Volunteer at Dana-Farber
Opportunities
Please inquire with Volunteer Services for the availability of all placements. Placements are based on the current needs of the departments.
- Blum Family Resource Center Van
- Administrative and Clerical Support
- Eleanor and Maxwell Blum Patient and Family Resource Center
- Eucharistic Ministry Program
- Friends Boutique at the Gillette Center for Women's Cancers
- Friends Corner Gift Shop
- Hand Massage Volunteer
- Hospitality and Friendly Visitor in the Gosman Infusion Clinics
- Junior Volunteer Program
- Book Cart Volunteer
- One-to-One: The Cancer Connection
- Patient Relations Volunteer
- Reception
- Creative Arts
- Adult Patient and Family Advisory Council (available only to patients and family members)
- Pediatric Patient and Family Advisory Council
Blum Family Resource Center Van
Position
Van Volunteer
Summary
The Blum Family Resource Center Van is a 39 ft. vehicle that brings cancer information and screenings to the general public with a focus on underserved communities. The van makes site visits to health centers, non-profit organizations, faith-based communities, special events, outdoor venues i.e. beaches, schools and businesses.
Volunteer Responsibility
The volunteers provide support to the public visiting the Blum Family Resource Center Van; encourage the public to board the van to obtain cancer information and services; work to empower the public with current and reliable cancer prevention, early detection and awareness information; and assist the van driver/health educator and other staff to run an efficient and smooth operation at all van events (health fairs, faith based communities, schools, non-profits, corporations, etc.).
Duties
- The volunteer will arrive just prior to start of community event and will assist the health educator/driver to secure a parking space, navigating with hand signals.
- After parking, the volunteer will assist physically in preparing the van for visitors.
- Duties are similar to those in the Resource Center.
- The main responsibility is to empower patients to obtain cancer information and to make informed choices about their health.
Essential Skills Needed
- Volunteers demonstrate respect, awareness, sensitivity and support for diverse community initiatives and the populations of all ages that are being served.
- Volunteers demonstrate clear active-listening skills and can stay focused while assisting visitors.
- Volunteers are resourceful and flexible with their schedule, i.e. arrive at Blum Family Van sites 30 minutes prior to event.
- Volunteer must be an objective person who will not personalize his or her own experiences.
- Volunteers must demonstrate a readiness to help others and the ability to maintain healthy relationships with patients and visitors; this includes understanding the boundaries associated with a volunteer role.
Shifts
The van doesn't have a standard schedule of events. The volunteer is expected to volunteer at least one day per week. If there is no scheduled volunteer shift on the van, the volunteer will work in the main Blum Resource Center at Dana-Farber's main campus. This assignment is a six-month commitment of service.
Administrative and Clerical Support Volunteer
Summary
Volunteer Services serves Dana-Farber with added support for short and long-term projects. Volunteers are on-call for various projects as they come into the office. There are opportunities for permanent assignments in various administrative offices, too.
Volunteer Responsibility
Volunteers lessen the burden of workloads for various offices throughout Dana-Farber, assisting with filing, copying, preparing packets, mailings, etc.
Populations Served
Volunteers may assist in any administrative office, research, clinical research and clinical environments.
Duties
- Volunteers will receive the assignment from Volunteer Services
- Check in with Volunteer Services for location, date and time of assignment
- Report to the manger or supervisor for the assignment
- Fulfill assignment as requested
- Report to Volunteer Services when assignment is finished; if not finished, inform them so that they may acquire another volunteer to complete the assignment
- Inform Volunteer Services of your schedule when available for assignments
Essential Skills Needed
- Volunteers must be self-starters who can work independently with little direction and supervision.
- Volunteers must have clear active-listening communication skills and be able to maintain healthy, professional relationships with staff.
- Volunteers take direction from staff.
- Volunteers must have some familiarity with office equipment such as a Xerox machine.
- Volunteers must demonstrate a good eye for filing and mailing, and paying particular attention to detail.
Volunteer Shifts
The schedules may vary. We call volunteers when assignments come to our office. Most assignments may take two to four hours to complete; however, we will notify you if the project may take longer.
There are opportunities for permanent assignments, one day per week for a four-hour shift.
The Eleanor and Maxwell Blum Patient and Family Resource Center
Summary
The Eleanor and Maxwell Blum Patient and Family Resource Centers are a comfortable learning resource center for patients and their family and friends. Individuals have an opportunity to learn about disease and treatment options. The center houses a collection of books, brochures, computers, videotapes and audiotapes. Professionals and volunteers staff the center. They are committed to helping patients obtain useful information about cancer.
Volunteer Responsibility
To provide volunteer support to patients and their families visiting the resource centers; to empower patients to learn more about disease and treatments options; to help the staff run an efficient and smooth operation.
Populations Served
All adult patients, women and parents of children.
Duties
- Assist patients and families for the following:
- Computer searches
- Make appropriate referrals to Children's, DFCI, and BWH departments
- Locate desired resources, printed materials and audio/video tapes
- Check library materials in and out and send out reminder notices for overdue books
- Maintain files and materials in an orderly fashion, replenish stock in room and kiosks as appropriate, notify Patient and Family Education department if booklets are low
- Document all transactions on log sheet, and tally at the end of the day
- Answer telephones and assists callers appropriately; refer to Nurse Specialist as necessary
- Use all equipment in a safe and responsible manner; no eating in room
- Distribute quality improvement surveys to patients and families who frequent the Resource Center
- Notify the Blum Resource Center staff of planned absences; avoid last minute absences as they have a significant impact for our patients and your fellow volunteers
- Perform outreach to patients in the clinics and on the inpatient units when staffing allows
- Connect patient/families with the Family-to-Family or One-to-One Programs
Essential Skills Required
- Computer literacy, including navigating the Internet, is necessary
- Volunteers must be dependable and reliable
- Volunteers must have strong interpersonal skills, such as meeting and greeting visitors
- Volunteers must be flexible to take on additional assigned tasks
- Volunteers must demonstrate a readiness to help others and the ability to maintain healthy relationships with patients and visitors, including understanding the boundaries associated with a volunteer role.
Volunteer Shifts
Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.
When needed, Inpatient Resource Room at Brigham and Women's Hospital: Monday through Friday, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday afternoons.
Eucharistic Ministry Program
Summary
The Eucharistic Ministry Program attempts to employ trained staff and volunteers to distribute Eucharist to patient, families, and friends.
The DFCI Department of Pastoral Care, in conjunction with Brigham and Women's Hospital and Children's Hospital Boston chaplaincies, offers religious and/or spiritual support 24 hours a day for patients, families, and staff. Clinically trained chaplains from a variety of perspectives, including interfaith, Islamic, Jewish, Protestant, and Roman Catholic are available to meet with patients before, during, and after treatment. In addition, community clergy of other faiths can be contacted upon request.
Volunteer Qualifications and Guidelines
- You are able to volunteer for one day per week for two to four hours for a period of at least one full year.
- Eucharistic Ministers should be baptized, confirmed, and practicing Roman Catholics.
- Eucharistic Ministers should be trained and commissioned by their parish priest and a training program.
- You are able to sympathize with patients living with cancer.
- You are genuinely interested in talking with cancer patients and concerned for their well-being while they are in treatment at DFCI.
- Eucharistic Ministers will maintain healthy and professional
relationships with patients and their families, including:
- Not personalizing own cancer story when visiting patients.
- Demonstrating that you have allowed time for your own healing if you were a cancer patient.
- Making appropriate referrals to the Department of Pastoral Care staff.
- All Eucharistic Ministers should complete the Department of Pastoral Care application, which includes a clerical reference that the applicant is a Catholic in good standing.
- Eucharistic Ministers will complete the Volunteer Services application process, required criminal background screening check, orientation and the Institute's mandatory pre-placement health screening for TB, measles, German Measles, chickenpox and tetanus.
For Additional Information
Thomas EdwardVolunteer Services
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
44 Binney Street, G140
Boston, MA 02115
Phone: (617) 632-3307
Rev. Walter Moczynski
Phone: (617) 632-3908
Friends Boutique at the Gillette Center for Women's Cancers
Position
Psychosocial/Sales Volunteer
Summary
The Friends Boutique is one of the first hospital-based centers of its kind in the area. The boutique features hair alternatives (i.e. hats, wraps, and wigs) breast prostheses, mastectomy bras and camisoles, and a variety of specialty items and educational materials for patients undergoing cancer therapy.
Volunteer Responsibility
Volunteers will assist the manager with boutique operations, assist cancer patients and their family/friends with products such as hair accessories, clothing, etc., and meet the psychosocial needs of women living with cancer.
Population Served
Adult women
Duties
- Assist cancer patients and their families/friends with products such as hair accessories, clothing, etc.
- Assist patients with their purchases as they check out at the register
- Manage the operation of the Boutique while other staff members take breaks ranging in length from 15 minutes to 1 hour
- Assist in organizing the stock room and restocking products in the store
- Promote a clean, friendly atmosphere by greeting each customer, maintaining adequate stock levels, keeping products neat and organized, and assisting each customer with their specific purchases
- Verify insurance with the insurance companies
- Schedule appointments for the breast prostheses fitters
Essential Skills Needed
- Volunteers must demonstrate a readiness to help others and the ability to maintain healthy relationships with patients, and unsterstand the boundaries associate with the volunteer role.
- Volunteers are mature and self-directed individuals who are sensitive to patients with cancer.
- Volunteers have effective communication skills.
- Volunteers demonstrate ability to empathize with patients' needs without sharing personal experiences.
- Computer skills are helpful.
Physical Demands
During work hours, volunteers need to be able to stand or sit for an unspecified amount of time while assisting patients. The ability to do light lifting (no more than 15 pounds), stretching to reach or restock items is also helpful.
Volunteer Shifts
The Boutique is open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Volunteers' shifts are generally 9 a.m to 1 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Friends Corner Gift Shop
Position
Sales Volunteer
Summary
Volunteers who are happy to assist our customers in choosing that special gift for any occasion staff the Friends Corner Gift Shop. Volunteers have the opportunity to offer words of encouragement to patients living with cancer. We have enjoyed 25 successful years of offering these services and hope to continue for many more to come.
The Friends Corner Gift Shop is a non-profit operation, managed by the Friends of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. A society of over 2,000 members, the Friends raise money for the Institute, and all proceeds from the Gift Shop go directly toward patient care and research programs at Dana-Farber. The Gift Shop is co-managed by Jane May and Roberta McNulty, volunteers of the Friends of Dana-Farber.
Volunteer Responsibility
- Keep our shop neat and restocked as necessary
- Assist customers at the register
- Help customers locate items in the store
Essential Skills Needed
We need dependable, reliable, attentive people who are willing to give a full day; 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., one day per week. Self direction is most helpful and a basic knowledge of a computerized cash register is also helpful but not necessary. You must be able to work in a team environment. We are looking for individuals interested in volunteer service and who want to help the Institute achieve a "world without cancer."
Volunteer Shifts
One day per week for a full day, 9:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Hand Massage Volunteer
Summary
During the past several years, many Americans have embraced integrated therapies to combat a wide range of illnesses and health conditions. People with cancer and related diseases frequently use these approaches to alleviate symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, pain and anxiety. The Leonard P. Zakim Center for Integrated Therapies provide quality clinical services to patients and families, sponsor educational programs and training sessions, and conduct research studying these interventions.
The Hands on Care Volunteer Program provides a complimentary, personal program for patients to increase satisfaction and enhance their quality of care. Trained volunteers, under the guidance of the licensed massage therapist, will provide a 15-minute hand massage. The service is the application of a gentle, tender, soothing, touch to the hands. This service is not a treatment.
Objective
Through the application of a gentle hand massage by trained volunteers, patients will experience comfort and care during their chemo therapy infusion treatments. Through this volunteer and patient interaction, we are looking for decreased anxiety and increased satisfaction in overall care of the patient.
Populations Served
Adult patients
Duties
- Obtain cart and get necessary items, i.e. towels, pillows, hand wipes, Purell, moisturizing lotion, etc.
- Upon arriving on floor, check with the charge nurse or designate and obtain a list of names. Review the list with the charge nurse or designate and verify appropriateness of each patient indicated.
- Identify the patient by verbally asking them at least two patient identifiers, first name, middle name, last name, date of birth or medical record number.
- Introduce yourself to the patient and briefly describe the program.
- Follow proper hand washing techniques before and after providing the hand massage.
- Prepare patient for the moisturizing hand massage.
- Follow operating procedures after session is completed.
- Give the patient the evaluation form.
- Document the patient’s name and date in binder.
- Restock the cart for the next volunteer.
Essential Skills Needed
- Warm, caring, sensitive individuals who display compassion to cancer patients
- Able to recognize the emotional needs of cancer patients
- Able to follow directions and take supervision
- Able to work with patients and families in stressful situations while remaining empathetic and non-judgmental
- Committed, reliable and flexible and able to provide at least a one-year commitment
- Able to demonstrate abilities to support all adult patients; including sensitivity to cultural, ethnic and socio-economic differences
- Excellent communicators who can work will all levels in the Institute, i.e. nursing, administrative, etc.
- Objective and will not personalize their experiences with patients.
- Able to demonstrate readiness on taking a volunteer role
Physical Demands
Must be able push a cart around 15 to 20 lbs, with the necessary supplies.
Volunteer Shifts
Volunteers will be available Monday through Friday during the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The expectation is that the volunteer be available for the same three-hour block, one day per week. This assignment is for one full year. Training for this assignment will be on April 14, 2008, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Hospitality and Friendly Visitor at the Abraham D. Gosman Infusion Clinics
Position:
Hospitality and Friendly Visitor
Summary
The Abraham D. Gosman Infusion Clinics provide infusion treatments for patients of the Dana-Farber/Partners Cancer Care. Well-trained nursing and medical experts treat adult patients with various cancers and related diseases in one of two clinical areas. Our clinics provide a warm, sensitive and positive atmosphere for all patients and their families.
Volunteer Responsibility
Volunteers in the infusion clinics provide a warm and welcoming presence for patients and their families and attend to patients' comfort needs. Volunteers provide refreshments and engage in friendly conversation with patients and their families.
Population Served
Adult patients and their families
Duties
- Circulate in the waiting areas and infusion rooms; offer drinks and refreshments to patients
- Engage in friendly conversation with patients as deemed appropriate
- Serve lunch to patients
- Assist reception staff with greeting and welcoming patients
- Escort patients to Dana-Farber areas
- Maintain the nourishment center and waiting areas in a clean and orderly fashion
- Circulate magazines, books and newspapers to patients
Essential Skills Needed
- Volunteers must demonstrate a readiness to help others and the ability to maintain healthy relationships with patients and visitors; this includes understanding the boundaries associated with a volunteer role.
- Volunteers are warm, caring, sensitive individuals who display compassion to cancer patients.
- Volunteers are self-starters who can work in a team-centered environment, as well as independently with little direction and supervision.
Volunteer Shifts
Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Junior Volunteer Program
We invite our junior volunteers, ages 16 through 18, to consider a volunteer placement at DFCI. It is an exciting time in the history of DFCI as we continue our work to defeat cancer through research and quality patient care. Come be a part of an environment of learning and sharing. We hope to provide you with an opportunity of giving to the DFCI community, patients and staff.
Volunteer Placements
Although we do not guarantee a placement of your choice, we will work with you to seek a satisfying and rewarding experience. We ask that all volunteers keep in mind our goals to deliver high quality patient care. Therefore, we strive first to meet the needs of our patients, their families and the Institute at large. Your flexibility is key to obtaining a placement. Some placements may include:
- Friends Boutique
- Friends Corner Gift Shop
- Blum Patient Family Resource Center
- Clinical and Administrative Departments
- Gosman Infusion Services
- Volunteer Services
- Newspaper deliveries
- Book Cart
Requirements
- You must be at least 16 years of age by June 2.
- Program begins July 7, 2008.
- Submit an application, two written references and parental consent by May 23, 2008.
- Interview with the Director of Volunteer Services no later than June 13, 2008.
- Attend the Volunteer Services Orientation on June 27, 2008, 2 to 4 p.m.
- Commit to two, four hour-weekly shifts for six weeks.
- Perform a mandatory, pre-placement health screening with our office of Occupational Health Services, including two tuberculosis (TB) skin tests, measles, German measles, chicken pox and tetanus. You will need to obtain your vaccination records.
- Volunteer placements are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The First Step
Contact Volunteer Services for an application or click on the link above. Please complete the entire application and submit it by May 27. We will review your application and two written references and contact you for an interview. We will only consider you for volunteer service if you are able to demonstrate a commitment for the full consecutive six weeks. We place applicants for service based on availability of assignments, schedule, interests and needs of the Institute.
How to Contact Volunteer Services
Thomas Edward, CAVS, Director
Department of Volunteer Services
44 Binney Street G140
Boston, MA 02115
Phone: (617) 632-3307
Fax: (617) 632-6717
E-mail: volunteerservices@dfci.harvard.edu
Book Cart Volunteer
Summary
Funded by the Sidney Farber Volunteer Award of the Friends of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, the goal of the Book Cart is to establish a diversionary activity for patients. Recognizing the importance of providing a welcoming environment for patients and families, the book cart allows patients to choose from a host of reading materials while waiting for their appointment.
Volunteer Responsibility
Volunteers will travel throughout the adult clinics offering reading material for patients and their families. Volunteer will provide comfort to patients through conversation and general support, explaining the different services and programs that help the patients through their cancer journey.
Population Served
Adult patients and their families
Duties
- Report to Volunteer Services for assignment
- Stock the book cart with materials, i.e. magazines, books, etc.
- Volunteer may visit patients in the adult areas only
- At the direction of the director of Volunteer Services, volunteers may visit patients at BWH
- Volunteers will keep a log of materials given to patients and their families
- Visit all clinics to seek out books left behind
- Collect returned books from patients
- Distribute newspapers and magazines to all adult clinics
- Inform patients of the support services available to them by handing out various brochures and calendars
Essential Skills Needed
- Volunteers are warm, caring, sensitive individuals who display compassion to cancer patients.
- Volunteers recognize the emotional needs of cancer patients and are able to connect with individuals from various cultural and diverse backgrounds.
- You are a self-starter who can work independently with little direction and supervision.
- You demonstrate clear active-listening communication skills and are able to maintain healthy, professional relationships with patients, while understanding the boundaries associated with a volunteer role.
- You are an objective person and will not personalize your own experiences.
- You will maintain a neat and friendly appearance.
Physical Demands
Must be able to push a 40 to 50 pound book cart
Volunteer Shifts
The Book Cart goes around the Institute, Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Volunteers will volunteer three to four hours one day per week.
Patient Relations Volunteer Program
Position
Patient Relations Rounding Volunteer
Summary
Dana-Farber has established a Patient Relations Program to help improve patient and family satisfaction by identifying areas that need improvement. The Patient Relations representative provides a coordinated process for managing complaints and assuring appropriate follow-up and responses. The patient representative also provides a recognition system for positive letters received across the Institute and guides patients and families to the appropriate resource(s) or services, as needed.
Volunteer Responsibility
Volunteers, reporting into Patient Relations, will perform outreach to our patients in the clinics. This effort will assist the Patient Relations representative to meet with patients to identify areas for improvement and determine whether the Institute is meeting patients' needs and expectations. Volunteers will present patients with support service materials as necessary.
Population Served
Volunteers will round in all adult and pediatric areas.
Duties
- Report to a Patient/Family Relations specialist for daily assignment
- Arrive to the unit and announce presence to appropriate staff person(s)
- Visit only those patients and/or clinics that were assigned by the specialist
- Follow established guidelines for visiting patients.
- Announce yourself to patient, explaining purpose of visit and your role in Patient/Family Relations
- Ask patient if there are any recommendations for improvements
- Have a general conversation with the patient, if appropriate
- Ask patient if they are aware of support services
- Offer the patient support services materials; answer any questions they may have about these services
- Identify any issues or concerns the patient wishes to address
- End conversation thanking the patient for their time and wrap-up with next steps so the patient understands what will be done to address issues they may have identified
- Document your visit appropriately on the worksheet
Essential Skills Needed
- Volunteers must be an objective person who will not personalize their own experiences.
- Volunteers must be able to take on a volunteer responsibility and be committed to Dana-Farber; this will include attendance at training sessions.
- Volunteers are compassionate, reliable, dependable, proactive, and self-directed individuals.
- Volunteers are genuinely interested in talking with cancer patients and concerned for their well-being while they are in treatment at Dana-Farber.
- Volunteers must demonstrate a readiness to help others and the ability to maintain healthy relationships with patients and visitors; this includes understanding the boundaries associated with a volunteer role.
Volunteer Shifts
Monday through Friday, one three-hour shift, during the hours 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Creative Arts Volunteer Program, Blum Patient and Family Resource Center
Position
Creative Arts Volunteer
Summary
The Creative Arts Program (CAP) provides a gentle, healing space for patients and families to explore their creativity through simple, non-threatening artistic expression.
Volunteer Responsibility
Rolling a well-supplied creative arts cart into adult treatment areas, volunteers will offer patients and their families' opportunities to make greeting cards to send to their friends and loved ones, as well as other small and quick art projects.
Population Served
Volunteers work with adult patients in exam and chemotherapy infusion clinics.
Essential Skills
- Volunteers are generally not professional artists, but do have some artistic skills.
- Volunteers must demonstrate a readiness to help others and the ability to maintain healthy boundaries while assisting patients.
- Volunteers must be self-starters who can work independently, but take direction from staff.
- Volunteers must demonstrate clear active-listening communication skills.
- Volunteers must demonstrate objectivity and will not personalize their own experiences.
- Volunteers are mature individuals who can provide a positive atmosphere and can empathize with people living with cancer.
- Volunteers have a love for creative arts and a belief that patients and their families might benefit from card making.
- Volunteers must be self-starters who can work independently with little direction and supervision.
- Volunteers must have clear active-listening communication skills and are able to maintain healthy, professional relationships with patients, while understanding the boundaries of a volunteer role.
- Volunteers follow direction from staff.
Volunteer Shifts
Monday through Friday, one four-hour weekly shift between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For Additional Information
For more information, please contact Volunteer Services at:
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute44 Binney Street
Boston, MA 02115
Phone: (617) 632-3307
E-mail: volunteerservices@dfci.harvard.edu
