Since 1903, Glens Falls Hospital has been fortunate to have the support of thousands of dedicated volunteers who have chosen to give back through our community hospital. Volunteering is a fun, easy, and rewarding way to support our friends and neighbors who need it most. Our team is made up of active, friendly, and welcoming professionals from a wide variety of backgrounds who care for our patients, visitors, and employees. Our goal is to match our volunteers to rewarding experiences. Each volunteer is individually interviewed so we can ensure we match their interests to the needs of the hospital in the most meaningful way. Glens Falls Hospital can use the support of our community now more than ever and we’re looking to add to our amazing volunteer team with more dedicated and compassionate individuals!
How do I become a Volunteer at GFH?
Step 1 – Fully complete and submit an online application.
Step 2 – Interview with our Director of Volunteer Services.
Step 3 – Make an appointment with our employee health team. All on-site volunteers are required to be cleared through our employee health department prior to volunteering.
Step 4 – Complete and return all required paperwork received during Step 2 to the Director of Volunteer Services.
Step 5 – Complete a GFH Orientation, obtain a photo ID, and make arrangements for your schedule and first day!
What types of volunteers are there at GFH?
Our volunteer team is comprised of General (Adult) Volunteers (18+), Pet Therapy Handlers, Junior Volunteers (ages 16 to 18), Off-Site Volunteers, and Special Event Volunteers.
General or Adult Volunteers assist GFH on-site in a variety of manners at the hospital or at our other GFH locations. See detailed opportunities below.
Pet Therapy Handlers are Adult Volunteers who have a certified therapy dog through an insured organization recognized by the American Kennel Club. (i.e. Therapy Dogs International)
Junior Volunteers are between the ages of 16 and 18 and have the opportunity to gain experience in a hospital setting and contribute to GFH through meaningful service as a greeter / courier, with our book & magazine cart, mailings and occasional special events. * All Junior Volunteers are required to receive parental or guardian consent throughout the process. It’s important to note that proper orientation for all Jr. Volunteer includes appropriate shadowing time with one of our Adult Volunteers and is subject to their availability. Most Jr. Volunteer opportunities are available primarily during Summer and other seasonal breaks.
Off-Site Volunteers are typically Adult Volunteers who choose to contribute their time and energy off-site in meaningful ways such as knitting or crocheting blankets & hats for our cancer patients or walker bags for our rehabilitation patients amongst other meaningful off-site contributions.
Special Event Volunteers are Adult or Jr. Volunteers who assist only with special events such as our Annual 5K or Holiday entertainment opportunities.
What health requirements are there to volunteer at GFH?
GFH places the health and well-being of our patients, visitors, employees, and volunteers as our highest priority. Our on-site volunteers follow the same procedures as our employees and are required to have an in-person health assessment and clearance from our Employee Health team prior to volunteering. All information discussed is entirely confidential and is protected by HIPPA regulations. * After initial on-boarding, each volunteer is required to have a brief annual assessment with employee health during their birth month to keep all records up to date.
What records should I be prepared to bring to my health assessment?
- 2 MMR vaccines or titers showing immunity for rubella, rubeola and mumps.
- 2 Varicella vaccines or titer showing immunity.
- Flu shot during flu season; required.
- Covid vaccination; highly recommended and strongly encouraged – not required.
- 2 step PPD negative; negative Quantiferon gold within the past 30 days.
* Preference is to have Hep B and Tdap dependent on department volunteering in.
What happens if I do not have all of the required documentation?
Our Employee Health team is happy to help and if needed, can draw and test lab specimens to satisfy any requirements.
Are there always openings to volunteer at GFH?
It depends on the position, type of volunteer, and time of year. We have been actively working to build back our volunteer core since the height of the Pandemic. We’re happy to report strong growth in 2023 and expect that to continue in 2024. As positions fill, availability will be impacted. However, there are always several ways to assist GFH.
What happens if I start and am no longer enjoying my initial position?
One of our top priorities is that our volunteers feel happy in their role and supported. If at any time, a volunteer no longer feels their position is the right fit, our Director of Volunteer Services would be happy to discuss the possibilities of finding a role that you find meaningful and enjoyable.
Who can I speak with if I have any questions or would like clarification on Volunteering at GFH?
Our Director of Volunteer Services would be happy to answer any questions you may have at 518-926-2780 or e-mail us at lyonstc@glensfallshosp.org.
How do I apply?
You can apply on-line as a General Volunteer by clicking here or as a Junior Volunteer by clicking here. Paper applications are available through the Volunteer Services Offices and arrangements can be made to pick one up by calling 518-926-2780.
What kinds of positions are available and when are the shifts?
Please see below a list of our current openings. Typically, our on-site shifts are between three and four hour blocks and cover an AM or PM shift. Most of our core positions are Monday through Friday, but we do have weekend positions available. ( i.e. Greeters, the Patient Courtesy Cart, etc. ) Generally speaking we are flexible with times when we have an open position and are willing to work with your schedule whenever possible.
Open Positions
Greeters and Couriers
Warmly welcome our patients, visitors and colleagues with a smile. Actively assist with wayfinding, information, deliveries, and more.
Courtesy Cart
Bring books, magazines, words games and great customer service to our patient floors and common areas.
Junior Volunteer Mentors
Enjoy working with teens? Help us to rebuild and reimagine our Junior Volunteer Program and inspire our future healthcare workforce!
Pet Therapy
We’re building a fuzzy team of joy! All our therapy dogs are required to have a current certification and registration with a bonded therapy dog organization.
Emergency Department
Lend a hand to our Emergency Department team through helping provide comfort behind the scenes.
Amanda’s House
Help us to provide support to patients and visitors who need a comfortable home away from home at Amanda’s House. Learn more by clicking here.
Musicians
Help us to bring the power of music to GFH! We’re looking to add to our wonderful volunteer musicians who play for our patients, visitors, and employees in our common spaces and privately for patients.
Clerical Support
Help us with this important work to keep our patients and departments informed, organized, and supported behind the scenes.
Special Events & Fundraising
Lend your time and talents to assisting with our special events such as our annual Aloha 5K, Red Cross Blood Drives, Fundraisers and more!
Learn more and apply online today!
General Volunteer Application Form