Frequently Asked Questions About Volunteering
The staff of Volunteer Services at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center have provided answers for frequently asked questions about volunteering options at the medical center.
- What is the time commitment for Cincinnati Children's volunteers?
We ask for a weekly commitment of two to three hours for at least one year. Our adult volunteers commit to 100 hours of service in a year, while high school and college students are asked to commit to 50 hours.
If you unable to make these time commitments, you may still be able to volunteer with special events that benefit Cincinnati Children's. - Can I still volunteer even though I am in town only one or two weeks per month?
In order to be most effective and successful, volunteers must be consistent. Therefore, we require a weekly commitment and ask that you postpone volunteering until that becomes possible for you.
If you unable to make these time commitments, you may still be able to volunteer with special events that benefit Cincinnati Children's. - What is the minimum age to become a volunteer?
The summer "School's Out!" program is for high school students who are at least 15 years of age and entering the 10th grade in the fall. - What is the process to become a volunteer?
The process to become a volunteer is a thorough one and each individual is processed exactly the same way. - Fill in the online application and mail it to the Volunteer Services Office
- We will mail the reference forms to the individuals you listed on the application
- After both reference forms have been returned to us we will contact you to schedule an interview
- Your interview is a time to learn about you, what you are looking for in volunteering, and to determine if there is a match that suits your interests and meets our needs
- You will be scheduled to attend a mandatory three hour orientation
- How long is the process to become a volunteer?
The process usually takes four to six weeks. You can help us to expedite it by notifying your references that we will be mailing forms to them and asking them to promptly return the completed forms. - Can I volunteer if I haven't had much exposure to children?
We have many volunteer placements with direct patient contact. For those placements, we offer suggestions at orientation to help you interact successfully with the children. In addition, a staff member is always present when you are volunteering to answer any questions you might have. We also have clerical placements for those who would like to help the hospital in some way but are not comfortable working directly with the children. - If I have a group of 10 friends from work could we take turns volunteering one evening a week?
Our requirements are the same for all volunteers. We require each individual to volunteer the same day, time and in the same area each week. It has been demonstrated that a regular weekly commitment is more satisfying to the individual and most helpful to the staff. You and your co-workers are welcome to apply to volunteer, however each would need to commit to a weekly schedule. - If I just graduated from college and I'm looking for a job, could I begin to volunteer while I'm looking?
We suggest that you concentrate on finding a job first. Once you have secured employment, you'll have a better idea of what days and times will work best for you to volunteer. You'll know for sure if volunteering will fit into your new schedule.
If you have any further questions, please contact Volunteer Services at 513-636-4396.
