Compassion When Needed Most

CHKD volunteers lend that special touch, go that extra smile and offer that willing pair of hands to help make the difference in the care we are known for.

We promise "great rewards" to the unselfish individual who comes to CHKD with a desire to help. That's because we believe no reward is greater than the satisfying feeling you get when you labor unselfishly for others, especially for sick children. Whatever your need, we'll try to match it to ours. We can help you give the greatest gift of all. All you need to do is spare a little time and share a little of yourself.

Program Requirements

Please carefully review the CHKD volunteer program requirements prior to applying. If you have specific questions concerning the program, you may reach us at (757) 668-7195 or Volunteer.Services@chkd.org. 

  • This page is for the adult volunteer program at CKHD. All online applicants must be at least 18 years of age and no longer enrolled in high school. For junior volunteer information, click here. 
  • The CHKD volunteer program requires an individual commitment. We do not offer group volunteer opportunities.
  • The application process includes a personal interview, criminal background investigation, submission of personal health records and successful completion of volunteer orientation(s). Please note that CHKD does not accept volunteers for court mandated volunteer hours. While COVID-19 vaccination is highly recommended, it is not mandatory at this time. CHKD maintains a mandatory influenza vaccination policy during flu season.
  • Volunteers agree to maintain a regular schedule of at least four shifts per month.
  • Volunteers agree to a minimum commitment level of 60 hours of volunteer services before separating from the program. This typically takes approximately six months.

Volunteer Opportunities

Graphic Link_Volounteer Opportunities

Volunteer opportunities are endless at CHKD. We offer a variety of volunteer experiences based on your personal interests. Our volunteers commit to a consistent and ongoing schedule. If you have special talents, please let us know. We are always interested in developing new services. 

Steps to Becoming a CHKD Volunteer

Because we place the utmost importance on the safety and health of our patients, becoming a volunteer is a series of “steps.”

Apply to Become a CHKD Volunteer

Apply. Please fill out the online application by clicking on the “Apply Now” button. SUMMER TEEN APPLICANTS - DO NOT APPLY HERE. This application is for adult volunteer applicants only.

Graphic Link_Apply Now

Step Two: Contact volunteer services at (757) 668-7195 to schedule your personal interview. Interviews are conducted between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Step Three: Gather any of the following personal health information listed below and bring it with you to your personal interview. If you do not have the required immunization records your options for obtaining either the records or the immunizations will be discussed with you at the time of the interview. Please do not incur any costs associated with these requirements prior to your interview and acceptance into the program.

  • Proof of two (2) MMR (Mumps, Measles, Rubella) immunizations since birth or lab work indicating immunity to MMR. Applicants born prior to 1957 may be exempt from this requirement. If you do not have access to this record, we will discuss your options at your interview.
  • Verification of immunity or history of chicken pox (varicella) to include either documentation of two varicella vaccines, lab work showing immunity to varicella, documentation of shingles vaccination or verbal history of disease prior to 1984 with acceptable completion of Evidence of Immunity to Varicella Worksheet. Again, your options can be discussed at your interview.
  • Tuberculosis (TB) testing and/or screening will depend on your assignment. If you have TB skin test (PPD) results or blood titer results from within the past year, please bring those records with you to your interview. If you do not have current records, your options will be discussed at your interview. Volunteers with direct patient contact must meet a 2-step PPD testing requirement. Volunteers without patient contact will be screened for exposure through a TB Risk Assessment form. All volunteers will complete an annual TB Risk Assessment survey annually. If you have previously tested positive during TB testing, please bring the results of your most recent chest X-ray.

Next Steps: Based on the interview and the hospital's current volunteer needs, you may be accepted and asked to complete an online background/security clearance. Your portion of the cost of this screening is $9.99.

The next step will be to complete an online general volunteer orientation. Uniforms are purchased through CHKD for $15.

After completing the application, screening, orientation process, and providing required health information, you will be ready to start as a scheduled volunteer. Additional training will be provided by the unit/department in which you volunteer.

Please note that CHKD does not accept volunteers for court mandated volunteer hours. In addition, CHKD has a nicotine free hiring and volunteering policy.

We appreciate your interest in sharing a little of your time with our patients and staff at CHKD.

Contact Volunteer Services

For additional information on volunteering at CHKD please call us at (757) 668-7195 or email us at volserv@chkd.org.