Volunteer

_{For volunteer opportunities at our Catskills location, please scroll down to the "Garnet Health Medical Center - Catskills (Harris and Callicoon, NY)" section below.}

About Us

Garnet Health’s volunteer program is an integral part of the hospital’s operations. For over 20 years, volunteers have provided invaluable assistance to our patients, visitors, and staff. The Garnet Health Volunteer Corps, more than 200 strong, use their special talents to contribute to the well-being of our community all year long. We accept volunteers at specific times of the year, so please see below for any open applications. 

Garnet Health Medical Center offers a friendly environment and a broad range of volunteer opportunities in medical and support areas throughout the hospital and outpatient facilities. If you are not sure about how you may fit in, contact us and we can help you choose an opportunity based on your background, experience, and interests. We accept volunteers at specific times of the year, so please see below for any open applications. 

Program Descriptions

The process to become a volunteer at Garnet Health requires a number of steps before you are cleared to begin volunteering. All applicants must provide an application, references, a background check (18 years old), complete a medical clearance, and attend orientation. 

Adult Program: We accept applications three to four times per year; typically in January, May, July and October. You must be at least 18 years old and able to commit to a weekly shift throughout the year. Please note that all adult volunteers must complete a background check.

College Summer Program: The application for this program is opened for the month of February, phone interviews are held in March and orientation in offered several times in May. You must be currently enrolled in a college/university in order to qualify for this program. Please note that Volunteer Service assignments are not considered clinical hours.

High School Program: The High School program opens up for new volunteers 2-3 times/ per year. The applications for the summer program are available starting May 1st, and we accept applications in August for the academic year program. Please note that you must be at least 15 years old to participate and 16 years old to volunteer on a nursing unit.

Areas of Interest

• Cardiac Cath Lab
• Cardiology (non-invasive)
• Clinical Decision Area/Observation
• Community Health 
• Emergency Department
• Foundation 
• Front or Information Desk(s) 
• General Clerical  
• Gift Shop 
• Graduate Medical Education 
• Guest Services
• Health Information Management
• Human Resources
• Infection Control
• Infusion
• Inpatient Rehabilitation/Art Therapy
• Marketing & Corporate Communications
• Nurse Float/Staffing
• Outpatient Rehabilitation (OT/PT)
• Palliative Care
• Pastoral Care
• Patient Advocacy & Experience
• Patient Transport
• Registration/Registration Desk
• Same Day Surgery 
• Supply/Storage Room
• Telemetry/Bio-Med
   

Nursing Units assignments include: 

• Geriatrics 
• Med/Surge
• OB/GYN
• Oncology
• Orthopedics 
• Pediatrics 
• Progressive Care Units 
   

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the time commitment? The program is structured in a way that you will be scheduled for one, 4-hour shift each week on the same day and at the same time. We require at least 60 service hours before exiting the program, although you are welcome to stay for as long as you would like.

What is the application process? Most of our application periods are one month and once your application is received, it is reviewed and assessed. We will offer New Volunteer Information Sessions when the application period closes so we can answer any of your questions and discuss next steps. The onboarding process includes a background check, reference check, medical clearance and orientation.  

Is there a dress code? Yes. All volunteers will be given a volunteer ID, Garnet Health uniform/polo shirt and are required to wear khaki (or black) slacks and closed shoes while volunteering. Scrub pants are permitted, but volunteers may not wear scrub tops. Volunteers are not allowed to wear jeans, sweatpants, sweatshirts, leggings, shorts, athletic wear, t-shirts, sandals, or baseball caps.

If I volunteer, will I get a job at the hospital; can I use my hours as clinical hours or can I shadow?  Volunteering at the hospital does not guarantee employment and volunteer hours cannot be used for clinical credit. 

• For clinical hours in exchange for course credit, or shadow opportunities, with a Garnet Health staff member, please call Organizational Development & Learning at 845-333-0226
• For clinical hours in exchange for course credit with a physician, or to shadow a physician, please call Medical Staffing at 845-333-3528

To apply to the Volunteer Program, please visit the application portal.

Contact Us

Maureen Roche
Manager, Volunteer Services
845-333-0213
Mroche1@garnethealth.org

April Alvarado
Coordinator, Volunteer Services
845-333-0218
Aalvarado@garnethealth.org

Volunteers provide valuable services at Garnet Health Medical Center – Catskills in Harris and in Callicoon. Our volunteers come from all walks of life: seniors, business people, students, seasonal residents and homemakers.

For more information about our volunteer program, please call us at: 845-333-8785

Volunteer Service Activities

Hours and days are flexible. Volunteers can create their own schedules. The following service activities for volunteers, include:

• Patient Care
• Health Services
• Patient Advocacy
• Radiology
• Laboratory
• Human Resources
• Public Relations
• Pastoral Care
• Music Therapy
• Fundraising
• Gift Shop
• Lobby Services
• Hospitality
• Clerical
• Recreation Activities
• Patient Escort Service
• Patient Room Service
• No One Dies Alone (NODA)

Garnet Health Medical Center – Catskills provides complimentary meals in the hospital cafeteria for volunteers who work at least 6 hours.

Patient and Family Advisory Council

Garnet Health Medical Center – Catskills is proud to announce a new Patient and Family Advisory Council to enhance the overall patient experience. We are currently seeking community members to become advisors.

Ideal candidates from the community will:

• Not let their personal experiences affect their contribution to the Council
• Share insight and experience in productive ways
• Have an open mind and respect opposing opinions
• Be excellent listeners
• Collaborate effectively to reach solutions
• Have a passion for enhancing the healthcare experience

To learn more about the Patient and Family Advisory Council, download our Patient and Family Advisory Council Flyer.

Apply

To apply to become a Patient and Family Advisory Council member, please download the following Application Form.

Please submit application to:
Garnet Health Medical Center – Catskills
Attn: Jodi Goodman
P.O. Box 800 Harris, NY 12742

For more information on becoming a Patient and Family Advisor, contact Jodi Goodman at jgoodman@garnethealth.org or call 845-333-8785