Welcome to the Department of Volunteer Services

Thank you for your interest in Harris Health System Volunteer Services. Harris Health System is a fully integrated healthcare system that cares for all residents of Harris County, Texas. We place volunteers throughout our system, which includes community health centers, three multi-specialty clinic locations, and two full-service hospitals.

Administrative Placements Administrative Placements text goes here
Ancillary Area Placements
Clinical Area Placements
Patient Experience Placements
Food Farmacy
Special Programs
Patient and Family Advisory Committees
Pet Therapy Placements
Virtual Placements
Undecided

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Icon /imageicon/question What is the minimum age to volunteer?
    The minimum age to volunteer is 18. However, for the Summer Junior Volunteer Program, the minimum age is 14. volunteering and what motivates you at this time in your life, and will notify you within three weeks whether you can proceed with the application process.
  • Icon /imageicon/stopwatch Where can I volunteer?
    lease review the available placements in the section above to see all available placements. We have placements at community health centers, specialty clinics, hospitals, and in virtual settings. There are placements with openings on weekdays, evenings, and weekends.
  • Icon /imageicon/hourglass How long does the application process take?
    The onboarding process takes an average of 4 weeks. Volunteers can minimize the total onboarding time by ensuring they submit complete and correct medical documentation, which is often the step that takes the most time.
  • Icon /imageicon/calendar3 What is the process to become an in-person volunteer?
    Complete an online application, undergo a criminal background check, submit required vaccination records, schedule and complete an Occupational Health appointment, complete online training, and attend a volunteer orientation with a volunteer manager. For more details about this process, please click here. [Link to Onboarding Process static page.] become available.
  • Icon /imageicon/Flag_US What vaccinations are required?
    • Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) positive titer or proof of two shots
    • Varicella (Chicken Pox) positive titer or proof of two shots
    • Pertussis must be a TDAP within 10 years
    • Flu shot Required September March
    • TB Titer Offered at no cost through Harris Health Occupational Health Clinics
  • Icon /imageicon/deadline I don t have those vaccinations. What do I do?
    Check with your healthcare provider or use these community resources to get the needed vaccines.
  • Icon /imageicon/app3 What is the process to become a virtual volunteer?
    Complete an online application, undergo a criminal background check, complete online training, and attend a volunteer orientation with a volunteer manager. Additional training may be required based on placement. For more details about this process, please click here. [Link to Virtual Volunteer Program static page.]
  • Icon /imageicon/compass Will I be able to shadow a physician?
    No. Volunteers are not assigned to physicians or other healthcare providers for shadowing. Volunteers are not permitted to provide clinical care for patients.

More FAQs

  • Icon /imageicon/contract Will volunteering lead to eventual employment?
    Volunteering provides great experience, but is completely separate from Harris Health System s human resources function.
  • Icon /imageicon/lock May I volunteer to complete court ordered community service?
    No. At this time, we do not provide opportunities for court-ordered service.
  • Icon /imageicon/category I have a group that would like to volunteer for a special occasion. Who do I need to speak with?
    Please contact Jennifer Buck at 713-873-3305.
  • Icon /imageicon/number_edit I would like to make a donation to Harris Health.
    Please click here to learn more about making donations to Harris Health here
  • Icon /imageicon/timemoney What is the required time commitment to volunteer?
    Volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum of 36 hours of service. Generally, volunteers serve a minimum of 3 6 months.
  • Icon /imageicon/compass2 Can I volunteer if I am not a citizen and/or do not have a green card?
    Yes.
  • Icon /imageicon/newmap Can I volunteer if I do not live in Harris County?
    Yes. Please see the Virtual Volunteer opportunities in the section above.
  • Icon /imageicon/clipboard What do I do if I ve volunteered in the past and wish to come back?
    Welcome back! Please login to the VSys Volunteer Portal, and click on the Applications tab. Complete and submit the Return Volunteer Application.