CHOC's volunteer team provides critical assistance in our mission to nurture, advance and protect the health and well-being of children. In order to fully integrate our volunteers into teams that care for our patients and support the hospital's work, we ask that all volunteers meet rigorous standards. We ask for your patience and understanding, and appreciate your desire to help us support a safe and healthy environment for all of CHOC's families, patients, associates and volunteers.

Volunteer Standards for CHOC and CHOC at Mission:

• Volunteers must be of the appropriate age for the programs in which they would like to volunteer. You must be 16 years of age to apply.
• Volunteers must donate a minimum of 100 hours of service annually and commit to a regularly scheduled work shift. Out of the 100 hours of service, 10 hours must be committed to clerical or special event support.
• Volunteers must abide by all patient confidentiality guidelines, customer service expectations, and hospital policies.
• Volunteers must have access to or possess a computer and email address. The Volunteer Services department utilizes email to communicate vital information.

Characteristics of Excellent CHOC Volunteers:

• Energetic
• Excellent Customer Service
• Comes in on a regular basis
• Goes above & beyond
• Puts patients & families first
• Commits to at least 100 hrs
• Welcoming & Friendly
• Flexible
• Great communication skills

If accepted as a volunteer, you will be asked to:

• Adhere to CHOC’s incoming volunteer medical and background pre-screening requirements

• Documentation of proof of immunizations to Measles, Mumps and Rubeola (MMR) Varicela (Chicken Pox) and Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis)
• Proof of two negative TB tests in a 12-month period. If you have tested positive in the past, a proof of chest x-ray within a 12-month period
• Background Check (volunteers over 18 years) and letter of personal recommendation

• Complete online training modules and attend a new volunteer orientation
• Attend a placement appointment to be assigned into a volunteer position, as well as attend an on-the-job training (as well annual refresher trainings as required)

CHOC’s Associate Health office can administer the TB tests free of charge. If you do not have proof of receiving the Tdap, Associate Health can also administer this shot for free.  We encourage you to check with your primary care provider to obtain immunization records or blood titers to prove immunities if you do not have an immunization record.

Volunteer dress code

In keeping with our commitment to professionalism and customer service, CHOC requires that its volunteers be neat, clean and well groomed while on duty. The following requirements are standard at CHOC for all Associates and volunteers:

• Volunteers must be in an approved uniform with a visible badge at all times when they are at CHOC, CHOC Children's at Mission Hospital, or representing the hospitals at a public
• Jeans, T-shirts, halter tops, stretch pants and open-toed shoes are all prohibited
• Stockings or socks must be worn with shoes at all time
• Make-up and jewelry must be used in moderation
• Hair should be neat and clean - volunteers with shoulder-length or longer hair working in patient care areas must wear hair secured off the shoulders
• Beards and mustaches must be trimmed and well-groomed
• Specific departments may have further guidelines due to the nature of the work