Volunteer Opportunities | Boston Medical Center

Volunteers are placed throughout the hospital in many different areas helping in many different ways, based on department need. All of our volunteers serve in one of two roles initially, volunteer ambassador or entertainment cart. A wide range of roles are available to transfer into dependent on hospital need, skills, and schedule. See below for areas of opportunities and examples of volunteer positions.

Volunteer Services Photographer: The Volunteer Services Photographer will be responsible for taking photographs of BMC volunteers, events, gatherings, in compliance with privacy and confidentiality policies at BMC. They will collaborate with other volunteers, staff and Marketing/Communication to identify content needs and share visual stories.

Name of Volunteer Position: Volunteer Services Photographer

Location: Volunteer Services Office, BMCHS Staff

Contacts: Volunteer Services Staff

Purpose: The Volunteer Services Photographer will be responsible for taking photographs of BMC volunteers, events, gatherings, in compliance with privacy and confidentiality policies at BMC.

Description (includes duties, responsibilities, what the volunteer may learn or gain in experience, any special abilities needed, etc.):

Capture high-quality visual content
Document events, activities, and situations relevant to BMC Volunteer Services.
Attend and photograph variety of events
Create visual content for various purposes, such as social media, websites, reports, and other communication materials.
Ensure images align with brand and mission Collaborate with other volunteers, staff and Marketing/Communication to identify content needs and share visual stories.
Provide own equipment, manage photo releases and permissions, obtain necessary photo releases to ensure compliance with privacy policies.
Take individual and group photographs of BMC volunteers across the BMCHS Catalogue a photograph file/library
Requirements Organizational skills
Able to be flexible with scheduling
Photography skills: Demonstrated ability to capture clear, well-composed, and creatively engaging photographs.
Technical proficiency: Knowledge of photography equipment and techniques.
Creativity and artistic vision: Ability to develop compelling and impactful visuals.
Reliability and punctuality: Ability to meet deadlines and arrive on time for events.
Communication skills: Ability to collaborate effectively with other volunteers and staff.
Passion for photography and the organization's mission: A genuine interest in documenting and sharing BMC’s work
Ideal Characteristics/ Background
Interest in medical care
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Creativity Computer skills for editing and printing or sending photographs.
Ability to take direction
Ability to take on responsibility
Multiple language skills welcome

Examples of Roles

SNICU Volunteer: Volunteers help bridge communication and interaction between the Surgical Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit (SNICU) medical team and families in the SNICU waiting area who are there to see a patient in the SNICU. Volunteers provide support and information.

Social Work Clothing Bank Volunteer: Care Management Social Work attempts to provide appropriate clothing and additional resources for patients who are discharged from the hospital and need material support. Volunteers will help with the organization, stocking, inventory and preparation for distribution of clothing items in the Social Work Clothing Bank storage and distribution unit, located in Yawkey Building, basement level.

Volunteer Services Admin Support: This role is crucial in helping us engage passionate and committed volunteers to support our mission at BMC. As a volunteer admin support, your responsibility could include entering and updating data into our systems, reviewing applications, supporting new volunteer onboarding, making welcome calls, and more.

Family Medicine Greeter Role: Volunteers greet patients, escort them to appointments, and provide administrative support. They also keep patients informed about wait times, ensuring clear communication between staff and patients.

Ambassador: Volunteers do the important task of welcoming patients and visitors to the medical campus. They provide directions, escort patients to appointments, and ensure everyone feels comfortable and supported as they navigate the facility.

Hematology Oncology Patient Support: The Hematology and Medical Oncology Patient Support Volunteer provides companionship, emotional support and encouragement through time spent with patients. This is done through listening, engaging and assistance, in collaboration with the medical staff. This may include one on one interactions or leading group activities.

Step Down Unit: The Step Down Unit Patient Support Volunteer will provide companionship, emotional support and encouragement through time spent with patients through listening, engaging and assistance, in collaboration with the medical staff.

Entertainment Cart: Volunteers brighten waiting rooms by delivering books, magazines, puzzles, and coloring activities to patients and guests. This role provides opportunities for friendly conversation and engagement, especially appreciated by families with young children waiting for appointments.

Teaching Kitchen Special Projects Volunteer: Teaching Kitchen Volunteers support the program of the teaching kitchen through assisting classes, supporting programming goals, and engaging the community in healthy eating education.

Research Volunteer: Volunteers in research roles assist in existing projects by working with data, recruiting participants, and other tasks that support the research project.