Compassion When Needed Most
At CHKD, our mission is to provide “Health, Healing, and Hope for all children.” Whether it’s volunteering in a patient-care area or non-clinical setting, our volunteers play a vital role by lending that special touch and going the extra mile to help others.
Our program is comprised of a diverse group of adults, college students, and summer junior volunteers that share their skills and personal time in various areas of the hospital. Whether assisting patients, visitors, or staff, our volunteers contribute thousands of hours each year to support the mission of the hospital.
Please carefully review the CHKD volunteer program requirements below before applying. If you have specific questions concerning the program, you may reach us at (757) 668-7195 or Volunteer.Services@CHKD.org.
Volunteer Requirements
- Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and no longer enrolled in high school.
- The CHKD volunteer program requires an individual commitment. We do not offer group volunteer opportunities.
- The application process includes a personal interview, criminal background investigation, submission of personal health records, and successful completion of volunteer orientation(s). Please note that CHKD does not accept volunteers for court-mandated volunteer hours.
- While COVID-19 vaccination is highly recommended, it is not mandatory at this time. CHKD maintains a mandatory influenza vaccination policy during flu season.
- Volunteers agree to maintain a regular schedule of at least four shifts per month.
- Volunteers agree to a minimum commitment level of 60 hours of volunteer services before separating from the program. This typically takes approximately six months.
Explore our Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer Opportunities
Apply to Become a CHKD Volunteer
Because we place the utmost importance on the safety and health of our patients, becoming a volunteer is a series of steps. Step one is to fill out the online application.
SUMMER TEEN APPLICANTS - DO NOT APPLY HERE. This application is for adult volunteer applicants only.
Contact volunteer services at (757) 668-7195 to schedule your personal interview. Interviews are conducted Monday through Friday between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Gather any of the personal health information listed below and bring it with you to your interview. If you do not have the required immunization records your options for obtaining either the records or the immunizations will be discussed with you at the time of the interview.
- Proof of two (2) MMR (Mumps, Measles, Rubella) immunizations since birth or lab work indicating immunity to MMR. Applicants born before 1957 may be exempt from this requirement.
- Verification of immunity or history of chickenpox (varicella) to include either documentation of two varicella vaccines, lab work showing immunity to varicella, or verbal history of disease prior to 1984 with acceptable completion of the Evidence of Immunity to Varicella Worksheet.
- Volunteers with direct patient contact must have documentation of history of 2 negative PPD skin tests within the past year or 1 TB blood test. If you have documentation available, please bring it with you to your interview. For those with history of a positive PPD, documentation of a negative chest x-ray (at time of PPD conversion or after PPD conversion) is needed.
- Volunteers assigned to non-patient contact areas are exempt from the TB skin test requirement.
Please do not incur any costs associated with these requirements prior to your interview and acceptance into the program.
If selected, you will need to complete an online background security clearance. This is a fee-based service.
Certain departments require volunteers to wear a uniform shirt or smock, which can be purchased through Volunteer Services for $10-$15 each.
NOTE: Financial hardship assistance will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
After completing the application, background screening, orientation process, and submitting all required health records, you will be ready to volunteer. Additional training will be provided by your assigned department.
Volunteer Orientation Information
Junior Volunteer Program
Buddy Brigade Looking to Expand