Volunteer Opportunities

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Open Volunteer Positions

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    Summary

    Volunteers in our Ambassador Program ensure patients and their loved ones feel comfortable and supported during their time at Dana-Farber. Patients and families often feel overwhelmed, lost, and unfamiliar with the resources available to them at the Institute and in Boston. Navigating complex systems while coping with illness can be challenging and stressful. Friendly assistance, clear guidance, and access to helpful information can ease anxiety and frustration. It can also be empowering. With a welcoming environment, robust support, and raised awareness of resources, patients and families will feel more confident and satisfied. 

    Responsibilities and Impact

    You'll be the friendly face at patient entrances, ready to guide and accompany them to their appointments. Your care and empathy will provide comfort and support throughout their journey. You'll also be a valuable resource, helping patients understand and navigate their "patient itinerary" and providing clear directions within Dana-Farber locations. Your presence and dedication can transform their care experience by reducing anxiety and equipping them with the knowledge to find their way.

    Essential Skills

    Friendly, caring, and approachable. Great at communication. Good with people from diverse backgrounds. Knows Dana-Farber and nearby hospitals well. Reliable and flexible.

    Locations

    Dana-Farber - Longwood, Dana-Farber - Chestnut Hill, and Dana-Farber - Merrimack Valley

    Time Commitment

    Volunteers must commit to a three-hour shift for at least one year.

    Shifts are from 7-10 a.m., 10 a.m.-1 p.m., or 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Monday-Friday.

    Summary

    As an E-Advisor, you'll have the opportunity to provide valuable feedback, share ideas, and offer insights from the perspective of a patient, family member, or caregiver. You will help shape and improve our care at Dana-Farber.

    Responsibilities and Impact

    In this virtual role, your responsibilities as an E-Advisor will encompass a wide range of activities. You will have the opportunity to contribute your insights and ideas towards the design and enhancement of various programs, services, policies, and processes. In addition, your participation may involve engaging in research, advocating for legislative initiatives at both the state and national level, and reviewing and providing input on patient education materials. You may also play a role in reviewing or assisting in the drafting of patient and family communications, as well as sharing your personal stories. By actively participating in these activities, you will have the chance to make a meaningful impact in the health care community.

    Essential Skills

    Great at communication. Good with people from diverse backgrounds.

    Location

    Remote

    Time Commitment

    Volunteers must commit to providing feedback on an ad hoc basis for at least one calendar year.

    Submit an E-Advisor Interest Form 

    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.

    All proceeds from the Gift Shop go directly toward patient care and research programs at Dana-Farber.

    Volunteer Responsibility

    • Greets and welcomes visitors to the gift shop; assist with sales.
    • Responsible for all aspects of payment processing, which requires sound knowledge of the basic principles of cashiering operation; handling cash sales, credit card sales, checks.
    • Answer phones and take telephone orders.
    • Provide feedback to staff members of any requests, or inquiries concerning the Gift Shop.
    • May assist in restocking, pricing, and straightening merchandise during slow business times.

    Essential Skills Needed

    We need dependable, reliable, attentive people who are willing to give a full day; 9:00 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.

    If you are a patient, former patient, or the family member of a patient, you can apply to join one of our patient and family councils:

    You can also apply to volunteer in one of our support programs that link new patients with volunteers who have already experienced diagnosis and treatment:

    Summary

    As a Hands-on Care Volunteer, you will provide complimentary hand massages to adult patients to support them during their infusion treatment days. You will be trained by a licensed oncology massage therapist from the Leonard P. Zakim Center for Integrated Therapies and Healthy Living. The service is the application of a 15-minute gentle and soothing touch to the hands and is not a treatment.

    The Hands-on Care Volunteer Program provides a complimentary, personal program for adult patients to support them during the chemotherapy infusion treatment days. The volunteer, trained by a licensed oncology massage therapist from the Zakim Center, will provide a 15-minute hand massage. The service is the application of a gentle and soothing touch to the hands. The service is not a treatment.

    Responsibilities and Impact

    Through the application of a gentle hand massage, patients will experience comfort, care, relaxation, and support during their chemotherapy infusion treatments.

    Essential Skills

    Must be compassionate, warm, sensitive to emotional needs, able to follow directions and work well under supervision. Cultural sensitivity and excellent communication skills required. Volunteers must be ambulatory, able to bend over, and able to carry a bag of supplies weighing 5-10 pounds.

    Location

    Dana-Farber - Longwood Medical Area

    Time Commitment

    One day per week, between 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Monday-Friday. Volunteers are expected to be available for the same three-hour block, one day per week. A one-year commitment is required.

    Summary

    The Marjorie and Betty Ann Blum Pediatric Resource Room is a comfortable learning center for Pediatric Oncology parents, patients, and their families to learn about disease, treatment options, and other cancer related health matters. The room houses a collection of books, brochures, laptops, iPads, and a music room, as well as crafts, games, and toys for all ages. The purpose of these materials is to provide patients with knowledge and ways to obtain support, as well as distraction and coping during appointments. The Blum Pediatric Resource Room is staffed by professionals and volunteers who are committed to helping patients and their families. If positions in the Blum Pediatric Resource Room are not available, volunteers may also be placed in the Jimmy Fund Playroom.

    Goal

    A mature, self-directed individual who feels comfortable working with Pediatric Oncology patients and their family members; courteous and pleasant demeanor; ability to act in a calm, efficient manner; effective verbal and written communication skills; resourceful individual; meets pediatric and adolescent competency skills; familiarity with electronics (iPads, computers, video games); organized and able to assist with coordinating resources for patients and families; able to lift 25 pounds and get up and down from floor easily.

    Activities

    • Before starting shift, check in with Resource Room supervisor
    • Assist visitors with:
      • Computer/resource searches
      • Make appropriate referrals to other staff within the Institute
      • Locate desired resources, printed materials, and iPads and laptop sign out
    • Engage in play and art with children of all ages
    • Maintain files and materials in an orderly fashion; replenish stock as appropriate; notify Patient and Family Education Specialist when booklets/brochures are low 
    • Clean toys, inventory and stock supplies
    • Print and compile resources and resource folders
    • Answer phones and assist callers appropriately
    • Use all equipment in a safe and responsible manner – no eating in the room 
    • Assist with packaging materials to be mailed home to families
    • Provide lunchtime coverage of staff in the Resource Room
    • Occasional respite care for pediatric patients while caregivers step away for 20 minutes or less

    Limitations

    • Do not give medical advice, opinions, or assumptions regarding a patient's illness, diagnosis, or treatment options.
    • Volunteers should refer patients to their physician if they have questions about their current treatment plan, protocol, and medications.
    • Always respect patient confidentiality.
    • When in doubt, questions should be brought to the attention of the appropriate staff member.
    • Maintain professional boundaries with Jimmy Fund Clinic patients and families.

    Training and Education

    • Complete Volunteer Services Orientation/Health Screening
    • On-the-job training with an experienced volunteer or staff member
    • Orientation of the Resource Room with CCLS/Program Coordinator:
      • Watch relevant training videos
      • On-the-job training of tasks
    • Work closely with Resource Room Staff to triage issues as they come up

    Volunteer Shifts

    Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

    Summary

    Dana-Farber's Junior Volunteer Program is a highly competitive program accepting high school students aged 16 to 18 who will learn multiple volunteer roles that allow them to engage directly with patients and families and become familiar with a health care environment. 

    Responsibilities and Impact

    As a junior volunteer, you will greet patients, help them navigate Dana-Farber, deliver lunches and adult art supplies to patients in infusion, and more. 

    Essential Skills

    Must be sensitive to emotional needs, follow directions, and work well under supervision. Cultural sensitivity and excellent communication skills required.

    Location

    Dana-Farber - Longwood Medical Area

    Time Commitment

    The program runs from July 8-August 16, 2024. Applicants must be able to commit to one 6-hour day per week (8 a.m.-2 p.m.) for the full six weeks. They must be able to attend or call into a weekly meeting that will introduce students to a variety of careers in health care.

    Summary

    For patients and families dealing with a cancer diagnosis, connecting to someone who has "been there" can be a great source of comfort. Our One-to-One program links individuals who have already experienced diagnosis and treatment with those who are facing it for the first time.

    Requirements

    Must be ONE year out from initial diagnosis

    Populations Served

    Adult patients and caregivers (family or friend)

    Volunteer Responsibility

    One-to-One volunteers are cancer survivors and caregivers (family and/or friends) who have completed specialized training. They talk to patients and caregivers via telephone about the treatment experience, guide them through their experience, and discuss available resources.

    Most importantly, they help relieve fears and concerns because they understand what it's like to face cancer.

    Duties

    • Responding to the program coordinator in a timely manner when asked to connect with a patient or caregiver
    • Attend quarterly meetings and trainings for One-to-One
    • Submit Contact report forms to the program coordinator
    • Provide a listening ear to patients and family members that they are matched with

    Questions regarding the One-to-One volunteer role can be directed to onetoone@dfci.harvard.edu

    One-to-One volunteer application

    Summary

    Since our inception in 1998, the Adult Patient and Family Advisory Councils (PFAC) have served as a national model for healthcare institutions. By partnering with Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center staff members regarding adult patient care, we help improve the patient experience and ensure patient- and family-centered care. The role of a PFAC member is to provide feedback, generate ideas, and offer insight from a patient or family/caregiver perspective. PFAC members may be asked to offer opinions and perspectives based upon their experience with a particular aspect of care, a department, or type of illness. It is important that PFAC members lead with their patient or caregiver perspective, and serve as partners to Dana-Farber staff and leadership.

    Requirements and Responsibilities

    PFAC members are cancer survivors, caregivers, or family members who have a strong desire to advocate for others. Responsibilities include attending 9-10 monthly meetings in person, serving on 1-2 projects or committees on an ongoing basis, being timely and responsive through email, assisting with speaking opportunities, events, or other volunteer opportunities, and sharing a personal story and patient/family perspective. A PFAC member has full voting rights on the Patient and Family Advisory Council. Voting responsibilities may include nominating and electing Co-Chairs, revising and updating the Bylaws, and making decisions on Council business.

    PFAC members commit to:

    • Sharing the patient/family experience
    • Attending monthly PFAC meetings
    • Volunteering 5-10 hours per month on committees and projects
    • 6-year term limit on the Council
    • Timely and reliable response on correspondences

    Population Served

    The PFACs advise on projects and initiatives covering many disciplines across Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in partnership with Institute staff and leadership. The goal is to provide the highest quality of care to our patients and families by advising staff and leadership from adult and pediatric oncology at Dana-Farber and Boston Children’s Hospital.

    Duties

    Participation may be in person, by phone, by Zoom or other electronic means, and may involve a one-time effort or participation in an ongoing project or committee.

    Activities may include:

    • Weighing in on the design or improvement of a new or existing program, service, policy, or process
    • Participation in research
    • Legislative advocacy at the state and national level
    • Reviewing and providing input on patient education materials
    • Reviewing or helping to draft patient and family communications
    • Presenting/co-presenting to staff or at a conference or event
    • Writing blogs and sharing stories

    Questions regarding the Patient and Family Advisory Councils can be directed to pfac@dfci.harvard.edu.
    Apply to join our PFACs

    Summary

    The goal of the Resource Cart is to provide newspapers, magazines, mobile games, and other resources that can improve the patient experience at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The resource carts will also be a place for patients to obtain information about Dana-Farber programs and services from compassionate volunteers. Magazines and the New York Times are funded through a generous donation by the Marc Adam Dwares Fund.

    Volunteer Responsibility

    Volunteers will travel throughout the adult clinics offering reading material and supportive resources 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

    • Stock the resource cart with materials, i.e. magazines, books, etc.
    • Visit adult clinics to distribute newspapers and magazines to adult patients and visitors
    • Inform patients of the supportive resources available to them by handing out various brochures and calendars
    • Provide comfort, support, and empathy
    • Direct patients and families to the appropriate program or resource for additional information

    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-pound resource cart

    Volunteer Shifts

    The Resource Cart goes around the Institute, Monday-Friday, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Volunteers must commit to one three-hour shift per week for at least a year.

    Summary

    In this role, you will help patients and families to navigate the resources available at the Dana-Farber - Chestnut Hill Center for Education and Support at Dana-Farber and at Dana-Farber - Longwood, as well as provide more information on supportive workshops and programs going on across the Institute.

    Responsibilities and Impact

    You will help answer phone calls, triage questions, give tours of the space, and work with program staff on other projects that aim to elevate the patient experience. In addition, you will help patients to access a variety of resources on cancer types, treatment, nutrition, finance, and more. You will help welcome patients and their families to explore our resources, read and relax, use one of our computers, or charge their phones.

    Essential Skills

    Great at communication. Good with people from diverse backgrounds. Friendly, excellent customer service skills, and commitment. Ability to recognize and support the emotional needs of patients and their families.

    Locations

    Dana-Farber - Chestnut Hill and Dana-Farber - Longwood

    Time Commitment

    Volunteers must commit to one three-hour shift each week between Monday-Friday, from 8-11:30 a.m. for at least a year.

    Summary

    Patients and families often find themselves overwhelmed, lost, and unfamiliar with the many resources available to them at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Navigating complex systems while coping with illness can be challenging and stressful. This is especially true when coming to a new location. Friendly assistance, clear guidance, and access to helpful information can ease anxiety and frustration. It also can be empowering. With a welcoming environment, robust support, and raised awareness of resources, patients and families will feel more confident and satisfied. 

    Responsibilities and Impact

    In this role, you will reach out to patients visiting Dana-Farber - Chestnut Hill, Dana-Farber at St. Elizabeth's, and Dana-Farber Brigham - Foxborough for the first time. Your care and empathy will provide them with insight and answers to any questions about resources and navigation. You will also provide one-on-one support to help a patient or family member who might otherwise feel lost and overwhelmed, as well as provide information about Dana-Farber programs and resources.

    Essential Skills

    Great communication skills. Good with people from diverse backgrounds. Friendly, excellent customer service skills, and commitment.

    Location

    Remote

    Time Commitment

    Volunteers must commit to one day of the week Monday-Friday, and be available for a three-hour shift from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.