Cohen Children's Medical Center


About us Volunteers are vital to the care we provide. We seek caring, reliable individuals who can commit 100 hours a year. Join us to learn new skills, meet friends, and make a difference. Opportunities available in clinical and non-clinical areas. Apply now

About us

Volunteers play an integral role in the world-class care we provide for our patients and their familiesso were looking for individuals who are caring, professional, dedicated and reliable. We ask for a volunteer commitment of at least one year (although we hope you will stay longer) and a minimum of a 100-hour commitment per calendar year (program requirements may vary).

When you join our team of volunteers, youll learn new skills and meet new friends. Whether playing with children, helping families find their way, or answering phones, you can make a big difference that eases stress for patients and families during a difficult time.

Before volunteering, you will be asked to complete an interview, medical clearance, orientation and criminal background check. We also ask that you submit a letter of recommendation and resume (if you have one).

We offer volunteer opportunities in both clinical and non-clinical settings. In addition, all hospital volunteers receive training from hospital staff to prepare for their positions.

Adult volunteers (ages 18 and older)

Here is an overview of some of the departments and/or programs where volunteers provide their time and energy. Availability of assignments will vary depending upon the needs of a particular department or program at any given time. Please note the following:

  • Volunteers must commit to at least four hours of service per week.
  • We will contact you only if you are invited for an interview.

  • Atrium ambassadors

    Assist patients, families and visitors in our atrium lobby. Volunteers provide directions and assist with navigating visitors in finding their way. You must have excellent communication, customer service and interpersonal skills. Additionally, volunteers must be able to walk and stand for extended periods of time. Minimum age requirement is 18 years old. Training provided. This opportunity is available seven days a week and the hours are flexible.

  • Child life

    Assist child life staff with engaging children and teens in recreational play. Volunteer duties include playing and reading to patients in playrooms or at bedsides, cleaning and sanitizing toys, and monitoring playroom and toy usage. You must be comfortable working with children, have a knack for engaging children in play, and have the ability to maintain healthy boundaries. Tech savvy skills (e.g., Xbox, iPads) are helpful. Minimum age requirement is 18 years old. Must complete child life orientation. This opportunity is available Monday through Friday between 9:30am and 7pm and Saturdays/Sundays between 10am and 4:30pm.

  • Gaming and technology

    Assist technology child life specialist with bedside gaming sessions, gaming events and general technology maintenance/cleaning. Must be comfortable working with children and engaging with patients on popular gaming consoles (Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch). Basic technical skills will be needed for console setups and updates. Experience with virtual reality, 3D printers and coding robots is helpful but not required. The minimum age requirement is 18, and you must be able to maintain healthy boundaries. This opportunity is available Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 11am-5pm and Tuesday 9:30am-1:30pm.

  • Pediatric emergency department (ED)

    Greet and assist visitors and patients in our busy pediatric emergency department. Volunteers are also needed to assist child life and nursing staff with providing an extra component of care and compassion to patients and their families. Volunteers act as liaisons between patients and the pediatric ED staff. They provide age-appropriate play opportunities at the bedside and in the waiting area to enhance patient experience. You must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Minimum age requirement is 18 years old. This opportunity is available seven days a week between 9am and 10pm.

  • Clerical volunteers

    Assist office staff with clerical duties including filing, faxing, answering phones, running errands and greeting visitors. Strong customer service skills are required and knowledge of Microsoft Word is preferred. Minimum age requirement is 18 years old. This opportunity is available Monday through Friday between 9am and 5pm.

  • Comfort cart

    Bring the simple comforts of home to family members and visitors. The comfort cart contains toiletries and other necessities. Volunteers bring the cart to all inpatient units and are responsible for restocking the cart when necessary. Strong interpersonal and customer service skills are required. Minimum age requirement is 18 years old. This opportunity is available Monday through Friday between 8am and 4pm.

  • Gift shop

    Greet and assist customers in our busy gift shop. Volunteers also maintain and organize the store and perform sales transactions. You must have attention to detail with excellent customer service and organizational skills. Minimum age requirement is 18 years old. This opportunity is available Monday through Friday between 10am and 5pm.

  • Aiden's Star Fish Lounge

    Volunteer duties include answering the phone, assisting with check-in process, escorting family members and patients to appointments, and assisting visitors with navigating the lobby area. You must be personable and patient with excellent customer service skills. Minimum age requirement is 18 years old. This opportunity is available seven days a week and the hours are flexible.

  • Pet therapy

    The pet therapy program allows volunteers, whose dogs are qualified with an approved therapy dog organization, to engage with patients and staff throughout the hospital. Volunteers must be 18 or older to participate and able to commit to a weekly visit. Additional hospital screenings for dog teams are required to ensure pediatric patient safety. Volunteers are onboarded as needed.

  • Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) cuddlers

    Volunteers will hold babies, read to them or quietly sing to them in the NICU, under the direct supervision of a registered nurse. The volunteers must be patient, nurturing, 25 years or older and comfortable handling infants. Prefer applicants with medical background.

  • Holistic services volunteer

    Assist our holistic services team in offering level II reiki, chair massage or hand reflexology to our staff and family caregivers. Volunteers need to be certified in the service they offer. Duties include answering the phone, monitoring our computerized scheduling platform, assisting with the check-in process, maintaining basic infection prevention procedures and escorting family members to appointments. You may be asked to help set up a service on a hospital unit or in a conference room. Strong interpersonal and customer service skills are required. Moderate computer skills and speaking Spanish are a plus. The minimum age requirement is 18 years old. This opportunity is available Monday through Friday, typically between 9:30am and 5pm, and occasionally until 11pm.

  • Surgical Waiting Room

    Serve as a liaison in the Surgical Services Lab waiting areas-facilitating communication between clinicians and families, providing updates, and offering support and reassurance. This opportunity is available Monday-Friday 9:00am-7:00pm and Saturdays from 8:00am-4:00pm.

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    Junior volunteer summer program (ages 15-17)

    Summer applications are accepted between February 1st and February 7th. Any applications received before or after the application period cannot be considered.

    • Summer volunteers (ages 15-17) will be assigned to different areas of the hospital depending on their interests. They are expected to volunteer a minimum of 50 hours during the course of the program, volunteering a minimum of four days per week (Monday - Thursday) from 9am to 1pm. Students must be available during the entire time frame of the program for four consecutive weeks in July.
    • We will email you in late February (typically during Presidents Week) to the beginning of March, only if you are invited for an interview.
    • If you are not available to volunteer for the entire duration of the program, please do not apply to the summer volunteer program.

    Junior application process

    If youre interested in applying for the program, fill out an application. The completed application can be emailed to CCMCapplications@northwell.edu. After its reviewed, potential candidates will be called in for an interview during February and March. Acceptances and declinations to the program will be sent via email thereafter.

    Junior volunteers will be asked to attend a mandatory orientation and provide:

    • Working papers
    • Letter of recommeneation from a guidance couselor or teacher
    • Medical clearance
    • Parental consent form

    Feinstein Research Program

    Interested in the Summer Visiting Scholar Program? The Feinstein Institutes are the research arm of Northwell Health. They offer several opportunities in the summer and throughout the year for high school and college students.

    Frequently asked questions

  • What is the time commitment for an adult volunteer?

    The minimum time commitment is three to four hours a week for a total of one year (or 100 hours of service). You must be able to commit to coming in on a weekly basis, same day/time. Adult volunteers are accepted on an ongoing basis.

  • How old must I be?

    The minimum age for adult volunteers is 18 years old. The minimum age to volunteer in the summer junior program is 15 years old. If you are under 18, it is mandatory that your parent or legal guardian sign your application. However, all communication should be made by the applicant ONLY, not a parent or guardian.

  • What is the process for an adult volunteer?

    Once your application is received, it is reviewed and assessed. If you qualify and if we have an opening for the time, day and program you are interested in, you will be contacted for an interview. Only potential candidates will be notified.

    After the interview, you will need to make an appointment with your health care provider and obtain medical clearance before you can begin volunteering. You will also need to attend a two-hour volunteer services orientation. For those 18 and older, we require a Social Security number in order to complete a criminal background and child abuse registry check. Once these steps are completed, you will schedule an appointment to pick up your ID and volunteer uniform and you are ready to begin!

  • How long does it take to be processed?

    Once you have been interviewed, it usually takes four to six weeks to be completely processed and ready to volunteer.

  • Is there a dress code?

    Yes. All volunteers will be given a polo shirt and are required to wear khaki slacks and closed shoes while volunteering. Volunteers are not allowed to wear jeans, sweatpants, sweatshirts, leggings, shorts, athletic wear, T-shirts, sandals, baseball caps or open toe shoes.

  • Can I volunteer just for the summer?

    Only junior volunteers (ages 15-17) can volunteer during the summer months. Summer junior volunteers must commit to the four-week program in July. Summer applications are accepted February 1st - February 15th, and you must complete the medical clearance process no later than May 15. The two-hour orientation will be held on the first day of the program. If you are not available to volunteer for the entire four-week summer program, please do not apply to the summer volunteer program. There are no allowances for vacation time.

  • If I volunteer, will I get a job at the hospital?

    Volunteering at the hospital does not guarantee employment.

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