Volunteer at Harbor-UCLA
What is volunteering?
Volunteering is an altruistic activity where an individual or group (for no payment) freely give time “to benefit another person, group or organization”.
The mission of HUCLA Volunteer Department is to enrich the patient experience and support the healing environment by providing compassion, dedication, and reliable community service. We strive to enhance the quality of care and promote the well-being of patients, families, and staff through meaningful engagement and support.
Our flexible program welcomes people from all over Southern California with a serving attitude. HUCLA Volunteers are a valuable part of the care Harbor-UCLA provides. If you are looking to share your time, talents, and experience in a conducive learning environment, we have a place for you. Join Us!
Benefits of volunteering @ HUCLA
Volunteering brings a wide range of personal benefits including enjoyment, a sense of purpose and belonging within the community, higher levels of life satisfaction, and a feeling of connection. Volunteers also find that their greatest satisfaction comes from contributing to the well-being of others. For some, volunteering may even lead to a new career and/or an opportunity to attend their college of choice. Their gifts of time, energy and skills fill a unique role that only they can provide.
What can you do as a Volunteer?
HUCLA offers a wide variety of activities that you can get involved in – the types of activities you can do are endless, includes but are not limited to:
- Become a Hospital Intern – gaining experience in your desired field.
- Shadowing opportunities for eligible volunteers (in varies departments).
- Become a “Baby Cuddler” in our NICU area and/or provide support in the form of age-appropriate play and recreational activities (based on the need).
- “Volunteer Comfort Companion” providing emotional support and companionship to patients who may need a visit or other requested special needs.
- Assist Child-Life /Pediatric staff by interacting with patients with various needs.
- Support hospital service departments – with escorting patients, transporting lab/specimen to designated area, assisting patients in wayfinding, and assist nursing staff with clerical support, etc.
“There are many other areas of opportunities, if your desire is not mentioned above – we will definitely try to assist you meeting your community service goals.”
What are the Necessary Steps for On-boarding?
To explore additional volunteer opportunities and/or questions regarding the volunteer program at Harbor-UCLA, please call the Volunteer Office at (424) 306-4094. If you are interested enough, to apply to the program you may visit our link (on-line application) at http://dhs.lacounty.gov/cef. Within 3-5 business days after completing the on-line application, you may then follow-up with the volunteer office for the status of your application. All necessary steps after application approval includes:
- Live Scan/Fingerprinting – Successful completion includes completing paperwork in the volunteer office room #108 (usually takes 3-5 days to clear).
Adults (must provide a valid government ID/DL or Passport (may not be expired)
High School Students (age 15 – 18) must provide a valid government ID, driver’s license, or passport.
If you do not have (listed) please bring an original birth certificate, social security card and valid student school ID. Applicants must complete HR clearance before proceeding: - Employee Health – After livescan clearance, applicant must provide the following proof to Employee Health Services for clearance:
- Complete vaccination record
- Negative Tuberculosis screening (2 negative skin tests OR 1 negative lab result)
- Flu vaccination (during flu season only)
- Orientation Invite – Once the above steps are completed, applicant will receive an email, to participate in mandatory orientation / hospital tour. Volunteer Annual Virtual Orientation
All other pertinent information will be given at the Mandatory Tour.
Thank you for choosing Harbor-UCLA!