Write a new chapter in your story by becoming part of theirs.
We are endowed with an extraordinary team of volunteers who make a difference through indispensable service to patients, families and staff. If you are interested in learning more about how you can serve, we invite you to explore our volunteer opportunities.
Before you apply, please take a moment to review our Volunteer Fact Sheet, which can help you determine how your interests match needs at Riley at IU Health. We encourage potential volunteers to get acquainted with the process prior to applying for a volunteer position. Becoming a volunteer is a significant commitment of time and effort and sometimes requires several trips to the Riley at IU Health campus in downtown Indianapolis. Before beginning a position, volunteers go through interviews, health assessments, a background check and orientation.
Volunteer Opportunities at Riley at IU Health
Volunteers are involved at Riley at IU Health in many ways, and shifts vary depending on the service area. Our greatest need for volunteers is Monday – Friday, 9 am – 1 pm or 1 pm – 5 pm.
We accept volunteer applications from anyone over the age of 18 who has graduated from high school. All volunteers are placed by Volunteer Services. We make an effort to place individuals in a position of their interests, depending on the availability of each position. Here are just a few examples of opportunities:
- Guide a Guest. Volunteers greet and welcome visitors in the hospital. Volunteers may also share information with visitors and patients, including directions on how to find hospital services, patients or staff. Guides provide wheelchairs/wagons to patients and visitors as needed.
- Child Life. Volunteers help our Child Life staff provide patients with play opportunities and activities that reduce stress and anxiety. They also support families and staff. This position requires experience working with children.
- Library. Volunteers in this position assist library patrons with use of library materials and equipment, and they assist library staff with other duties necessary to the Edward A. Block Family Library operations.
- Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Limited opportunities are available in our NICUs for holding and rocking babies. Volunteers must complete a minimum service of six months to a year before they are eligible for service in our NICU and must demonstrate exceptional work ethic and dependability before being placed. We cannot always guarantee placement in our NICU’s even when the minimum service has been met.
- Gift Shop Assistant. Volunteers assist team members by stocking and inventorying merchandise, assisting customers and creating a quality customer service environment. Strong customer service skills are essential, and extensive walking may be required.
- Pet Therapy. Pet owners who volunteer for this type of service are people who enjoy sharing the unique talents and abilities of their dogs with others. Learn more about volunteering with your dog by visiting our pet therapy program.
- Family Advisors. These volunteers are parents of Riley at IU Health patients who help improve the hospital experience for others. Family Advisors can tell their story as Family Faculty to educate new staff, serve as parent to parent mentors, comment on proposed policies or programs as E-Advisors or Focus Group participants or serve as members of committees, work groups or councils, including the Pediatric Patient and Family Advisory Council. For more information, please email the Coordinator of Patient Experience at rileyfamilies@iuhealth.org.
Seasonal one-time event opportunities are filled for 2016.
How to Apply
You can apply for a volunteer position by completing an online application.
