Extra Training, Extra Rewarding

Our specialty volunteer groups encompass many areas of service that require extra training for our volunteers so they can serve effectively in specialized capacities. While these areas may take a little more effort to begin volunteering, many people find that the rewards more than repay that commitment.

Foster Grandparent Program

The Foster Grandparent program is a partnership with Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of San Antonio. Foster grandparent volunteers assist nursing staff with caring for babies in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and newborn nursery units. These special volunteers provide extra love and comfort to our smallest patients.

Volunteers who are 55 years and older will submit the online volunteer application and complete program requirements through University Health and Catholic Charities.

Paws Up Pet Therapy Program

Paws Up Pet Therapy is a University Health program designed to bring smiles and compassionate comfort to young patients and their families, allowing them to interact safely with dogs and cats.

To be considered for this rewarding program, you and your dog or cat must be registered with Pet Partners, Therapy Animals of San Antonio or PAWS for Service. After you apply to be a volunteer, you and your dog or cat will complete an evaluation by our Paws Up Pet Therapy committee.

Child Life Volunteer

Child Life volunteers offer comfort to our youngest patients and their families. Our application process can take up to four weeks. All potential volunteers must pass a criminal background check.

• Apply for the pediatric volunteer position online.
• Submit additional documents with the application: your driver's license, passport or other photo identification.
• Pass a health screening, which includes a short physical, a urine drug test, a tuberculosis (TB) skin test and a flu shot. This screening will take place every year.
• Interview with our volunteer interview committee member.
• Attend volunteer orientation and a training session. You’ll learn important information about the hospital and your volunteer responsibilities. Please bring proof of vehicle registration and insurance.
• Attend the Child Life unit orientation, which is an onsite orientation and training session specific to your volunteer responsibilities in this unit.

Spiritual Care Volunteer

Spiritual care volunteers are currently not being accepted at this time.

Patient Family Advisory Council Volunteer

The Patient Family Advisory Council (PFAC) is a Collaborative Care initiative created in 2015 in partnership with UT Health San Antonio to help improve the quality of our hospital’s care. Through this council, patients and their families can share their experiences with hospital administration as well as other patients and families to improve the delivery of care.

PFAC volunteers may dedicate their time to either short- or long-term projects, depending on the size of the project. Depending on the PFAC designation, volunteers will attend monthly or quarterly meetings.

Nominate a Patient or Family Member

After you nominate a patient or family member, we will invite nominees to fill out an application. Please review the qualifications of PFAC volunteers and submit a nomination.

Apply to Become a PFAC Volunteer

For more information or apply to become a PFAC member, please contact Erika Bowen at Erika.Bowen@uhtx.com.