minimum commitment)
- Shadowing Opportunities
- Spiritual Care Services** (See below)
C. How do I apply to become a member of the Volunteer Services Program at SCVMC?
1. Complete and submit the following Application Form, Volunteer Agreement Form, Commitment Form and Volunteer Reference Form. (All four documents must be submitted together in order for the application to be processed)
Click here to download a SCVMC Volunteer Reference Form
2. Submit completed forms to:
Email: [email protected]
Mail/In-Person/Drop off:
Santa Clara Valley Medical Center
751 S. Bascom Ave., San Jose, CA 95128
Main Hospital Lobby, Information Desk
Attn: Christina Egan, Volunteer Services
D. What happens after I submit my completed application forms to SCVMC?
1. All information submitted on the applications is carefully screened and reviewed by the Volunteer Services Program team.
2. Qualified applicants are contacted and interviewed by phone.
3. Applicants who are selected to participate in this program will be notified by the Volunteer Services Program team at SCVMC and invited to attend the next mandatory orientation session.
E. What are my next steps, if selected to become a member of the Volunteer Services Program at SCVMC?
- Attend mandatory online 2-hour orientation session (offered once a month)
- Get your Health Clearance from Employee Health
- Get a background check
- Watch an Infection Control video
F. What happens during the mandatory orientation session?
Volunteers attend a two hour session during which they learn about:
- The important role and responsibilities of volunteers at SCVMC.
- Scheduling and other key communications protocols.
- SCVMC's mandatory requirements and process.
G. How do I prepare for the Health Clearance Screening?
1. Complete and submit the SCVMC Online Health Survey Form.
2. Make an appointment for this screening at SCVMC Employee Health.
3. COVID-19 vaccination card
- Please remember to bring the following required information and documents to your scheduled appointment:
- Completed Health Form Clearance
- Up-to-date record of immunizations. (You may want to contact your primary care provider for a copy of this information or bring a "yellow card" that lists your immunization history. This would be a record of all immunizations and the date they were administered.)
Please note: Volunteers at SCVMC are required to have an annual TB screening. If you have received a TB screening skin test or “PPD” test in the past 3 months, please bring documentation that includes: the date the test was performed, the date it was read, and the interpretation as determined by a licensed health care provider. A QuantiFERON blood test taken in the past 3 months will also be accepted. If you have not received a PPD or QuantiFERON blood test in the past 3 months, SCVMC will do this for you.
Please note: All SCVMC volunteers are required to receive an annual flu shot. Please bring documentation of this flu shot, including the date and location it was given. This information may be documented in your immunization record. If you have not received a flu shot in the past 12 months, SCVMC will provide this during your Health Clearance Screening appointment
H. What happens after I complete my Health Clearance Screening?
Once the Volunteer Services Program has been notified that the applicant has successfully passed the Health Clearance Screening by Employee Health, they will contact applicant with next steps.
I. What do I need for the Background Check?
You will need to respond to an e-mail sent by TruView to initiate the background check. The Volunteer services will set the applicant up to receive the e-mail when the applicant lets the office know they are ready. The e-mail expires after 3 days so the applicant will need to respond to the TruView e-mail immediately.
J. What do I need to prepare for my Placement Interview and Badging appointment?
- Applicants who have successfully submitted all required application documentation and passed the Health Screening Clearance and the Background Check will meet with a member of the Volunteer Services Program team to discuss their interests, skills, availability, and the current needs of the Volunteer Services Program. Based on this discussion, the “new volunteer” will be offered initial placement. See B (above) for more information about placement
- Prior to the placement interview, “new volunteers” will take a photo for their Volunteer Badge according to the instructions sent in the “Scheduled Badge & Placement Interview” e-mail and send it to [email protected].
- Bring $20 to purchase your mandatory Volunteer uniform.
K. Why do I need to have a recent PPD test and flu shot to become a volunteer at SCVMC?
At SCVMC, patient health and safety are our TOP priority. These screenings ensure that our patients, families, staff, and visitors are protected from exposure to these common community illnesses during their hospital stay.
L. I am interested in volunteering to support the Spiritual Care program at SCVMC. How do I apply?
Please complete the Spiritual Care Application and submit it to:
Email: vmcvolunteer@hhs. sccgov.org
Mail/In-Person/Drop off:
Santa Clara Valley Medical Center
751 S. Bascom Ave., San Jose, CA 95128
Main Hospital Lobby, Information Des
Attn: Spiritual Care Services
Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center. Our Volunteers Make a Difference!