Volunteers at Cooley Dickinson Hospital are a unique and valuable resource. The Volunteer Services Department mobilizes skilled, talented, creative volunteer resources to exceed the expectations in meeting the needs of patients and families. Volunteers, along with staff, support the hospital’s vision to make the Pioneer Valley the nation’s model healthy community. Last year, over 400 volunteers contributed over 39,000 hours of service. People work as hospital volunteers because they want to be involved in their community, stay active, meet new people, explore career opportunities, help others and make a difference.

Hospital volunteers work in many different areas of the hospital and, to the extent possible, we try to match volunteer interests and skills with the needs of the hospital.

Opportunities for Volunteers

Coffee Shop

A dynamic, busy environment staffed primarily with other volunteers. Work with a great team to serve soups and sandwiches to patients, visitors and staff in a warm and welcoming environment. All proceeds from the Coffee Shop sales support hospital services through the CDH Auxiliary. Open 7 days per week.

Care Extender

Support service delivery in the clinical areas by assisting staff with basic tasks. Provide both visitors and patients additional attention during busy hours. Bring food, blankets, pillows etc. to visitors and patients.

Central Sterile Supply

Deliver needed equipment to Nursing Floors, wrap items for sterilization, assist in preparing items for patients and surgery.

Greeter/Information Desk

Escort visitors to appointments, give directions, create a warm and welcoming environment. Must be able to push wheelchairs, learn simple computer tasks. Information desks are located in the New Building, at the Main Entrance, at the Grand Staircase and in the Emergency Department. Shifts are usually from 8am-12pm, 1pm2-4pm and 4pm-7pm. Monday through Friday shifts are needed the most.

Gift Shop

The CDH Gift Shop provides a variety of quality merchandise for employees, visitors volunteers and patients. All proceeds from the Gift Shop sales support hospital services through the CDH Auxiliary. Opportunities are available for friendly, detail oriented, customer-focused volunteers. Greet customers, use cash register, retail experience preferred. Open 7 days per week.

Empty Arms Program: For Parents Grieving Infant and Pregnancy Loss

The Empty Arms Support Group, which was awarded the New England Association Directors of Healthcare Volunteer Services (NEADHVS) President’s Award, provides an innovative, supportive service to families at a time of loss. The support group, run by volunteers in partnership with the CDH Childbirth Center, has increased Childbirth Center patient satisfaction, helped to change hospital procedures, provided training for staff at CDH and in the community and has expanded to offer a program for parents who have had a loss and are evaluating the idea of welcoming another child into their family, either through pregnancy or adoption.

Office Assistance

Filing, collating and various other projects. Opportunities in Hampshire Health Connect, Human Resources, Rehabilitation, Respiratory, Quality and other departments as requested.

Mail Delivery

Deliver Mail through out the hospital. This is a great way to exercise and involves lots of walking, meeting people and getting to know the hospital.

Nutrition

Join our busy kitchen crew with setting up trays and delivering lunch or dinner to patients. May involve cleaning, dishes, etc. available from 4pm-7pm , every day of the week.

Patient Rights

Assist the Admitting department with informing patients of their rights. Must be available during the day before 1pm. Not available on weekends.

Rehabilitation

Assist with filing patient charts, treatment room upkeep, changing linens, stockings shelves. Days Mail Delivery.

Surgical Day Care/Endoscopy

Greet patients, ready rooms, stock supplies, collate discharge materials, assist with discharging patients by wheelchair. Available Monday through Friday, between 8am and 4pm only.

Therapy Dog Volunteer

Dog owners who are interested in the Therapy Dog program must contact and be screened through Bright-spot, Inc. (http://www.bright-spot.org) Please know that dogs must be under the owner's control at all times. Dogs must be able to sit quietly and not jump up on visitors.

Other Volunteer opportunities area also available in the Cooley Dickinson Health Care Corporation family.

AIDS CARE/ Hampshire County is also in need of volunteers. Contact Court Cline, Volunteer Coordinator at 413-586-8288 or email at aidscarevols@cooley-dickinson.org.

Hospice has volunteer opportunities. Please contact Carol Rinehart, Hospice Volunteer Coordinator at 584-1060, or email at Carol_Rinehart@cooley-dickinson.org.

College Students:

If you will receive academic credit for volunteering or internships, you must be processed through the Human Resources Department. Please call 413-582-2241.

Learn more about the Volunteer and Auxiliary Programs
at Cooley Dickinson Hospital:

• Submit Online Application Form
• Download Volunteer Application Form
• Volunteer Program Requirements
• Junior Volunteer Program (Teens)
• Frequently Asked Questions
• The Auxiliary Program

Contact Volunteer Services:

Robin Kline, CAVS
Director of Volunteer Services
Robin_Kline@cooley-dickinson.org
413-582-2251