Volunteer Opportunities
Somerset: 908-685-2952
Welcome to RWJ Somerset Volunteer Services!
Volunteers provide a vital part of the high-quality care that Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset is known for, and help us enhance the patient experience every day.
By becoming a volunteer at RWJUH Somerset, you are choosing to be part of a dynamic team who truly touches the lives of patients, families, visitors, and staff. By contributing both your time and talent, you’ll be helping others, meeting new people and learning new skills. While this is a very rewarding experience, it also requires a significant commitment--both in terms of service hours and the prerequisites that must be met as part of our process.
We offer a wide variety of volunteer opportunities and invite you to learn more:
Frequently Asked Questions
WHY SHOULD I VOLUNTEER AT RWJUH SOMERSET?
While volunteers offer their services free of charge, they receive many benefits: They meet new people, make new friends, share their knowledge or learn new skills, and most of all, volunteers receive the satisfaction that comes from being needed and helping others. Volunteering at RWJUH Somerset gives you the opportunity to experience all of this in a world-class health care setting. Having a background in volunteer services can also be beneficial when you are applying for education or employment opportunities.
DO YOU ALWAYS NEED VOLUNTEERS?
We almost always need qualified and committed adult volunteers. At certain times of the year, our Teen Volunteer program reaches capacity and we cannot accept new applications at those times.
WILL I BE ABLE TO SHADOW A DOCTOR, OTHER HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL OR HAVE A CLINICAL EXPERIENCE WHEN I VOLUNTEER AT THE MEDICAL CENTER?
Volunteers serve to meet the non-clinical needs of the hospital. The Volunteer Services department does not offer internship or shadowing opportunities. Volunteers do not provide or participate in clinical care.
IF I BECOME A VOLUNTEER, WILL I GET A JOB AT THE HOSPITAL?
While volunteering is a great way to enhance your resume, it is not a way to increase your chance of employment at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset. If you are seeking employment, please go to our Career site.
WHAT IS THE TIME COMMITMENT REQUIRED FOR BEING A VOLUNTEER?
The minimum time commitment is two to four hours per week for one year with 100 hours of service. You must be able to commit to volunteering on a weekly basis.
WHAT ARE THE HOURS?
Volunteer shifts are available mornings, afternoons and evenings, seven days a week. There are a wide variety of volunteer opportunities and shifts available.
CAN I CHOOSE MY VOLUNTEER ASSIGNMENT?
We listen carefully to prospective volunteers' interests and goals during the interview process and make every effort to place them in positions that will be interesting to them and applicable to their skill set, while still meeting the needs of the hospital. Every effort is made to place a volunteer in their preferred area, but it is not always possible.
WHAT ARE THE AGE REQUIREMENTS?
The minimum age to volunteer is 15 years of age and a sophomore in high school for the Teen Volunteer program. Adults, including college students, of all ages are welcome to join the Adult program.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR A VOLUNTEER APPLICATION TO BE PROCESSED?
On average, the entire process takes several weeks. All application requirements must be met prior to starting.
IS THERE A DRESS CODE?
Yes, all volunteers are asked to purchase their volunteer uniform or shirt (cost $10). A professional, groomed appearance is required for all volunteers at all times.
HOW DO I APPLY FOR THE ADULT VOLUNTEER PROGRAM?
Adult applicants, including college students, are encouraged to apply online. Find additional information about our adult volunteer program here.
HOW DO I APPLY FOR THE TEEN VOLUNTEER PROGRAM?
Applicants for our Teen Volunteer program (high school sophomores and juniors age 15 – 18) must call the Volunteer Services department for a brief phone interview and to request an application. Applications are only sent after speaking with the interested volunteer, not the parent or guardian. Please call 908-685-2952. You can find additional information about our teen volunteer program here.
CAN I VOLUNTEER FOR JUST THE SUMMER?
Unfortunately, our program requires a full year commitment. As such, summer only (or other school breaks) opportunities are not available.
For more information about volunteering at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset, please call: 908-685-2952.
