Volunteer at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center
At Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, volunteers are an integral part of our mission to provide equitable and exceptional care with respect and compassion. As one of Los Angeles County’s premier public teaching hospitals and Level I Trauma Centers, Harbor-UCLA is committed to improving the health and well-being of the diverse communities we serve.
Our volunteers help create a welcoming, supportive, and healing environment for patients, families, visitors, and workforce members. Whether providing comfort to patients, assisting clinical and non-clinical departments, or supporting community outreach initiatives, volunteers extend our mission beyond clinical care by treating every person with dignity, kindness, and respect.
By sharing their time, talents, and compassion, Harbor-UCLA volunteers become valued members of our healthcare team, helping us deliver an exceptional experience while strengthening our commitment to equitable care for all.
Our Volunteer Mission
The Harbor-UCLA Volunteer Services Department is committed to enriching the patient and family experience through compassionate service, meaningful engagement, and community partnership. Volunteers support the hospital’s mission by helping foster dignity, connection, and belonging throughout the medical center.
Our Commitment to Community
Harbor-UCLA Medical Center is deeply rooted in the communities we serve. Our Volunteer Program reflects our commitment to health equity, community partnership, workforce development, and patient-centered care. We believe volunteers help strengthen the connection between the hospital and the community while supporting a culture grounded in compassion, dignity, belonging, and service.
Why Volunteer at Harbor-UCLA?
- Volunteering at HUCLA provides an opportunity to:
- Give back to the community and support patients and families
- Gain valuable exposure to healthcare and public service
- Explore clinical and non-clinical career pathways
- Develop leadership, communication, and professional skills
- Support equitable, compassionate, and culturally responsive care
- Earn community service hours and professional experience
HUCLA volunteers support a wide range of departments and initiatives that contribute to patient care, workforce support, and community well-being.
Prospective Volunteers
We’re excited you want to support our patients, families, and staff by volunteering at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. Please read the information below carefully to ensure that volunteering at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center will be a good fit for your interests.
Minimum Age Requirement: The minimum age to volunteer in any role at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center is 15 years old.
Time Commitment:
Adult Volunteers (age 18 and over): Volunteers are required to commit a minimum of 4-hours per week, for a minimum of 200 hours over a 52-week (1 year) commitment.
Junior Volunteers (ages 15–17): The Junior Volunteer Program is offered exclusively during, summer breaks only.
- Currently, there are No Weekend Placements Available.
- All Volunteers must complete the full required hours to receive documentation of participation (partial credit is not provided).
Purpose: Harbor-UCLA Medical Center’s Volunteer Program is designed for individuals interested in serving their community and supporting patients, families, and hospital operations through volunteer service.
Volunteer Opportunities may Include, but are not Limited to:
- Patient and visitor support
- Wayfinding and concierge assistance
- Administrative and office support
- Special events and community outreach
- Patient experience support services
- Wellness and engagement activities
- Department-based volunteer placements
Placement opportunities vary based on hospital needs, volunteer interests, and availability.
Volunteer Requirements (Processing / On-Boarding):
- Completion of HUCLA On-Line Application
- Successfully pass the Interview Process
- Completion of a background check and health clearance through HUCLA on-site Human Resource and Employee Health Services
- Attend Mandatory Orientation / Tour (once the above steps are completed)
- Complete Mandatory Training which includes a commitment to hospital policies, patient confidentiality, professionalism, infection control, wheel-chair trainings, etc.,
Additional requirements may vary depending on the volunteer role and department placement.
Apply to HUCLA Volunteer Program
Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. We welcome individuals who are passionate about supporting patients, families, and our extended community.
Please complete and submit the Pre-Application (linked below). Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Once your completed application has been received and reviewed, the Volunteer Coordinator will contact you to schedule an interview.
Submit your: Pre-Application
Contact Us: huclavolunteersvcs@dhs.lacounty.gov
Office Telephone Number: (424) 306-4094
Commonly Asked Questions:
The minimum age to apply to become a volunteer at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center is 15 years of age.
The volunteer process and on-boarding requirements (fingerprinting/employee health clearance) typically take 4-6 weeks. Please note above under “Volunteer Requirement (processing / on boarding)”.
The letter of recommendation can be written by any mentor, teacher, professor, former supervisor, coach, faith leader, etc., who can attest to your good character and can attest that you would be a great match for providing volunteer service at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. There is no specific form that must be used to write the letter of recommendation. The letter of recommendation must be submitted directly by your recommender to the Harbor-UCLA Medical Center Volunteer office at huclavolunteerssvcs@dhs.lacounty/gov
You can volunteer with clinical training, however, due to liability/risks, volunteers are not able to provide direct clinical assistance. (Our program is a non-direct hands-on patient care program). The role of a volunteer is nonclinical/nonpaid ancillary support to patients and families.
Harbor-UCLA Medical Center’s Volunteer Program does not offer internship or externship opportunities. HUCLA serves as a placement site for approved academic institutions and workforce development programs (please note further information below):
- You may reach out to HUCLA Department Areas directly to inquire about Internship opportunities, and/or contact your academic institution or field placement coordinator, for additional information regarding eligibility and placement opportunities.
Applicants must provide the following for HR clearance:
- Adults must provide a valid government ID/DL or Passport (may not be expired)
- Applicants under 18 must provide original birth certificate & school ID or government Id/DL or Passport
- ALL applicants must provide social security number
Applicants 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 – optional