Volunteer Opportunities

Our health system thrives in a constantly changing environment that provides countless volunteer opportunities for you to use your skills or learn new ones. The volunteers at Henry Ford Jackson Hospital support a wide variety of clinical and nonclinical service areas and are an integral part of our team.

On a daily basis, the important work of our volunteers is seen and felt throughout our health system. While availability in specific areas will vary, volunteer opportunities may include the following.

• Greeting and escorting patients and families
• Assisting in the Lobby Gift Shop or Cafeteria
• Supporting business office staff
• Assisting staff in patient-care areas
• Visiting patients
• Working on special events and projects
• Creating handmade items for patients (such as blankets, pillowcases, baby items, and other comforts of all styles and sizes)

Volunteering for Hospice

Volunteers are part of the Hospice team that cares for patients at the end of life, and their families, by providing companionship, emotional support, or help with errands and household tasks. Hospice volunteers learn about the Henry Ford Jackson Hospice Program through a comprehensive training course that is offered free of charge and does not obligate participants to become volunteers.

At the completion of training, participants may choose an available position that best meets their interests and skills. Opportunities include the following:

• Patient home visits – Providing companionship, emotional support or help with errands or light housework
• Help at Henry Ford Jackson Hospice Home – Working at the reception desk or visiting with patients
• Office work – Helping with mailings, computer work, phone calling, copying, or preparations for special events and fundraisers
• Grief support – Assisting with grief support groups and events or providing emotional support for individuals and families grieving the loss of a loved one

Volunteer with our Hospice

You can choose to volunteer for a single event, or as often as you like. Because of the specific training required, Hospice volunteer activities are managed separately from our Volunteer Services Department. To receive more information, or to become a Hospice volunteer, please contact our Hospice Volunteer Coordinator at (517) 205-6982 or toll free at (888) 821-3256.

Summer Youth Volunteer Program

This volunteer program is designed for students who have completed at least one year of high school. The purpose of the program is to empower teens with leadership and communication skills and provide them with exposure to the hospital environment, while they contribute to the community. The eight-week program typically runs from mid-June through mid-August.