Welcome!

Thank you for your interest in becoming one of our volunteers! Alameda Health System (AHS) volunteers are a diverse group of caring people from all over the Bay Area and surrounding communities.

What Are We Looking for in a Volunteer?

We are looking for courteous, responsible, honest, and accountable individuals who are 18 and older and willing to commit to a minimum of one four-hour shift per week over 12 consecutive months.

How Can Volunteering at Alameda Health System Enrich Your Life?

  • You will be helping the community by donating your time and abilities.
  • You will meet new people from many different walks of life.
  • You will learn new skills and gain valuable work experience.
  • You will make a difference in someone’s life.
  • Most of all, you will have fun!

Interesting Facts about Our Volunteer Programs

  • Each year, over 35 AHS Volunteers are accepted to Medical and Pharmacy schools, Nursing, Radiology, and other health-related programs.
  • AHS Volunteers donate on average over 65,000 hours of service each year.
  • AHS Volunteers range in age from 18 years old to 90-plus.
  • Several AHS Volunteers have over 20 years of service, including our longest-serving Volunteer with over 40 years.
  • AHS Volunteers speak over 20 languages.

Step 1: Before You Apply
Decide which campus and positions you are interested in.

Step 2: Complete the online application.

Step 3: Interview
After we receive your application, we will contact you to either complete a phone interview or schedule an in-person interview.

Step 4: Orientation
After being accepted as a volunteer, you will be invited to attend one of our New Volunteer Orientations. (At Alameda and San Leandro Hospitals, orientations are scheduled after you receive your badge.) Orientations are approximately four hours long, and cover policies, procedures, and other important information.

Step 5: Health Screening
Volunteer Health Screening requirements:

  • Documentation of two 2-step tuberculosis skin tests (TST) performed elsewhere. One can be within the last 12 months; the 2nd test should be current within the last 3 months. AHS can provide the second TST if needed, provided you have proof of the first test. However please be aware that this may delay your volunteer start date.
    • For anyone with a documented history of a positive TST, a chest x-ray done within the last 3 months will be needed. A chest x-ray may be obtained at your primary care provider’s office.
    • The QuantiFERON (QFT) blood test within the last 3 months may be used in lieu of the 2-step TST if your primary care provider offers it.
  • Proof of immunity, either by immunization records showing the full series of vaccines and/or blood test/titers, must be provided for the Measles (rubeola), Mumps and Rubella.
  • Proof of immunity, either by immunization records showing the full series of vaccines and/or blood test/titer, must be provided for Varicella (chicken-pox).
  • Though not required, those with records of the Hepatitis B vaccine series and Tetanus, Diphtheria, Adacel Pertussis (Tdap) should bring copies to have included in their file.
  • Influenza vaccine is mandatory for all volunteers during the flu season (November 1st-.March 31st).

Once you have all of the required documents, there is an online portion of the health screening that you will be required to complete prior to scheduling your appointment with Employee Health. Information on how to complete that portion of your health screening will be given to you at the New Volunteer Orientation.

When you have completed the online health screening, you will need to contact Employee Health Services to schedule an appointment for your health screening. Employee Health Services has office locations at Highland Hospital and San Leandro Hospital.

Step 6: Background Investigation
Applicants will be asked to authorize a background check before they can be accepted as a volunteer. The background check will be run only after your Health Screening is completed and signed off by Employee Health. Background checks generally take just a few days but can take longer depending on the counties that you have lived in.

Step 7: Now, you can get your badge and start your training!

Location Opportunities

Alameda Hospital
(Volunteer Auxiliary)
Alameda, CA

Clerical (Office/Hospital Services)
Emergency Department (ECC)
Gift Shop
Information Desk (Lobby Host)
Patient Care Floor Host/Hostess
Patient Satisfaction Evaluator (CIP)
Physical Therapy

Ambulatory Care Clinics*
Oakland, Hayward, Newark

Clerical / Reception

Fairmont Hospital*
San Leandro, CA

Clerical
Occupational Therapy
Physical Therapy
Skilled Nursing Unit

Highland Hospital*
Oakland, CA

Clerical (Various Departments)
Emergency Department
Floater/Greeter
GI/Infusion – HCP 5th Floor
Gift Shop
Information Desk (Various Options)
Maternal Child Health (L&D)
Medical-Surgical Unit
Orthopaedics
Outpatient Psychiatric Services
Pharmacy
Physical / Occupational Therapy
Radiology
Same Day Clinic
Step Down Unit

John George Psychiatric Hospital
San Leandro, CA

Occupational Therapy

San Leandro Hospital
(Volunteer Auxiliary)
San Leandro, CA

Floor Duty (discharges, specimen delivery, greeter, various duties)
Gift Shop

South Shore Skilled Nursing, Kate Creedon Wound Center, Park Bridge Rehab & Wellness Center
Alameda, CA

Patient Activities & Assist Staff

*Volunteers are required to complete 100 probationary hours in non-patient care areas before transferring into patient care areas.

Contact Us

You may contact any of the offices listed above or e-mail Volunteers@alamedahealthsystem.org

The main Volunteer Office is located on the Highland Campus in the A Wing, 1st floor (A1), Rooms 12 & 14.