The mission of the Volunteers Department is to enrich the patient experience and support the healing environment by providing compassionate, dedicated, and reliable volunteer services. We strive to enhance the quality of care and promote the well-being of patients, families, and staff through meaningful engagement, assistance, and support. Our volunteers embody the values of empathy, respect, compassion and integrity as they contribute their time and talents to positively impact the lives of those we serve. Together, we create a nurturing community of care where every individual feels valued, supported, and uplifted, while contributing to the world class care and education provided at Los Angeles General Medical Center.
Welcome to Volunteer Services at Los Angeles General Medical Center! As a distinguished academic medical institution, our foremost commitment is to provide exceptional, patient-centered care. We’re thrilled to extend our warmest invitation to individuals interested in joining our team as volunteers. Your support is invaluable, spanning across more than 100 diverse departments throughout the main hospital, clinics, and our expansive campus.
We’re excited you want to support our patients, families, and staff by volunteering at Los Angeles General Medical Center! Please read the information below carefully to ensure that volunteering at LA General will be a good fit for your interests.
Age-The minimum age to volunteer in any role at LA General is 16 years old.
Time Commitment– Adults are expected to complete 200 hours, committing to at least one 4-hour shift weekly minimum. Junior volunteers (summer months only) have a 100-hour commitment, involving two 5-hour shifts per week minimum . Successful completion of the program necessitates fulfilling these hours, to receive documentation of participation. Partial credit is not available.
Purpose-Volunteers should only apply to participate in the program for humanitarian reasons. Volunteering at LA General does not fulfill clinical hours needed for school applications. *Volunteers do not shadow staff, witness, or provide clinical services (intern/externship), or participate in research lab positions.
*Volunteers who complete clearance and receive their county issued ID badge must check in and start their volunteer service no later than one week from receiving their badge.
1. Must complete LA General Volunteer Application
2. Successfully pass an entrance interview with a Volunteers Coordinator
3. Submit a Letter of Recommendation (details in FAQ section)
4. Complete Employee Health Clearance (details in FAQ section)
5. Complete Human Resource Background Check (details in FAQ section)
6. Complete Volunteer orientation after Employee Health & HR clearance
Volunteers will only be placed into specific roles once they’ve completed all onboarding steps.
We take great care to match a volunteer’s interest and skills to specific LA General assignments, however, the Volunteer Services Department will make all final placement decisions to prioritize the patient experience impact and the greatest needs of the organization.
All volunteers are required to complete the onboarding requirements within 30 days of selection.
Commonly Asked Questions
The minimum age to apply to become a volunteer at LA General is 16. Volunteers under the age of 18 may only serve as a volunteer during the summer months, weekdays only. Applications open on February 1, with limited space.
Individuals are required to complete the requirements within 30 days of selection, but volunteers can complete the requirements and begin service sooner than 30 days. Onboarding requires the completion of a background check, health clearance through On-site Human Resource Department and On-site Employee Health Services, and completion of a new volunteer orientation.
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 LA General. There is no specific form they must use to write the letter of recommendation. The letter of recommendation must be submitted directly by your recommender to the LA General Volunteers Department email at volunteerservices@dhs.lacounty.gov.
You can volunteer. However, for legal, risk, and compliance reasons, volunteers are not able to provide clinical assistance to patients (starting IVs, wound care, taking vitals, taking notes or scribing, etc.), regardless of any clinical licenses (MD, RN, NP, PA, MA, LVN, state board certificates, etc.). The role of a volunteer is nonclinical, assisting with ancillary support to patients and families. Volunteer hours will not qualify as clinical hours.
LA General do not offer opportunities for internships or externships. However, we serve as a worksite for various community organizations whom we support for their respective Workforce Development Programs. Please refer to your local county supervisor or LA city representative for potential workforce programs.
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 (during flu season only)
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
Volunteers at LA General do not conduct volunteer research in the lab.
Volunteer Resources does not oversee clinical or nonclinical shadowing opportunities.
The LA General Volunteers Program is a year-round program that relies on the consistent and continuous support of its volunteer workforce. If you anticipate being out for more than 2 weeks, you may be released from the program. Please coordinate your schedule accordingly.