Volunteers have served our patients and families, including our most vulnerable populations, since we began in 1907. Volunteers are essential to our success.We bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives in an inclusive environment to support the needs of our patients and families.
When you volunteer, you join an impactful team that is the heart of Seattle Children's.
Steps to Becoming a Volunteer
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1. Review
Application Openings: 3 September 2024, March 2025, July 2025. Applications will remain open until they are filled.
Minimum Age: Applicants must meet the minimum age requirements at the time of application (at least 16 for some positions, 18 for others).
Shift Length and Commitment: Varies by position. Most shifts are 3 hours on the same day and time every week but may range from 2-4 hours.
Minimum Time Commitment: 6 months in a row for most positions, but may range from 3 to 9 months in a row.
Shift Times: Nearly all volunteer shifts are on weekdays (Monday - Friday) starting between 9am and 2pm. We have very few shifts in the evenings (starting after 3pm), weekend, and early morning (start at 6am).
Position Summaries: Click here to review
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2. Apply
Complete an application during an open application period
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3. Training
Complete a training checklist within 2 weeks of submitting your application. This includes self-guided online training modules and policy agreement forms.
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4. Interview
Accepted applicants will schedule and attend a 1-hour virtual group interview with Volunteer Services staff within 2 weeks of acceptance.
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5. Placement
Applicants whose interest, experience, availability, and fit align with an open position and shift will be offered placement. You will have 3 days to accept or decline the position and shift offered to you.
We cannot guarantee a volunteer role to everyone who applies and interviews. -
6. Onboarding
Placed applicants will complete an onboarding checklist within 30 days from acceptance of their position. This includes:
Attend a 90 minute virtual group Organizational Orientation
Authorize and clear a Washington State background check
Complete an in-person health screening through Seattle Children's Workforce Health and Safety (WHS) Clinic
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7. First Shift
You will receive First Shift Instructions for in-person training or shadowing. On or prior to your first shift you will:
Be issued a volunteer badge to keep for as long as you volunteer
Learn how to sign in and out for your volunteer shifts
Gain access to free on-site parking
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Start Your Application
Our volunteer onboarding process reflects Seattle Children's commitment to ensuring the health and safety of our patients, families, and workforce. If you have any questions or concerns, please email us at VolunteerServices@seattlechildrens.org or call our office at (206) 987-4655.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Where can I volunteer?
Volunteers currently serve in the Hospital and North Clinic locations:
Seattle Children's Hospital
4800 Sand Point Way NE
Seattle, WA 98105
Seattle Children's North Clinic in Everett
1815 13th St.
Everett, WA 98201
Volunteers may begin serving in the South Clinic and Bellevue Clinic locations as early as mid-2025:
Seattle Children's South Clinic in Federal Way
34920 Enchanted Pkwy. S
Federal Way, WA 98003
Seattle Children's Bellevue Clinic & Surgery Center
1500 116th Ave. NE
Bellevue, WA 98004 -
How is Volunteer Services promoting equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging?
Generations of racism and systems born from discriminatory policies have made clear that Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) students face greater health inequities and obstacles to education achievement. Volunteer Services is committed to increasing access to volunteering opportunities and exposure to careers in healthcare. This increases representation and connections for our patient families with volunteers who have shared lived experiences. We invite all individuals who are underrepresented in healthcare, including Black, Latina/o/e/x, Hispanic, American Indian, Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian, and other Pacific Islander applicants to contact us for support with, or questions about your application and volunteering.
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I want to shadow medical staff. Can I do that as a volunteer?
Volunteering does not include shadowing opportunities. Shadowing is a separate program. Learn more about showing and medical observerships on the Seattle Children's Website.
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I am not able to make the time commitment required. Are there other ways I can help?
Yes! There are many ways to be a part of the Seattle Children's community. Learn about other ways to help here.
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I am only available for the summer. Can I volunteer?
Not at this time. Learn about other ways to help here.
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What types of positions are open?
Our team assigns volunteer positions based on the hospital's current needs, an applicant's stated availability, interests, and skills. Our volunteers support Seattle Children's in a variety of roles. All volunteers help to deliver quality care and services to the patients and families we serve. Learn more about the types of positions that may be available here.
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I just want to hold babies. Do you offer a baby cuddling program?
We do not have any baby cuddling positions. Volunteers must be willing to work with patients and or siblings of all ages (0-18+) as assigned.