Fred Hutch Cancer Center New Volunteer On-Boarding

VOLUNTEER SERVICES PROGRAM

Patient & Family Ambassador Volunteer

Service Description

Position Summary

Provide wayfinding information and social support for oncology patients and families at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. Patient & Family Ambassador Volunteers work in the Main Lobby on the first floor of the clinic in both G and H buildings located on 825 Eastlake Avenue East.

Responsibilities

• Provide excellent customer service for patients and families who enter the clinic through the main lobbies.
• Provide information about Seattle and the Lake Union area, including restaurants, grocery stores, shopping areas, bus routes, shuttle services and recreational activities.
• Escort patients to floors and appointments as needed. Volunteers may obtain a wheelchair for patients or families, but they may NOT transport patients, caregivers or guests via wheelchair.
• Assist with requesting taxicabs and special transportation (HopeLink, etc.) for patients as needed.
• Distribute maps/shuttle schedules, general information on Clinic (brochures, classes).
• Direct patients to daily classes throughout the Clinic. Answer any questions regarding location in a concise and clear manner.
• Make eye contact; greet every patient/visitor entering the building.
• Spend time disinfecting wheelchairs with approve and provided Sani-Wipes while wearing gloves.
• Make sure there are always wheelchairs available for patients and visitors at all entrances. 
• Respect the privacy of patients and family members and abide by the confidentiality policies of the Volunteer Services Program.
• Stay alert to all activity in the surrounding area. Call for appropriate resources or security if necessary.

Time Commitment

A minimum volunteer commitment of six months is requested. Volunteer shifts are available from 7:00AM/8:00AM to 11:00AM/12:00PM, and 11:00AM/12:00PM to 4:00PM/5:00PM, Monday through Friday. Two volunteers will be scheduled per shift at each location whenever possible. When a volunteer is unable to come to the clinic for a scheduled shift, he/she is expected to notify the Volunteer Coordinator prior to the shift.

Supervision

Volunteer Coordinator supervises Patient & Family Ambassador Volunteers. Additional support will be provided by the Program Assistant, and the Main Floor Reception staff.

Health Precautions

Patients are extremely vulnerable to potentially life-threatening infections because their immune systems are suppressed from chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Because of this, volunteers must abide by universal precaution and infectious disease guidelines in order to protect themselves and patients. Masks must be worn at all times in the clinic during your volunteer shift.

Qualifications

• Excellent customer service and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to give escort patients & families to their location throughout the 2 main clinic buildings.
• Familiar with downtown Seattle, lower Queen Anne and Lake Union areas.
• Familiar with Emergency Response system (this will be provided in training).
• Familiar with Fred Hutch shuttle system (this will be provided in training).
• Ability to provide empathetic listening, warmth, and compassion.
• Ability to be flexible and sensitive to the needs of patients, families, caregivers, and staff.
• Respect of diverse lifestyles, cultures, religions, and values.
• Ability to work as part of a team.

Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age. Volunteer applicants are asked to complete disclosure forms for a national criminal background check.  Tuberculosis screening and documentation of vaccination or immunity to Chickenpox (Varicella), Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), COVID-19/boosters, and Flu are required for all volunteers.