Teen Volunteer Program Assignments

Teen volunteers become a part of UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh's Volunteer Services team from June through August, contributing in various positions while gaining exposure to a pediatric health care setting.

Teen volunteers will have a weekly shift in one area for the duration of the summer program. Each teen volunteer is required to complete a commitment of one shift per week (either three or four hours depending on the position) for the duration of program.

Teens with relatives that work at UPMC Children’s Hospital are generally not placed in the same area for their volunteer assignment.

All locations are at UPMC Children’s Main Campus in Lawrenceville unless otherwise noted.

Shifts are available in the following primary areas where teens will be under the supervision of UPMC Children’s staff:

Lemieux Sibling Center

The Lemieux Sibling Center is a special location exclusively for siblings of our patients dedicated to creating opportunities for play and learning.

You will assist in activities similar to those in the inpatient playrooms.

Assist physical and occupational therapy staff with a variety of functions to support patients by:

Motivating them during therapy.
Assisting with special projects
Cleaning items and equipment in PT gym.
Straightening toys and supplies.
Engaging in play activities with siblings (as needed while patient is receiving therapy).

Note: Due to the limited number of shifts available, these assignments may only be offered to teens who have completed one year of service in the Teen Volunteer Program.

Occupational and Physical Therapy opportunities available at:

Ambassadors / Greeters

As part of hospital initiative to improve the overall patient experience, we will be placing many volunteers in this role, including teens. Volunteers will be monitoring the front lobby and mid-campus entrance area to assist patients/families with navigating the hospital areas and getting them to where they need to go.

Coffee Carts

Another role that is intended to enhance the hospital experience for family members of patients, volunteers visit inpatient units every morning with a coffee cart, providing complementary hot beverages.

Activity Carts

Stock and travel with an activity cart to the outpatient waiting areas and lead arts and crafts activities, play games, and read books to children and families of all ages while they wait for their appointments. Assist with providing directions and serving as ambassadors to the busiest areas in the entire hospital.

Transport patients between various areas of the hospital with the patient transport staff.
Assist with cleaning and delivering equipment (wheelchairs, stretchers, coolers, etc.)
Help escort patients and families for discharge or assist with belongings.

Outpatient Activity Carts

Stock and travel with an activity cart to the outpatient waiting areas.
Lead arts and crafts activities, play games, and read books to children and families of all ages while they wait for their appointments.
Assist with providing directions and serving as ambassadors to the busiest areas in the entire hospital.

Wexford Surgery Center

Under supervision of clinical staff at Wexford Surgery Center, play and assist with activities for children and families in the waiting areas.

Internships, Externships, Shadowing, and Research Opportunities

The Volunteer Services Department does not process requests for internships, externships, clinical or professional shadowing, or research opportunities within UPMC Children's.

If you are interested in pursuing those types of opportunities, contact the hospital department directly for information.

Contact UPMC Children's Volunteer Services

To learn more about Volunteer Services at UPMC Children's, call 412-692-5185 or email chpvolunteer@chp.edu.

Learn more about all UPMC Volunteer Services »