Volunteer in Jacksonville, Fla.

Our volunteers share their caring by volunteering with pediatric patients, their families, alongside our staff in Nemours waiting rooms, specialty care locations and offices. Our staff typically treats more than 700 children each day in our three specialty care locations in Jacksonville. Our goal is to match your interests and skills with the needs of those we serve. The specialty care locations are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Volunteer opportunities are available in four-hour shifts Monday through Friday from either 8 a.m. to noon, or 1–5 p.m. Openings for volunteer positions change constantly; not all opportunities are available at any given time. We will always discuss your preferences for time, day and specialty care location when you call to schedule your interview at (904) 697-3517.

Our top recruitment need for year-round volunteers is adult volunteers. We are currently recruiting adult, college and high school volunteers who enjoy interacting with children in small groups in our waiting rooms. If you love children of all ages, this is the volunteer opportunity for you.

Opportunities for High School Students »

Opportunities

Please note that all volunteer opportunities are available in four-hour shifts Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to noon, or 1–5 p.m.

Recreational Activities for Children

Fantastic Friend

Bring a smile to a child's face by being a Nemours Fantastic Friend. Fantastic Friend volunteers play games, do easy arts and crafts projects, tell stories, read and talk to pediatric patients who are waiting to see their doctors.

Magical Mobile Puppet Theater

Have a flair for the dramatic? The Magical Mobile Puppet Theater uses puppets and books to entice children to enjoy reading and literature.

Roving Reader

Share your love of reading with children waiting to see their doctors. Roving Reader volunteers travel throughout the specialty care location, helping to take children's minds off of their doctor visit and focus them instead on wonderful stories and colorful pictures.

Borrow-Our-Books Family Resource Library

You can make a difference in the lives of kids by sharing your love of reading! "BOB" (Borrow-Our-Books) volunteers help children pick out award-winning books, as well as Disney and other kid-friendly movies, to borrow for two weeks. The Family Resource Library is located right in the front lobby next to the check-in area. Our free lending library also has great resources for patients and parents of children with special needs.

Clowning Around Volunteers

If you have previous experience as a clown and want to entertain pediatric patients, you will have a new volunteer home at Nemours. Whether you do hand and face painting, perform magic tricks or tell funny stories, your talents are sure to delight children of all ages.

Pet Visitation

Volunteer pet visitation teams provide lots of "puppy love" to patients and their families in the waiting rooms. All dogs must have an annual national certification and insurance from a pet visitation accrediting organization. Pets must be bathed within 24 hours of visiting our patients. Teams usually volunteer for a two-hour shift twice a month.

Optional additional service: On alternate weeks, volunteers may assist in the play areas with the children for four-hour shifts during the weeks that they are not bringing their pet to visit.

How to Apply

Requirements for Adults & College Student Applicants

All volunteers must:
  • request an online application by contacting the Volunteer Services Department
  • gain medical clearance including two tuberculosis tests, an immunization titer, a flu shot and a urine drug screening (all provided by Nemours)
  • clear background screenings, including a formal background check and two personal references
  • participate in an interview with the director of Volunteer Services
  • complete four hours of online orientation and annual update training (to receive the application link you must call us at (904) 697-3517) to set your interview date
  • complete training to perform outstanding customer service to patients, their families and Associates
  • make a commitment to serve at least 50 hours per year
  • serve at least a four-hour shift once a week in a designated time slot

Time Frames

Adults and college students may apply at any time.  See "How to Apply for High School Students" for information on teen volunteering.

Qualifications

Applicants must:
  • have consistent patience interacting with children from birth to age 18, as well as with their siblings and parents
  • be able to speak and understand English
  • be willing to learn the skills necessary to be competent in their duties and responsibilities

Benefits

Becoming a Nemours volunteer allows you to:
  • explore career opportunities
  • contribute to your community
  • meet new and interesting people
  • gain invaluable learning experiences, as well as references and recommendations
  • be eligible for a college scholarship (two are given each year)
  • receive a free annual flu vaccine
  • receive free parking and a free meal in the cafeteria
  • be recognized for your service hours

Contact Us

Please Contact Christie Harrod About Volunteering
Office Phone: (904) 697-3517
Work Cell: (904) 838-3744
Email: christie.harrod@nemours.org
Address: 807 Children's Way, Jacksonville, FL 32207