Spiritual Care Volunteers serve under the leadership of the Volunteer Services Department on each Campus. They assist staff chaplains with visiting patients, families and, as requested, staff members. They are available to listen, encourage, support, understand, rejoice and sometimes, grieve with patients, families and staff. They submit referrals to the Staff Chaplains when appropriate and introduce the services that Chaplains provide.
Spiritual Care Volunteer Requirements
In addition to completing the training required by the Volunteer Services Department and then the Spiritual Care Department, the following apply:
Must be 21 years of age or older
Be able to articulate a well-grounded spirituality that reflects the Texas Children’s Hospital’s values, which include empathy, honoring and respecting religious diversity, enhancing the holistic health and well-being of children, families and staff.
Be able to relate to patients and family members on a one-to-one basis.
Be an active listener; show empathy, not sympathy.
Deal effectively with stressful situations and patients who may be very ill.
Understand that proselytizing/evangelizing is strictly forbidden and inappropriate in the Hospital setting.
Understand personal boundaries and role limitations and agree to call upon a staff chaplain when appropriate.
Protect the confidential nature of the role of a Spiritual Care Volunteer. (You will be signing a Confidentiality Agreement.)
Main Campus
Contact Laura Marceau, Volunteer Services, at 832-824-2263 or lmmarcea@texaschildrens.org to begin the process or for questions.
West Campus
Contact Nora Lopez, Senior Volunteer Coordinator at West Campus, at 832-227-1186 or nllopez@texaschildrens.org to begin the process or for questions.
Woodlands Campus
Contact Zetta Small, Senior Volunteer Coordinator at the Woodlands Campus, at zmsmall@texaschildrens.org to begin the process or for questions.