Volunteering - Glens Falls Hospital
Volunteer Services at Glens Falls Hospital
Since 1903, Glens Falls Hospital has been fortunate to have the support of thousands of dedicated volunteers who have chosen to give back through our community hospital. Volunteering is a fun, easy, and rewarding way to support our friends and neighbors who need it most. Our team is made up of active, friendly, and welcoming professionals from a wide variety of backgrounds who care for our patients, visitors, and employees. Our goal is to match our volunteers to rewarding experiences. Each volunteer is individually interviewed so we can ensure we match their interests to the needs of the hospital in the most meaningful way.
Step 1 – Fully complete and submit an online application.
Step 2 – Interview with our Director of Volunteer Services.
Step 3 – Make an appointment with our employee health team. All on-site volunteers are required to be cleared through our employee health department prior to volunteering.
Step 4 – Complete and return all required paperwork received during Step 2 to the Director of Volunteer Services.
Step 5 – Complete orientation, obtain a photo ID, and make arrangements for your schedule and first day!
Our volunteer team is comprised of General (Adult) Volunteers (18+), Pet Therapy Handlers, Junior Volunteers (ages 16 to 18), Off-Site Volunteers, and Special Event Volunteers.
General or Adult Volunteers
These volunteers assist Glens Falls Hospital on site in a variety of manners at the hospital or at our other locations.
Pet Therapy Handlers
Pet Therapy Handlers are Adult Volunteers who have a certified therapy dog through an insured organization recognized by the American Kennel Club.
Junior Volunteers
Junior Volunteers are between the ages of 16 and 18 and have the opportunity to gain experience in a hospital setting and contribute to Glens Falls Hospital through meaningful service as a greeter/courier, with our book & magazine cart, mailings, and occasional special events. All Junior Volunteers are required to receive parental or guardian consent throughout the process. Most Junior Volunteer opportunities are available in the summer and during other seasonal breaks.
Off-Site Volunteers
These volunteers are typically Adult Volunteers who choose to contribute their time and energy offsite in meaningful ways such as knitting or crocheting blankets and hats for cancer patients or walker bags for rehabilitation patients.
Special Event Volunteers
These are Adult or Junior Volunteers who assist only with special events such as our annual 5K or holiday entertainment opportunities.
We place the health and wellbeing of our patients, visitors, employees, and volunteers as our highest priority. Our on-site volunteers follow the same procedures as our employees and are required to have an in-person health assessment and clearance from our Employee Health team prior to volunteering. All information discussed is entirely confidential and is protected by HIPAA regulations. After initial on-boarding, each volunteer is required to have a brief annual assessment with employee health during their birth month to keep all records up to date.
What records should I be prepared to bring to my health assessment?
- Two MMR vaccines or titers showing immunity for rubella, rubeola and mumps
- Two varicella vaccines or titer showing immunity
- Flu shot during flu season; required
- Covid vaccination; highly recommended and strongly encouraged – not required
- Two step PPD negative; negative Quantiferon gold within the past 30 days
- Preference is to have Hep B and Tdap depending on the department
What happens if I do not have all of the required documentation?
Our Employee Health team is happy to help and if needed, can draw and test lab specimens to satisfy any requirements.
Typically, our on-site shifts are between three and four hour blocks and cover an a.m. or p.m. shift. Most of our core positions are Monday through Friday, but we do have weekend positions available. We are flexible with times when we have an open position and are willing to work with your schedule whenever possible.
Open Positions
Greeters and Couriers
Warmly welcome our patients, visitors, and colleagues with a smile. Actively assist with wayfinding, information, deliveries, and more.
Courtesy Cart
Bring books, magazines, words games and great customer service to our patient floors and common areas.
Pet Therapy
All of our therapy dogs are required to have a current certification and registration with a bonded therapy dog organization.
Emergency Department
Lend a hand to our Emergency Department team through helping to provide comfort behind the scenes.
Amanda’s House
Help us to provide support to patients and visitors who need a comfortable home away from home at Amanda’s House.
Musicians
Help us to bring the power of music to Glens Falls Hospital! Our volunteer musicians play for our patients, visitors, and employees in our common spaces, and privately for patients.
Special Events & Fundraising
Lend your time and talents to assisting with our special events such as our annual Aloha 5K, Red Cross blood drives, fundraisers and more!
One of our top priorities is that our volunteers feel happy in their role and supported. If at any time, a volunteer no longer feels their position is the right fit, our Director of Volunteer Services is happy to discuss the possibilities of finding a role that a volunteer finds meaningful and enjoyable.
Junior Volunteer Program
Our Junior Program offers teenagers ages 13 to 18 a valuable experience by volunteering a minimum of two hours per week. This experience provides opportunities for personal development by building competence and confidence in customer service, decision-making, and organizational and leadership skills in a health care environment. Junior volunteer hours are recognized with a certificate, which is sent to the students’ high school.
For more information, call 518-926-2780.
Apply To Volunteer
Our Director of Volunteer Services is happy to answer any questions at 518-926-2780 or via email at [email protected].
You can also apply online:
Contact Us
Volunteer Services at Glens Falls Hospital
100 Park Street
Glens Falls, NY 12801
Tom Lyons
Director, Volunteer Services
518-926-2780
[email protected]
