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McLean Hospital volunteers assist the hospital with its mission of outstanding patient care, research, and education, fulfilling a variety of needs throughout the hospital. The hospital benefits from the insight volunteers provide and the information about mental illness, treatment, and hospital goals that they take back to the community. Our volunteers come from across the United States and vary in age, background, personality, and skills. We are especially interested in individuals with musical talent and/or arts and crafts skills.
Volunteers provide assistance throughout the hospital including roles in McLean’s clinical and research programs, administrative departments, patient education programs, and at the Jonathan O. Cole Mental Health Consumer Resource Center. However, labor regulations do not allow a person to volunteer or otherwise perform services for free if the services are those for which we typically pay employees.
Volunteers work a specified schedule for a predetermined period of time under the direct supervision of hospital staff. Staff members are grateful for the assistance of volunteers and appreciate their energy, enthusiasm, and dedication.
For more information, please contact Volunteer Services at 617.855.2118.
Potential volunteers complete an application form and are interviewed by the Volunteer Services coordinator and the supervisor of the area where the volunteer will be placed. The applicant’s interests, skills, motivation, and scheduling availability are thoroughly explored.
We match an applicant’s qualifications and interests with the needs of the areas to be served. The applicant is referred to the appropriate staff person for an interview and a final decision concerning acceptance.
While qualifications vary according to the position, these qualities are essential in all volunteer assignments: stability, dependability, ability to relate to people, and the ability to make a commitment to the required schedule. Volunteers must be 18 years of age, or have written parental consent, and, like all hospital employees and trainees, must complete a Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check prior to acceptance.
All new volunteers are required to attend McLean Hospital New Employee Orientation which provides information on fire/safety, infection control, hospital mission and governance structure, quality improvement, compliance, patient confidentiality, incident reporting, media guidelines, hospital and human resources policies, guidelines for conduct with patients, and information on patient rights. All volunteers must also receive a TB test.
Important: Please be sure to bring a photo ID to the orientation session.
Volunteers also follow the volunteer guidelines and policies including:
Keeping track of volunteer time is easy and convenient. Volunteers received a year-long timesheet which is returned to the Volunteer Services coordinator either at the time of termination or at the end of each year.
At the time of termination, supervisory staff completes an evaluation for each volunteer for inclusion with the individual’s record. This information is reviewed with the volunteer.
McLean’s Human Resources Department is pleased to offer a full range of discounts and perks to volunteers, including:
For more information about volunteer perks, please contact the Human Resources Department at 617.855.3444.