Volunteer Opportunities at Houston Methodist Hospital

Houston Methodist Hospital at the Texas Medical Center welcomes volunteers who want to offer their time, talent, and dedication. Volunteers provide a valuable service to our hospital operations. There are a variety of volunteer roles to fit individual time commitments, schedules, abilities and interests. Volunteers may work directly with patients or choose to work behind-the-scenes, providing administrative or customer support.

Volunteer Descriptions

Classic Volunteers

Our classic volunteer program involves a commitment of either weekly four-hour shifts for a minimum of 3 months, or one weekly four-hour shift for a minimum of 6 months. Volunteers are placed in assignments based on both preferences and open hospital opportunities.

Caring Teen Volunteers

The Houston Methodist Hospital Caring Teen Volunteer Program provides community youth with opportunities for personal growth and development. Volunteers provide supplemental services in the hospital while gaining personal satisfaction, development, maturity, and the understanding of various health careers in preparation for their futures. Caring Teens serve others while making new friends, networking with medical professionals at a world-class hospital, developing self-esteem, and creating meaningful memories. Our patients’ lives are deepened through the energy and compassion of our Caring Teen volunteers.

Summer Interim Track (SIT)

This volunteer track is intended for students aged 18 years and over who reside in the Greater Houston area but attend school out of town during the school year, to have the opportunity to volunteer at Houston Methodist Hospital over the summer period. SIT volunteers will adhere to specific deadlines and onboarding timelines that differ from normal, classic volunteers. This track involves a commitment to a one weekly four-hour shift for a minimum of 2 months.

• Important Dates: Prospective volunteers must send in a volunteer profile/application by the deadline of May 1, 2025. Prospective volunteers must be onboarded by May 23, 2025 and must have a start date no later than June 2, 2025.

Volunteer Assignment Opportunities

Assignment availability will vary and depend on both departmental needs and volunteer schedules.

Administrative Support
Volunteers assist the office staff by answering phones, copying, running errands and performing other jobs and special job-related duties as requested.

Clinical Department Support
Volunteers assist the nursing units by visiting patients and performing a variety of other tasks related to patient care.

Waiting/Family Room
Volunteers assist patients and family members in the waiting room by offering comfort items, assisting administrative staff, and other duties as assigned. Volunteers may have the opportunity to interface with patients pre and post procedure as appropriate under the direction of the staff members. Other tasks that volunteers may assist with are tidying up the waiting room or clinical rooms, offering wayfinding assistance, organizing department documents, and other pertinent information. 

Guest Express
Guest Express volunteers use golf carts to shuttle patients, visitors, and staff around the Houston Methodist Hospital campus. Our Guest Express volunteers make transportation easier for individuals navigating Houston Methodist Hospital and assist with wayfinding.

Emergency Department
Emergency room volunteers assist our nursing staff and our Emergency Department employees as needed with tasks such as greeting, stocking items, and transporting.

Service Corps
Founded in 1947, members of the Service Corps provide a valuable contribution to the hospital by supporting patients, their families, visitors, and employees in a variety of service areas such as through operating the Book Cart, organizing the annual hospital book drive, managing patient library duties through the VS department, volunteering in assignments located in family waiting rooms, and other assignments as needed and created. 

HMH Auxiliary Gift Shop
Volunteers serve the hospital and its guests in a courteous and helpful manner while performing a variety of customer service duties. Volunteers interact with both staff and customers, help at the cash register, and assist with pricing and stocking items.

Arts
Volunteers can assist with distributing art supplies to patients via our hospital “art carts.” These volunteers allow patients and visitors to feel more comfort during their stay at Houston Methodist Hospital.

Music
Music volunteers express compassion and provide comfort to patients, visitors, and staff through their musical talents. Music volunteers are selected through a specialized program on an as needed basis. Limited spaces available pending audition with CPAM. 

Pet Therapy Visitation
HMH Volunteer Services partners with three pet therapy organizations to provide pet visitation opportunities to our hospital's patients, visitors and staff. Regular visits with pet therapy animals and their volunteer owners can provide stimulation for conversation in mental health counseling, encourage interest in physical therapy, and can provide general comfort to those in need. Pet therapy animals at Houston Methodist Hospital are certified through Faithful Paws, Paws for Therapy, and Angel Paws. 

Handmade Items (i.e.: sewing, knitting, crocheting, etc.)
Handmade donations are accepted on an as needed basis. Items such as blankets, scarfs, gloves, head beanies, and pillows are common donations we accept which help our patients and visitors feel more comfortable during their stay at Houston Methodist Hospital.