MAKE AN IMPACT
SHAMS Clinic is able to continue providing healthcare to the underserved through the generous support of our providers and volunteers. We are also always looking for physicians and non-physicians to join our team. Apply today!
Volunteer With Us
ICNA Relief SHAMS Clinic is always looking for more volunteers to help us serve our patients. Licensed physicians as well as PAs and NPs are encouraged to apply and contact us as we are growing and cannot treat our patients without you! Non-physicians fall into two volunteering categories: “clinical” and “non-clinical”. Clinical Volunteers are those actively enrolled or graduated from a clinical program such as Medical School, PA School, Pharmacy School, Nursing or NP School. These volunteers assist the provider by taking patient histories and reporting their case. Non-Clinical Volunteers assist with patient flow, greeting our clients, check-in, check-out, answering the phone and also taking patient vital signs. These volunteers are typically undergraduate students. If you are unsure of what type of volunteering you are best suited for, contact us here Learn more
The volunteer process begins when you submit a completed application through our website. Depending on the volume of applications, processing may take some time. If we need more information from you, we will let you know via email. Once your application is processed, you will be informed and then invited to a virtual orientation session. All volunteers must attend an orientation session prior to attending their first volunteering shift. These sessions typically occur once per month. After the orientation, you will receive monthly emails from the clinic manager with links to our signupgenius, and you will have the ability to attend your first shift!
Please complete your application in full before submitting it. Do not upload other pictures in place of your required forms. All volunteers must submit proof of flu vaccine and TB testing. You are responsible for your professional reference uploading their information. Please do not contact us for updates if your application is incomplete.
Volunteering shifts for our primary care clinic are Saturdays from 9:30am-1:30pm. There are occasional events that you will be invited to sign up for as well, such as Health Fairs and Community Outreach Events.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
If we are unable to answer your question(s) below, feel free to contact us at shamsclinic@icnarelief.org.
WHY VOLUNTEER?
What are the benefits of volunteering at ICNA Relief’s SHAMS Clinic?
The free clinic is able to continually offer services free of charge to the community largely because of the generous support of volunteers, and here at SHAMS Clinic, we understand that volunteering is a two-way street. While we gain immense support for our mission by having a dedicated corps of volunteers, you will also gain something in return, be it skills, experience or personal fulfillment. Rest assured that before your first day, we will work hard to ensure that each applicant is placed in a role that meets the needs of SHAMS Clinic and is a good fit for the volunteer.
What expectations do you have for SHAMS Clinic Volunteers?
Above all else, volunteers are expected to uphold the mission and philosophy of SHAMS Clinic. They are also expected to maintain client confidentiality, treat all clients with the utmost respect and compassionate care, and maintain professionalism at all times.
OPPORTUNITIES & QUALIFICATIONS
Are all volunteer positions filled on a rolling basis?
Most volunteer positions are filled on a rolling or as-needed basis because training is on-the-job.
Are there opportunities available where I can get experience working directly with patients?
Yes. We are always looking for individuals who are professionally licensed to provide services to our patients. Furthermore, we have opportunities available for those who are not trained or licensed to gain experience in a direct service capacity. Among our “no experience necessary” roles, volunteers can serve as Intake Workers, Patient Assistant Program helper, and answering telephone calls etc.
How will I know which volunteer positions are available?
On the application, volunteers are asked to indicate which positions they are interested in. We will explore the availability of the positions you selected as well as others that might match what you are looking for during your service. If you have specific questions about availability prior to applying, contact our office manager
Do I have to be licensed or trained in medicine to volunteer?
No. SHAMS Clinic has an immense need for volunteers who are not trained or licensed in medicine, and we have a plethora of “no experience necessary” roles available, which vary from providing direct service to helping out behind the scenes with the tasks that help SHAMS Clinic run from day to day.
You could also help out in other nonclinical programs like our essentials pantry and back to school.
Do I have to be licensed in the state of Pennsylvania if I am a licensed professional?
Yes. To serve in a clinical capacity without supervision, you must be licensed in the State of Pennsylvania.
What kind of time commitment is needed to volunteer?
It takes a great deal of time and energy to effectively train SHAMS Clinic volunteers. Because of this, most positions at our clinic request a minimum length of service, which varies from three months to one year depending on the role. We especially appreciate long-term service since it ensures consistency for our patients. As a prospective volunteer, try to honestly evaluate your ability to commit prior to signing up for a role.
Are there opportunities for individuals to volunteer once for done-in-a-day projects?
Yes. If you are interested in a one-time project, please contact our office manager. Depending on the needs of SHAMS Clinic at the time, we will likely be able to utilize volunteers. In the past, volunteers participating in one-time projects have helped with health fairs, fundraising projects, assisting with data entry, among others incredibly helpful tasks.
Does SHAMS Clinic extend liability coverage to volunteers?
Yes. Our clinic extends its liability coverage for all lay level volunteers and individually licensed providers. A certificate of liability coverage can be produced upon request.
DRESSCODE
All volunteers (including non-clinical) are required to wear
scrubs and close-toed shoes. Please purchase scrubs in blue or black prior to your first shift with us if you do not already own them.