The Volunteer Services Office works to recruit new volunteers, recognize and encourage current volunteers, promote growth within the 30-plus programs throughout the hospital, and lead the volunteer coordinators in Joint Commission Standards, program development, and continuing education. This office is the umbrella keeping our programs safe and manageable.

Guest Services volunteers assist the Volunteer Services Office with its overall function and daily needs. Each volunteer plays a significant role in Volunteer Services, whether it is helping to answer potential volunteer questions by phone or e-mail, creating volunteer orientation packets, assisting with volunteer appreciation banquets, or keeping the volunteer records up to date and Joint Commission-friendly.

Guest Services volunteers are able to experience variety, interact with volunteers, and be creative, all while gaining management and leadership experience.

Guest Services volunteers also debrief on a regular basis with the Manager for Volunteer Services.

Opportunities

Each of the responsibilities listed below are in support of the Manager of Volunteer Services and do not stand alone. 

Orientation Coordinator

• Presenting a standardized orientation program 
• Inviting and scheduling new volunteers to attend 
• Assembling handout material 
• Following up with those who do not attend the orientation 
• Backing up the orientation speaker/presenter as needed 

Volunteer Outreach

• Conducting outreach to various groups to increase volunteer base
• Answering phone and e-mail inquiries from potential volunteers and helping the organization run smoothly
• Accompanying manager to outreach events and presenting volunteer opportunities

Researcher

• Conducting research on subjects requested by Manager of Volunteer Services 
• Contacting outside sources of information 
• Gathering resource materials 
• Analyzing data and writing reports 

Resource Developer

• Finding fundraiser opportunities in which to get involved 
• Creating fundraisers that would support Volunteer Services 
• Managing and executing fundraiser events 
• Publicizing donation needs 
• Keeping records of all contacts and results 
• Thanking resources utilized and giving them public credit as appropriate 
• Creating reports based on donations to present to leadership and to our volunteers 

Records Manager

• Become familiar with Volgistics -- a volunteer software program 
• Adapting to Volgistics and training staff on how to use it 
• Entering volunteer information into Volgistics
• Maintaining the database as current 
• Producing periodic reports summarizing activities and impact 
• Keeping up with and organizing volunteer files as needed 

Troubleshooter

• Keeping in touch with volunteers and salaried staff on a periodic, informal basis to assure that everything is going smoothly 
• Providing volunteers and extra “ear” as a sort of ombudsman service 
• Helping volunteers who work off-site to maintain a strong connection to the organization 

Contact Information

Contact: Heidi Sullivan, Manager of Volunteer Services
Phone: 919-681-6088
Fax: 919-681-8451
Address: Box 2967, DUMC, Durham, NC 27710
E-mail: heidi.sullivan@duke.edu

Other Details

Program location: Duke University Hospital, Volunteer Services Office
Training provided: Volunteer orientation session -- which includes fire and safety, compliance, HIPAA, service recovery, etc. -- and job-specific training
Time commitment: Four hours per week, two-semester or one-year commitment required. Hours from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday - Friday.
Conditions: Must have a friendly personality, be very organized, be comfortable around people, and be able to multitask.