Amarillo VA Health Care System - Volunteer Service

 Description of Program:

The Amarillo VA Health Care System (AVAHCS) benefits from the services of over 330 individual volunteers each year. Over 40 volunteers are on duty each day helping to make this a health care center of excellence. Volunteers from all ages, land life experiences serve in many capacities at AVAHCS. The mission of the AVAHCS Volunteer Program is to be recognized as a leader in the utilization of volunteers and charitable donations, to enhance veteran satisfaction through the delivery of compassionate, high quality care.

Eligibility: Minimum age 16 years, annual TB test, completion of volunteer orientation .

 Volunteer Opportunities:

The following is a list of ongoing volunteer positions available at AVAHCS. This list does not encompass all volunteer opportunities at the Medical Center .

• DAV Transportation Service Driver - DAV driver travels within the city limits and surrounding area picking up qualified patients at their homes and takes them to the VA hospital for their medical appointments.  They must have a valid Texas drivers license, proof of insurance, and pass a VA physical exam and pass a driving skills test with the VA Police Service before they are eligible to drive .
• Escort Runner - Escort patients in wheel chairs to designated areas. Deliver lab specimens, patient charts and records.
• Shuttle Driver - Drive shuttle within Medical Center grounds. Transport patients and family members. Must have valid TX drivers license, proof of auto insurance and pass VA courtesy physical exam and driving skills test.
• Clerical - Assist with general clerical work, typing, filing, collating, reception, and call patients to remind them of their appointments.
•  Recreation - Transport patients to activities. Assist with food preparation and serving patients. Participate in activities (bowling, bingo, cards, etc.).

Additional volunteer opportunities are available in specialized areas.
Stop by or call the

Volunteer Office Building 8, Room 2216-B
6010 Amarillo Blvd. West, Amarillo, TX 79106
(806) 354-7811

Hours of Operation: Office Hours - Monday thru Friday
8:00am - 4:30pm. (Except Federal Holidays)
 

 Volunteer Application Process:

Everyone is required to attend an orientation before beginning service as a VA volunteer. The 2 hour orientation, an introduction to the medical center, covers many of the same topics as employee orientation. The basic purpose of the orientation is three fold :

1. To complete the application process

2. To provide information related to the policies, functions and objectives of the Medical Center and

3. To provide an understanding of the fundamental principles and procedures of volunteer service in the medical center.
The Supervisor in the assigned area will provide job specific training .

All volunteers are required to receive a tuberculin skin test when they begin volunteering. This test is administered, free of charge, at the orientation session. The test must be repeated on an annual basis in order to keep your volunteer status with the VA. All volunteers over the age of 18 will be fingerprinted with the VA Police Service. You will also receive an ID badge and a volunteer parking sticker .

After completing the volunteer orientation, an appointment will be set up for you to discuss your interests and placement opportunities at the medical center .

 Volunteer Benefits:

In addition to the many non-tangible benefits you receive as a volunteer from helping others, AVAHCS also provides some specific volunteer rewards. If you volunteer for four hours in a day you will receive a complimentary meal. All volunteers receive a parking sticker. Parking is free. Throughout the year VA staff make a point of recognizing our volunteer's efforts, but annually volunteers are honored for their hours of service at an awards ceremony and banquet. For more information contact us .

Volunteer Office Building 8, Room 2216-B
6010 Amarillo Blvd. West, Amarillo, TX 79106
(806) 354-7811

Hours of Operation: Office Hours - Monday thru Friday
8:00am - 4:30pm. (Except Federal Holidays)
 

 Youth Volunteers:

Youth volunteers are an important part of the VA medical center’s program. Youth between the ages of 16 and 18 can receive valuable experience and training, which will be of benefit in applying for college and employment. Qualified VA youth volunteers have the opportunity to compete for the prestigious James H. Parke Memorial Youth Scholarship Award .

 VA Voluntary Service (VAVS) Committee:

Every VA hospital has a VA Voluntary Service Committee, which is made up of representatives from organizations who have members participating in the VAVS program. The Committee serves in an advisory capacity in coordinating the established plans and policies for volunteer participation in the VA Volunteer Program. If your organization would like to find out how to become a member of the AVAHCS VAVS committee please contact the Volunteer Office .

 How To Contact Us:

Volunteer Office Building 8, Room 2216-B
6010 Amarillo Blvd. West, Amarillo, TX 79106
(806) 354-7811

Hours of Operation: Office Hours - Monday thru Friday
8:00am - 4:30pm. (Except Federal Holidays)