A major pillar of USC Verdugo Hills Hospital is its dedicated core of volunteers. Established in 1972, the Volunteer Services Department attracts, retains and recognizes qualified in-service volunteers. Currently, there are more than 100 dedicated volunteers, ranging in age from 16 to 84, who provide their time and talent as volunteers in many areas in the hospital. The caliber of individuals working as hospital volunteers is exceptional; many are retired professionals and business people. Last year, volunteers contributed more than 6,000 hours of service.

The Volunteer Services Department uses volunteers in the following areas:

  • Main Volunteer Office
    • Offers information and assistance to visitors and patients
    • Transports patients, as needed
    • Supports logistics for the hospital
  • Meal Mates
    • Provides companionship during mealtimes
    • Must be at least 18 years of age
    • Completes and passes Meal Mates training, in addition to standard orientation
    • Commits to one uninterrupted hour, per shift
    • One to two times per week
    • Three-month commitment
  • Compassionate Companions
    • Provides compassionate visits to patients, some of whom may be near end of life
    • Must be at least 25 years of age
    • Six-month commitment
    • Completes and passes Compassionate Companions training, in addition to standard orientation
  • Service Excellence – Concierge
    • Greeting and escorting visitors and patients to their destinations
    • Individuals should be familiar with or willing to learn service standards
    • Must have strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate clearly
  • Service Excellence – Shuttle Escort
    • Provides on-campus transport via golf cart
    • Must be at least 18 years old
    • Must have:
      • At least 2 years driving experience and provide a copy of a current valid California driver’s license
      • Acceptable driving DMV record
    • Requires additional training

USC-VHH volunteer applicants should:

  • Be at least 16 years of age
  • Exhibit a professional appearance and manner
  • Exhibit a positive attitude
  • Be in good physical and mental health
  • Be dependable
  • Be able to verbally communicate in English
  • Show commitment to the hospital
  • Commit to a minimum of 100 hours of service

All volunteers are required to pass a background check and comply with Employee Health Requirements.

Rewards for volunteering at USC-VHH:

  • Satisfaction of doing something for others
  • Opportunity to share your skills and learn new ones
  • Make a difference by serving your community
  • Enjoyment of making new friends and having fun
  • For student volunteers, earning service hours

Adult Volunteers

We recruit adult volunteers throughout the year.

Student Volunteers

Volunteer opportunities for high school students will be available in Spring / Summer 2025. Please check this website for updates mid-March 2025.

Contact Us

Please contact us if you have questions regarding volunteer opportunities.
Email: vhhvolunteer@med.usc.edu