Volunteer opportunities

Volunteering is a great way to bring happiness into the lives of our patients, visitors, and care staff. We’ll match your talents and interests with one of the many volunteer opportunities available at our facilities. 

Learn more about some of the roles you can play to make getting care at AHN a truly remarkable experience.

Patient-facing volunteer opportunities

There are so many ways you can help our patients and visitors have a remarkable experience at AHN hospitals. Whether you’re helping people get where they need to go, providing snacks, books, or activities, or cuddling babies, you’ll be providing a valuable service for members of your community when they need it most. 

Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP)

The Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) gives volunteers the opportunity to connect with geriatric patients through clinical bedside interventions. Volunteers provide a specialized, more comfortable experience by focusing on orientation, feeding and hydration, therapeutic activities, and meaningful conversation. HELP has opportunities at Allegheny General Hospital and West Penn Hospital. Both locations require a minimum commitment of 120 hours of service.

Non-patient facing volunteer opportunities

Not everyone is comfortable being front and center. That’s OK. We welcome help from people who are willing to work behind the scenes to make sure our hospitals run smoothly for our staff, patients, and visitors. We offer a number of different clerical and administrative opportunities to support our mission. 

Clinical volunteer opportunities

For those who are eligible and in need of clinical experience, AHN hospitals provide clinical volunteer roles. Be sure to mention your interest in clinical opportunities when you apply.  

Specialized volunteer opportunities

Some hospitals provide unique services to patients, visitors, and staff, thanks to volunteers who are willing to share talents and expertise. 

Pet therapy

Our program is for dogs only. All dogs must have a Pet Therapy Certification and proof of immunizations for rabies, lepto, parvo, and distemper. Owners must read and sign our AHN Certified Pet Therapy Policy. Teams offer one-on-one pet therapy to individuals as well as groups of patients, visitors, and employees. 

Art therapy

Share the gift of your creativity. Art therapy roles vary by location. 

Volunteer musicians

Enhance the patient and visitor experience by providing a calming and peaceful atmosphere for our patients and guests. Play solo or in a small group in the atrium areas and patient care settings. Volunteers must be fluid in their instrument of choice and feel comfortable playing in front of small crowds. You’ll need to transport your own instrument. Most locations don’t offer shared equipment or instruments. 

Reiki volunteers

If you’re certified in Reiki Level II or above, you can volunteer to provide brief one-on-one sessions to patients in inpatient and outpatient settings. You’ll need to provide proof of certification. 

Licensed cosmetologists

Our AHN Cancer Institute Care and Cosmetics Program needs volunteers to help teach free makeup classes to cancer patients and survivors. You must possess a current cosmetology license. 

Apply to become an AHN volunteer

If you’re ready to join our team, fill out our volunteer application

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The Allegheny Health Network follows all applicable equal opportunity laws and supports a diverse workplace, fostering communications and participation while providing reward and recognition for individual and team achievements. Our policies prohibit unlawful discrimination due to race, color, sex, sexual preference, religion, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, income level or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law or regulation.