Volunteer Opportunities | Ascension
Ascension Saint Joseph - Chicago
Locations

Ascension Saint Joseph - Chicago

  • Hospital/Medical Center
  • Weight-loss and bariatric surgery
  • Cardiology
  • Mental Health
  • Neurology

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer at Ascension Saint Joseph - Chicago and make a difference in the lives of our patients, their families, and our care teams.

Call - 773-665-3167

Email Us

At Ascension Saint Joseph - Chicago, we work together to make a difference in the lives of patients, their friends and families, and our care teams. Volunteers are active in customer service, provide office and clerical support and perform other essential errands throughout the hospital and outpatient care departments.

Why volunteer at Ascension Saint Joseph - Chicago?

Many people join our Volunteer Services department because they enjoy caring for and helping others. They are interested in healthcare, or are looking for ways to give back to the community.

  • Students and those interested in a new career can gain exposure to various parts of healthcare before committing to a college major or career path
  • Older adults find volunteering is a great way to stay active and know they are making a meaningful contribution to other people's lives

Age requirements

Minimum age of 15 years at time of application (parental consent is required for minors).

Onboarding process

  1. Attend a volunteer orientation to:
    • Complete an application
    • Learn about the health requirements
    • Fulfill initial competency training and education
    • Sign attestations and background check release
  2. Complete health requirements (with hospital's Associate Health Department- at no cost to you)
    • Tuberculosis screening
    • Provide proof of vaccination records
    • Annual influenza vaccine
  3. Complete a 1-on-1 meeting with the volunteer services manager to determine opportunities for placement

Performance expectations

Volunteers must provide a minimum of four hours of service each week for at least a six-month commitment (summer volunteer placements are available). Once you've attended an orientation, health requirements can take approximately three weeks to complete.

Volunteer roles

Volunteers provide support to clinical and non-clinical areas throughout the hospital, including:

  • In-patient Units - Patient Advocate, Unit Assistant
  • Emergency Dept.- Patient Advocate, Dept. Assistant
  • Spiritual Services - Eucharistic Minister, Mass Assistant, Dept. Assistant
  • ICU- Greeter, Receptionist
  • Heart Station - Clerical Support, Greeter
  • Clinical Nutrition - Clerical Support, Data Entry
  • Recreation Therapy - Patient Activities, 1:1 Room Visitor, Department Assistant
  • Volunteer Center - Receptionist, Clerical, Department Assistant
  • Rehabilitation Services and Therapy Gym - PT/OT Therapist Assistant, patient visits
  • Out-patient Surgery - Greeter, Unit Assistant
  • Patient and Family Centered Care - Guest Services Support, Computer and Clerical
  • Patient Wellness Cart - Distribution of leisure materials and visits at bedside
  • Center for Cancer Care - Clinic Escort, Wig Fitter, Creative Arts Program, Dept. Assistant
  • Maternal and Child Unit - Patient Advocate, Scones and Tea Program, Welcome Gifts
  • Clothes Closet Resale Shop - Shopkeeper
  • Café and Dietary - Cafe Assistant, Patient Utensil Prep, Dept. Assistant
  • Community Health Outreach - Department Assistant
  • Gift Shop - Merchandise Assistant
  • Way Find - Escort or Greeter
  • Imaging and Radiology - Clerical, Greeters, mass mailings
  • Music as Medicine and Music Pharmacy Programs - Music at bedside and patient group settings
  • Pet Therapy - Dog Handler, Team Assistant
  • Laugher and Magic Therapy - Magic, Humor, Balloon Animals at bedside, group settings
  • Manicures at Bedside
  • Green Thumb - Patient Plants, Flower Care and TLC visits

Benefits

  • Rewarding personal experience and satisfaction that comes with making a difference
  • An opportunity to get familiar with and explore new career paths
  • Meal voucher at no charge
  • Uniforms at no charge
  • Flu Vaccine at no charge
  • Parking at no charge
  • Annual Recognition and Appreciation Celebration

Clothes Closet Resale Shop

Ascension Saint Joseph - Chicago’s Clothes Closet Resale Shop has a 45-year tradition of providing apparel and household items for very low prices:

  • Items offered include gently used women's, men's and children's clothes, books, housewares, jewelry, toys and more
  • Sales take place on the Ground Level of the Medical Office Building adjacent to the hospital, 2913 North Commonwealth Ave. 773-665-3688
  • Shop Hours - Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Donations can be made during the shop hours and in our Donation Drop-off Box located on the 2nd floor of the Medical Office Building. Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.