About Us:
The people of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) are united by a singular mission: ending cancer for life. Our specialized care teams provide personalized, compassionate, expert care to patients of all ages. Informed by basic research done at our Sloan Kettering Institute, scientists across MSK collaborate to conduct innovative translational and clinical research that is driving a revolution in our understanding of cancer as a disease and improving the ability to prevent, diagnose, and treat it. MSK is dedicated to training the next generation of scientists and clinicians, who go on to pursue our mission at MSK and around the globe.
Before You Apply
To ensure this opportunity is a good fit, please watch our volunteer Pre-Orientation video for essential program information. Review the opportunity description and scheduling details below carefully before submitting your application.
Hours & Location
Location: 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065
Shifts available: Monday 9AM - 1PM, Tuesday 1PM - 5PM, or Thursday 1PM - 5PM
Volunteers are asked to commit to at least one of the available shifts for a minimum of six consecutive months. Please indicate all shifts you are available for in your application.
Volunteer Opportunity
We are looking for caring and dedicated volunteers to support our adult inpatient units at Memorial Hospital. By offering comfort, conversation, and support, you’ll play an important role in helping patients and families feel at ease during their hospital stay.
As a volunteer, you may:
Offer a warm welcome by greeting patients, families, and visitors when they arrive on the unit.
Visit patient rooms to check in, provide friendly conversation, or help with small comforts like blankets, refreshments, or ensuring personal items are within reach.
Escort patients in wheelchairs to the discharge lounge or entrances.
Assist with non-clinical items such as organizing supplies and restocking resource areas.
Help patients access tools like MSK MyChart.
Who We’re Looking For
Age 18+
Able to commit to a weekly 4-hour shift for at least 6 months
Must be flexible and willing to support various areas based on daily needs, as directed by Volunteer Supervisor
If you are a former or current MSK patient, you must be out of active treatment for at least one year
Friendly, reliable, and comfortable engaging with patients, families, and staff
Tech savvy
Onboarding Process (average 4–6 weeks)
Virtual interview (based on scheduling needs and program fit)
2–3 reference checks
Background check & drug screen (18+ only)
Medical clearance (flu and other immunizations required; at applicant’s expense)
*To stay active in the program, onboarding must be completed within 30 days.
Please Note
This is an unpaid volunteer role. The Volunteer Department does not oversee paid employment, internships, shadowing, or educational programs. Our program provides meaningful, long-term opportunities to support patients and staff.
Closing:
At MSK, we believe in fair, competitive pay that reflects your job, experience, and skills.
MSK is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to diversity and inclusion in all aspects of recruiting and employment. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration without regard to race, color, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran status or any other factor which cannot lawfully be used as a basis for an employment decision.
Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.
Skills Required
- Age 18+
- Able to commit to a weekly 4-hour shift for at least 6 months
- Flexible and willing to support various areas based on daily needs
- Former or current MSK patient must be out of active treatment for at least one year
- Friendly, reliable, and comfortable engaging with patients, families, and staff
- Tech savvy (able to help patients access MSK MyChart)
- Complete onboarding within 30 days (virtual interview, 2-3 reference checks)
- Background check and drug screen (18+ only)
- Medical clearance (flu and other immunizations required; at applicant's expense)
What We Do
The people of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) are united by a singular mission: ending cancer for life. Our specialized care teams provide personalized, compassionate, expert care to patients of all ages. Informed by basic research done at our Sloan Kettering Institute, scientists across MSK collaborate to conduct innovative translational and clinical research that is driving a revolution in our understanding of cancer as a disease and improving the ability to prevent, diagnose, and treat it. MSK is dedicated to training the next generation of scientists and clinicians, who go on to pursue our mission at MSK and around the globe. One of the world’s most respected comprehensive centers devoted exclusively to cancer, we have been recognized as one of the top two cancer hospitals in the country by U.S. News & World Report for more than 30 years.
Why Work With Us
Our technical teams are embracing agile methodologies and user-centered design to build products that will improve the patient journey. We look forward to enhancing our use of data, analytics, and technology to improve how we work and collaborate.
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