| MultiCare Volunteer Services |
Frequently Asked Questions about Volunteering
Is there a minimum age?
Age requirements vary by unit and location. Volunteers interested in opportunities at Good Samaritan must be at least 14 years of age and in the 9th grade. At all other hospital locations you must be at least 15 and in the 9th grade and at least 16 to volunteer in direct patient care areas. Other positions require volunteers to be at least 18 years of age or even 21. Please read our list of volunteer opportunities for specific age restrictions.
Is there a required commitment?
Many of the hospital based programs would like you to commit to at least 100 hours of service. This would mean a commitment of at least two to four hours per week for six months to one year.
If you are hoping to volunteer more short term you might think about the event volunteer opportunities which can require as little as four hours one day or one day per month leading up to an event.
If you are over 55, you might want to consider Celebrate Seniority, which provides different scheduled volunteer activities and is connected to various programs throughout MultiCare.
Is there an application process?
Yes, our application is available here on our web site. Applications are reviewed and each applicant is called to determine potential placement. Applications will then be assigned to a coordinator for an interview or scheduled for an orientation. Under normal circumstances, you should receive a call regarding your application within 7-10 days of applying on line; allow a few extra days when mailing in your application.
If you are interested in any of the events, please follow the links to their page on the volunteer opportunity page.
What will happen after I apply in order for me to start volunteering?
Each experience is a little different depending on the opportunity. Everyone will receive a call regarding their application and from there the person who contacts you will assist you through the next steps.
What do I do if I don’t hear from anyone regarding my application?
If you have not heard from someone in volunteer services within 7-10 days from the date you submitted your application, please call 253-679-1575. Please allow a little more time around holidays to account for office closures.
What opportunities are available to me as a volunteer?
We have many interesting volunteer opportunities available! This link will provide you a look at several volunteer opportunities with MultiCare. Placement is dependant on many factors, and we will be able to discuss in depth possible placements once your application is received.
How soon can I start?
We realize that you are eager to join our volunteer team. It can take up to a month or more to become a new volunteer. This is because we must follow a very detailed process to ensure a safe and healthy environment for you, our patients and visitors. Sometimes, it may take longer depending on your need, area of interest and other related factors.
If you need volunteer hours quickly, you can explore some of the events and other ways to volunteer on our opportunities page.
Can I volunteer for community service hours?
Yes, if it is for school or for a service program such as AmeriCorps Students in Service. If it is court appointed, we are unfortunately unable to place you.
What opportunities are currently available?
Often availability of opportunities change from day to day, so it is often hard to know what is available as volunteers come and go. If you are interested in a particular area that has no current openings we are always happy to place you on a waiting list.
Where will I be able to volunteer?
You can volunteer in many different areas of the hospital, please read the opportunity page for specific options, but your placement will depend on the departments needs, your availability and your ability to meet the minimum requirements of the volunteer role.
Some special events utilize volunteers throughout the year as well as on the day of the event, so you will need to contact the event contact person directly for specific times and days.
Can we volunteer as a family?
The majority of our volunteer roles do not allow for group volunteers, including families. Sometimes we are able to place family members in different units within a given hospital at similar times during the day.
You may be able to assist in certain events or provide support in other ways. Some of the ideas are listed on the opportunities page.
Will I be able to observe health care professionals while I volunteer?
Of course you will work closely with health care professionals in many of the volunteer roles that we offer, but true observation is best suited to a job shadow. Job shadows require a different application process; applications can be filled out here.