Adult Volunteer
Volunteers at Iowa Methodist, Iowa Lutheran and Methodist West make a difference for our patients, families and staff at the hospitals. We have opportunities for men and women. There can be opportunities both in patient care areas and non-patient areas such as the gift shop, family waiting rooms, clerical support, and more. A typical volunteer assignment is once a week for 2-4 hours. We ask our volunteers to make a six-month commitment.
Requirements to becoming a volunteer:
- Have a desire to help and become a part of our health care team.
- Complete a volunteer application (including contact information for 3 personal references).
- Complete a simple health screening at no cost to you. A seasonal flu vaccine is required.
- Pass a criminal background and dependent adult/child abuse registry check.
- Attend a placement interview/orientation session.
- Complete necessary training.
All UnityPoint Des Moines hospitals have the same requirements. Please contact the hospital of your choice for specifics.
Our Campuses
Iowa Methodist and Blank Children's Hospital
ALL BLANK VOLUNTEER OPENINGS ON WEEKEND AND EVENINGS ARE FULL. ONLY DAYTIME/WEEKDAYS AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME. Apply Here!
The Volunteer Cuddler Program is FULL.
Volunteer opportunities at Blank working with children are limited as well. Only a few spots still available.
HELP PROGRAM
What is HELP? The Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) was developed by health care experts at Yale University to prevent delirium and physical decline in hospitalized older adults. HELP is now part of quality health care in more than 200 hospitals in the United States and internationally.
The Hospital Elder Life Program at UnityPoint Health works with nurses, doctors and other health care professionals. HELP staff and volunteers receive special program training and education to provide activities and services to assist in keeping patients engaged and active.
If interested, please contact Volunteer Services at Iowa Methodist at 515.241.6414 for details.
Iowa Lutheran Hospital
Please fill out the Iowa Lutheran Hospital Volunteer Form (on the left) or apply here to request additional information about how to become a volunteer or call 515-263-5227. A few of our volunteer opportunities are highlighted below:
Escort
Do you enjoy talking with people? Would you like to get exercise by walking while you give of your time? Are you good at putting people at ease? Then we need you! We are looking for compassionate individuals to be stationed at the main entrance of the hospital to escort patients to departments or to various testing areas. There are three shifts Monday through Friday: 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., or 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Surgical Waiting Room Host/Hostess
We are looking for volunteers who enjoy interacting with families and staff and who would love to assist anxious families by serving as a host/hostess and as a liaison between families of patients and staff in this fast paced environment. Volunteers will also make coffee, track families and provide communication. Volunteers assist in the surgical waiting room during two shifts Monday through Friday: 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
SHIIP Counselor
Do you enjoy working one on one with people and problem solving? Love a good mystery? Then the Senior Health Insurance Information Program might be for you! We are in need of volunteer counselors that provide helpful information regarding Medicare coverage, Medicare supplemental insurance, long term care insurance or filing of Medicare claims for people 60 years of age and over. Counselors are trained through the Insurance Commissioner's Office. Once trained must be able to analyze Medicare plans; work independently and have a positive problem solving outlook. Very flexible scheduling.
Volunteer Office Receptionist
Are you looking for a fun and engaging activity in which you could use your office experience to help others in a friendly atmosphere? Our volunteer receptionist position may be exactly what you are looking for. Volunteer receptionists use their time and talents to assist in answering the telephone, greeting customers, managing small projects and completing basic computer tasks, etc. Their strong customer service skills helps set the tone for anyone coming into the volunteer office. From walk-in client questions to running errands and helping with projects, the volunteer receptionist is vital to helping the office run smoothly and efficiently.
A variety of shifts are available. Monday – Friday 8:30- 12:30 and 12:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Methodist West Hospital
Rehabilitation Therapy Clinic Volunteer
We are looking for volunteers that desire an active position with quite a bit of autonomy. These positions will be located at the UnityPoint Health-Des Moines Rehabilitation Therapy Clinic at 2850 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines. Duties include (but are not limited to): escorting patients, explanation of patient forms, restocking of linens, organization of equipment in clinical areas, data entry, socializing with patients and visitors, and light cleaning. Shifts are available each weekday from 9am – Noon. For details or to apply, please contact Volunteer Services or email our office manager: (515)343-1645 or Kiley.marin@unitypoint.org.
Super Subs
Are you interested in volunteering at Methodist West Hospital but unsure of what you would like to do? Becoming a Super Sub might just be your answer! Super Subs are cross-trained in different positions throughout the hospital. This could include serving as an Ambassador (escorting patients and families to destinations), Surgical Waiting Room Attendant and/or maintaining the Welcome Center. You would have the opportunity to find what you enjoy by getting hands-on experience. This usually leads to a permanent position in the area you are most interested in.