VOLUNTEERING AT PICC

Volunteers are an important part of the health care team at PICC, providing a special element of love and concern. Because they give their time and talents, volunteers create an irreplaceable atmosphere of warmth and goodwill, and perform numerous services and tasks that enable us to hold our costs down. We value you!!

     WHAT ARE THE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AT PICC?

Although we refer to this volunteer as a “cuddler”, the duties of this position stretch far beyond  holding and comforting a baby. We want to stress that this is  certainly a part of the position, but we need to remember that these babies are suffering from the effects of drug-exposure. During their first weeks at PICC they are very fragile and must have very little outside stimulus. Touch, sounds, smells - are all very difficult for a baby going through withdrawal. During this time, they are cared for only by the nurses. As they recover, more opportunities arise for "cuddling."

Other duties for volunteers may include laundry, stocking shelves, dusting or other chores that will help us maintain a clean, efficient, organized and pleasant facility for the babies. ”Cuddler” positions are scheduled for 1-1/2 hour shifts, once a week between 7:30 AM until 8:30 PM.  Volunteers at PICC need to be 18 years of age.

      REQUIREMENTS

No special skills are necessary, just a love of babies! But you must be able to perform light housekeeping skills such as sweeping, laundry and cleaning. It is very important that a “cuddler” maintain his or her schedule. Substitute lists are available for those days you are unable to make your time.

      HOW DO I BECOME A VOLUNTEER?

For people interested in becoming a volunteer, we have a simple, but key, process to follow (in accordance with our state licensing regulations).

1. Informational Tour

Potential volunteers are required to take one of the scheduled tours of PICC. These tours are the starting point to becoming a volunteer.  Information is given about being a PICC volunteer so everyone interested will know what they can expect and if PICC is a good match for them. We schedule the tours on a need basis.
 

2. Application

Application forms, which will be handed out after the informational tour, need to be completed and returned to Pam Huffman, Director of Public Relations

3. Interview

If there is a volunteer vacancy that matches the time availability of the applicant, the individual is contacted for a personal interview

4. Paperwork

At the interview, the prospective volunteer will also be asked to complete some paperwork. This includes a Criminal History Background Check. Additionally, all volunteers will need to pay for and submit proof of a negative TB Test (PICC has information about where TB tests are conducted.) Nobody is allowed to serve as a cuddler until the TB Test is confirmed negative.

5. Training

Training is the final step. This process takes about an hour and is done one-on-one with PICC’s volunteer trainers.

We count on our volunteers! They are an essential part of keeping our costs down while maintaining a high quality, healthy, happy and secure environment at PICC.

For more information contact:
Pam Huffman, Director of Public Relations
Phone: 253-852-5253
Email: pamhuffman@picc.net