We welcome and encourage volunteers at Cottage Health. If you have four hours a week to commit, you can help in many valuable ways, whether you are retired, working or still in school. Our volunteers range in age. Junior volunteers can be as young as 14 if they are in high school. Dedication and a desire to help is all we ask.
You can sign up online to help at Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital, where we are expanding our volunteer force, as well as Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital and Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital.
To ask questions about assisting at any of the above hospitals, contact the Cottage Health Volunteer Office. Call 805-569-7357 or email volunteering@sbch.org.
There are many ways for men and women to contribute. The volunteer programs below are offered at Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital, Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital and Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, unless the listing says otherwise. Days and times for volunteer shifts are also given to help you find the right fit.
Ambassadors
Greet and give support to our patients, staff and visitors. Must have a warm, outgoing personality and be able to stand for several hours.
Daily: 8 a.m. to noon • noon to 4 p.m. • 4 to 8 p.m.
Aquatic Therapy
Help aquatic therapy team at Cottage Health Rehabilitation Hospital in Santa Barbara.
Shifts vary.
Caring Hands
Sew Teddy bears for our Emergency, Outpatient, and Eye Center departments, along with heart-shaped pillows for our heart and abdominal surgery patients. Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital only.
Tuesdays: 9 a.m. to noon.
Clerical Support
Help staff with filing, photocopying and collating. Run errands as needed.
Monday to Friday: Four-hour shifts. Times flexible.
Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital Patient Care
Help Physical and/or Occupational Therapy staff with a variety of tasks including observation, games, patient transport, equipment retrieval, wheelchair assist during ambulation training and assisting the rehabilitation aide at Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital in Santa Barbara.
Monday-Friday, Three (PT) or Four (OT) hour shifts, 6 month requirement.
Emergency Department Volunteer
Help staff with stocking supplies, running errands, prepping room, etc. Must be 18 years or older.
Daily: 8 a.m. to noon • noon to 4 p.m. • 4 to 8 p.m. • 8 p.m. to midnight.
Eye Care
Help Eye Center staff with smooth flow of patient care by performing non-clinical, clerical, and guest relations duties. Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital only.
Monday to Friday: • 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. • 1 to 4 p.m.
Junior Wheelchair Camp (Summer Only)
Help campers during activities with staff from Cottage Health Rehabilitation Hospital in Santa Barbara.
Summer.
Laboratory
Help deliver items to the patient floors and treatment areas.
Flexible hours.
Patient Care Volunteer
Help with re-stocking of supplies, interacting with patients and families, and discharging patients. Must be 18 years or older to help the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Pediatrics.
Daily: 8 a.m.to noon • 4 to 8 p.m.
Patient Sim Lab
Act in the role of a patient or family member in simulation scenarios with Cottage Health Staff (nurses and physicians). Hours vary based on class needs.
Patient / Visitor Services
Provide patients and their visitors a chance to share their stories and interests. Essentially be a good listener and show compassion.
Daily: 9 a.m. to noon • noon to 4 p.m.
Pet Assisted Therapy
Bring comfort and cheer to patients by visiting with your dog. To take part, your dog must be well behaved and certified by Therapy Dogs International.
Daily: One shift of one hour. Flexible times.
Pharmacy
Help deliver items to the patient floors and treatment areas. Flexible hours.
Pre-Admit Unit (On Hold)
Under the guidance of the pre-surgery charge nurse, coordinate smooth flow of patients through scheduled procedures by doing non-medical, clerical and customer service duties. Must be 18 years or older. Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital only.
Monday to Friday: 8 a.m. to noon • noon to 4 p.m.
Surgery Waiting Area (On Hold)
Serve as a liaison between families in waiting area and clinical staff in patient recovery room. Must be 18 years or older. Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital only.
Monday to Friday: 8 a.m. to noon • noon to 4 p.m. • 4 to 8 p.m.
Tray Favors
Create handmade favors for patients' meal trays. Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital only. Thursdays: 1 to 3:30 p.m.
Wound Management Center
Assist with flow of patients as they visit the Center for Wound Management at Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital.
Monday to Friday: 8 a.m. to noon • noon to 4 p.m.
The New-to-You Thrift Shop
Located at 1689 Oak Street, Solvang, the New-to-You Thrift Shop offers a fun way for our hospital volunteers to help. The SYVCH Auxiliary runs the shop with all proceeds going to the hospital to buy much needed equipment.
