Volunteer at The Johns Hopkins Hospital
The Johns Hopkins Hospital sets the standard for patient care, medical education and research in a diverse, inclusive and intellectually exciting environment. The Department of Volunteer Services strives to uphold this mission by providing safe and equitable volunteer opportunities. Our team partners throughout the hospital to create opportunities to improve patient and visitor experience.
Whether it is providing emotional support through our animal-assisted therapy program, helping visitors navigate the hospital or assisting with spiritual services, we can help you find a volunteer opportunity that matches your experience level. We invite you to join our team of committed, diverse and enthusiastic volunteers.
Volunteering in Numbers
-
100,000+
Volunteer Hours
served by our volunteers in 2025.
-
730+
Volunteers
contribute to our mission and vision every year.
-
100+
Years
of making a difference in the lives of patients and visitors.
Volunteer Requirements
Volunteers are expected to give a minimum of 100 hours per year on a regular schedule set by their position and/or department. Most positions require 4 hours per shift/week over 6 or more months.
Volunteers must be aged 16 or older.
Application and onboarding steps:
- Submit an online volunteer application to begin the interview/selection process.
- Receive clearance from Johns Hopkins’ Occupational Health Services, including:
- If age 18 or older, complete a background check and drug screening
- Complete online orientation, training and sign a confidentiality agreement
- Get role-specific training from the department
Please note, our office does not process volunteers involved in clinical research or research laboratories. Johns Hopkins University (JHU) students should visit the JHU Undergraduate Research Office website to find and register for opportunities. Non-JHU students can be processed through the JHU human resources manager of each department.
Volunteer and Observer Opportunities
A volunteer and an observer are different roles, although both positions are processed by the Volunteer Services Office. Learn more about the difference.
Become a Volunteer
Volunteers do hands-on tasks and participate in services and projects; they do not do shadowing.
No limit to the number of hours or duration of service.
Comprehensive application and onboarding process, including:
- full occupational health screening
- background check
- training
- ongoing annual requirements
Shadow as an Observer
Observers are visitors that observe/shadow a specific working staff member; they do not participate in services.
- Observers cannot touch patients, assist staff or do tasks.
- Application and onboarding process is easier and faster than volunteering; it often takes less than 2 weeks.
- Limited to 100 hours over a 12-month period.
Volunteer Benefits
We are thankful to all our volunteers for their service to help patients and their families. All volunteers are eligible for one of the following benefits for each day with a four-plus hour shift:
- Complimentary parking (McElderry, Caroline or Washington St. garage)
- Meal card worth $8
Volunteering: A Gift to Hopkins
This volunteer orientation video from The Johns Hopkins Hospital that gives an inside look at volunteer services history and how we assist in providing excellent patient care.
600 North Wolfe St.
Carnegie 173
Baltimore, MD 21287
Telephone: 410-955-5924
Fax: 410-614-8464
Email: [email protected]
Send a message to the Department of Volunteer Services.