Frequently Asked Questions

How do I become a San José Clinic volunteer?

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with San José Clinic!

Volunteer opportunities are based on current Clinic needs, available placements, applicant qualifications and interests, and department capacity. Because our needs vary throughout the year, opportunities may not be available in every department or for every area of interest.

Please visit our Current Volunteer Needs page to view opportunities for which San José Clinic is actively seeking volunteers and to learn how to apply for an available position. View Current Volunteer Needs

If you do not see an opportunity that matches your background or area of interest, we encourage you to check back periodically as volunteer needs change throughout the year.

Submission of a volunteer application does not guarantee placement. Applications are reviewed based on current Clinic needs, and applicants will be contacted directly if their qualifications, interests, and availability align with an available opportunity.

How are volunteers selected for available opportunities?

Volunteer applications are reviewed based on current organizational and department needs. Consideration may include an applicant's qualifications, experience, interests, availability, professional credentials, and the Clinic's capacity to train and supervise volunteers.

Priority may be given to applicants whose qualifications align with positions for which San José Clinic has an immediate need.

If there is a potential match with an available opportunity, the Volunteer Program will contact the applicant directly regarding next steps. Depending on the role, this may include a conversation or interview with department leadership before onboarding begins.

Does submitting an application guarantee that I can volunteer?

No. Submission of an application does not guarantee placement.

Volunteer placements depend on several factors, including current Clinic and department needs, available volunteer positions, applicant qualifications and experience, licensure or certification requirements, scheduling and availability, and department capacity.

Because these needs change throughout the year, San José Clinic may not have an appropriate placement available for every applicant.

Will I receive an update about my application?

Applicants who submit a volunteer application will receive confirmation that their application has been received.

Additional correspondence will generally occur only if you are selected to move forward with an available volunteer opportunity or if additional information is needed from you.

Because volunteer opportunities fluctuate throughout the year, San José Clinic is unable to guarantee individual status updates or placement timelines for every application.

There is no need to submit multiple applications or contact the Clinic for routine application status updates.

What is the onboarding process for volunteers?

Applicants who are selected to move forward will receive instructions from the Volunteer Program regarding the onboarding requirements for their specific role.

Depending on the position, onboarding requirements may include:

Volunteer onboarding forms and agreements
Background screening
Drug screening, when applicable
Government-issued photo identification
TB/PPD documentation
Immunization documentation or applicable declinations
Verification of licenses or certifications, when applicable
Confidentiality and policy acknowledgments
Volunteer orientation
Department-specific training or orientation

Additional documentation may be required depending on the volunteer's responsibilities.

Volunteers should not report for service until they have received confirmation that all applicable onboarding requirements are complete and they are cleared to begin.

What is the onboarding and credentialing process for physicians and other licensed providers?

Physicians and other providers whose volunteer services require clinical credentialing complete an additional credentialing and approval process before they may begin providing patient care.

Depending on the provider type and requested privileges, documentation may include:

Active professional license
Current curriculum vitae
Government-issued photo identification
National Provider Identifier (NPI)
Active BLS Certification
DEA registration, when applicable
Professional liability or malpractice coverage
Hospital privileges, when applicable
Education and training verification
Board certification, when applicable
Requested clinical privileges
Other documentation required for credentialing, privileging, FTCA, or Clinic policy

Completed credentialing files may require review and approval through San José Clinic's credentialing and/or Peer Review process before the provider is cleared to begin volunteering.

Providers should not begin clinical services or receive patient-care system access until all required onboarding and credentialing requirements have been completed and approval has been confirmed.

I am a student, resident, intern, or participant in a partner program. What process should I follow?

Students, residents, interns, and other individuals participating through an established San José Clinic school, training program, or organizational affiliation may have a separate onboarding process coordinated between the Clinic and their program.

If you are participating through an established partner or affiliate program, please follow the onboarding instructions provided specifically for your program rather than completing a general volunteer application unless instructed to do so.

Documentation and screening requirements may vary depending on the affiliation agreement, academic program, and individual's role at the Clinic.

Are there age requirements?

Yes. San José Clinic volunteers must be 18 years of age or older.

Is there a minimum volunteer commitment?

Community volunteers are encouraged to complete a minimum of 40 volunteer hours.

Once onboarding is complete and a volunteer has been cleared to begin, scheduling will be coordinated with the appropriate department. Many ongoing volunteer positions require a consistent weekly or biweekly commitment.

Specific scheduling and commitment requirements may vary by role and department.

How long does the onboarding process take?

Processing times vary depending on the volunteer role, required documentation, screening requirements, department availability, and, when applicable, credentialing or Peer Review.

Applicants should not make plans to begin volunteering until they have received confirmation that all applicable requirements have been completed and they are cleared to begin.

Who should I contact if I have a question?

Please review the information on this page and any correspondence you have received from the Volunteer Program before contacting San José Clinic.

If you have a question that is not addressed in the FAQ or in correspondence you have received, you may contact the Volunteer Program for assistance by clicking "Contact Us" below.

Please do not send duplicate applications or routine requests for application status updates.