Volunteer at Highlands Ranch Hospital / Inverness Ambulatory Surgery Center

Thank you for your desire to give to your community through volunteering at UCHealth Highlands Ranch Hospital and Inverness Ambulatory Surgery Center! We appreciate your desire to share your time and talents to support our patients, staff, and visitors.

Volunteers play a meaningful role in providing comfort and care to patients and their loved ones. We hope your experience with us will be both valuable and rewarding. Our volunteer program offers a variety of opportunities for service in our hospital for individuals ages 16 and up.

Volunteer Applications

  • Adult Volunteers

    Do you enjoy helping others and making people feel welcome? Volunteering at UCHealth Highlands Ranch Hospital is a meaningful way to give back to your community while supporting patients, visitors, and staff in small but powerful ways.

    Our adult volunteers play an important role in creating a compassionate, patient-centered environment. Whether you're greeting guests, helping someone navigate the hospital, or offering a friendly presence during a stressful moment, your time and kindness help make our hospital a place of comfort and connection.

    People choose to volunteer with us for many reasons - to give back, to stay engaged in their community, or to gain experience in a health care setting. No matter your motivation, we value the care, reliability, and heart our volunteers bring to the hospital every day.

    Adult Volunteer Requirements

    To ensure a positive and consistent experience for our patients and teams, adult volunteers must meet the following requirements:

    • Be at least 18 years old
    • Commit to a minimum of 65 hours over a six-month period
    • Complete the Highlands Ranch Hospital volunteer application and onboarding process

    This application is currently closed and will reopen on Monday, January 5th.

  • Junior Volunteers

    Are you a high school student looking to give back, earn service hours, or explore interests related to health care or helping professions? UCHealth Highlands Ranch Hospital's Teen (Junior) Volunteer Program offers a meaningful way to get involved while building confidence and professional skills.

    As a junior volunteer, you'll support patients, visitors, and staff during regular business hours in a welcoming, community hospital environment. Volunteers may assist with guest services, wayfinding, greeting families, or helping behind the scenes to keep the hospital running smoothly. Your presence helps create a positive experience for everyone who walks through our doors.

    Many of our teen volunteers leave the program with a stronger sense of responsibility, improved communication skills, and a deeper appreciation for service - no matter what path they choose after high school.

    Junior Volunteer Requirements

    To participate in the Junior Volunteer Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

    • Be at least 16 years old
    • Commit to six months of service, completing two or more shifts per month or a minimum of 65 total hours
    • Be available to volunteer during office hours only
      • Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
      • Evening and weekend shifts are not available for junior volunteers
    • Complete the Highlands Ranch Hospital volunteer application and onboarding process

     

    This application is currently closed and will reopen on Monday, January 5th.

  • Pet Therapy Program

    There's nothing quite like the comfort a friendly dog can bring to a hospital visit.

    At UCHealth Highlands Ranch Hospital, our Pet Therapy volunteer teams provide moments of connection, calm, and joy for patients, visitors, and staff. Whether it's a gentle nudge of reassurance, a wagging tail that sparks a smile, or a quiet presence during a difficult day, these visits make a meaningful difference throughout the hospital.

    Our therapy dogs - and their dedicated handlers - are a cherished part of our volunteer community. Together, they help create a welcoming, compassionate environment where small moments of joy can have a big impact.

    If you and your dog have a calm temperament and a heart for helping others, pet therapy volunteering offers a unique way to give back while strengthening the special bond you share.

    Pet Therapy Program Requirements
    (Dogs or Miniature Horses)

    To participate in the Pet Therapy Volunteer Program, you and your animal must meet the following requirements:

    Be registered with one of the nationally recognized animal therapy organizations approved by UCHealth, including:

    • Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD)
    • Denver Pet Partners
    • Pet Partners
    • Therapy Dogs International (TDI)
    • Attend an interview with your therapy animal
    • Complete the Highlands Ranch Hospital volunteer application and onboarding process, including a shadow experience with another team
                   

     These applications are currently closed and will reopen on Monday, January 5th.

  • Staff Volunteer Program

    • Volunteer Program FAQ

    • How do I become a volunteer?
      1. Learn about the requirements and volunteer opportunities. If you meet the requirements, can make the commitment to volunteer and see role that will interest you, click the link to apply.
      2. Complete the online application and the online trainings. You will receive an email from Volunteer Services when we receive your application. Notify your references that they will receive an email request to complete a reference.
      3. Sign up and attend an interview. These may be in person or virtual.
      4. Complete a health screening. All volunteers are required to have the following vaccines: MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, Tdap, Influenza each flu season, and a negative TB test within the last year. If you do not have immunization records or are missing immunizations, UCHealth will provide titer tests and assist you in fulfilling the required immunizations.
      5. Complete a background check and onboarding. Most onboarding steps are completed online. You will be asked to review policies and procedures related to volunteering at UCHealth
      6. Attend an in-person volunteer orientation, receive your volunteer badge and uniform.
      7. Once you start volunteering, remember to always log your volunteer hours.
    • What is the minimum age to volunteer:
      The minimum age to volunteer at UCHealth Highlands Ranch Hospital is 16. Some volunteer roles have a higher age requirement and only accept volunteers over 18.
    • When can high school students volunteer?
      Junior volunteers must be available to volunteer during office hours. Office hours are 8am-4pm, Monday through Friday. Junior volunteers may not volunteer in the evenings or weekends.
    • How many hours do I need to commit to become a volunteer?
      Volunteers are typically asked to commit to 65 hours of service within a one-year period of time. Volunteer shifts are typically three to four hours long, at the same day and time each week.
    • How long does the onboarding process take?
      The amount of time the onboarding process takes depends heavily on the volunteer. We ask that volunteers complete the onboarding process within 60 days of their interview.
    • If I apply, am I automatically accepted?
      No, applying does not guarantee acceptance. Each application is reviewed to ensure it meets the necessary requirements, and each applicant is screened and must complete all compliance requirements for the specific program they applied for. Acceptance is based on meeting these criteria.
    • Can I fulfil court ordered service hours while volunteering at UCHealth?
      No, we are unable to sign off on court ordered service hours.
    • Can Volunteer Services help place me in an internship or shadowing role?
      No, if you are interested in a shadowing opportunity you must find your own Sponsor, Volunteer Services is not able to match you with one.
    • Do you have a summer volunteer program?
      We do not currently have a specific program for summer volunteers. However, we do accept a limited number of applicants that are only available for the summer, and can commit to coming in for 2 to 3 volunteer shifts every week to complete their volunteer commitment.
    • Do you offer one-time or group volunteer opportunities?

      Due to our onboarding requirements and individualized training for volunteers, we do not offer one-time or group volunteer opportunities. However, if you are interested in a service project from home, we accept donations such as:

      • Handmade (knit, crochet, quilted, or no-sew hand tied) lap blankets for adults.
      • Adult sized hats for our Cancer Center patients
      • Current magazines and books that are in good condition.
      • Get-well cards with a handwritten note inside
      • Word search, crossword puzzles, Sudoku, or adult coloring books.

      If you have something you are interested in donating that is not on this list, please contact us!