Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation

Since its inception in 1907 as a shelter for 25 indigent men and women, the Parker Jewish Institute has evolved into a nationally recognized 527-bed, non-profit center for the health care and rehabilitation of adults, and a comprehensive network of community health care programs for adults. It is also a leading academic campus for the training of health care professionals, and an important research center for studies related to aging. 

Recognizing that many older adults can avoid institutionalization if they have the right support services, Parker developed an extensive network of community health care programs and services, including: social adult day care, home health care, and community/inpatient hospice, medical house calls and Willing Hearts, Helpful Hands.

In 2010, Parker expanded services to include on-site dialysis. The Queens-Long Island Renal Institute, Inc. opened its doors on the lobby level of Parker, providing chronic hemodialysis in an award-winning, state-of-the-art environment, for both inpatients and residents of the community.

Today’s Parker is well positioned to continue its leadership in patient care, teaching and research, on the wings of compassion, excellence and innovation.

Volunteering at Parker

Parker volunteers are valued members of our team. They make an important contribution to resident service. Volunteers are assigned diverse tasks like transporting wheelchair-bound residents, friendly visiting, recreational activities, clerical tasks and assisting professional staff.  While our staff concentrates on the adult’s medical and health needs, volunteers help to fill their social and emotional needs.

How do I become a volunteer?

Our Volunteer Services Department is the clearinghouse through which all volunteers begin their association with us.  When you call, we will invite you to meet with the Volunteer Services staff for an interview and tour of Parker.  During this interview, general information regarding the Institute, its policies, volunteer opportunities and requirements will be discussed.  Don’t worry if you’re not sure about what you want to do as a volunteer, we’ll be happy to discuss that with you.

In order for applicants to be accepted for volunteer services, the following is required:

• Complete Parker’s volunteer application.
• Provide two current letters of reference.
• Must be at least 15 years of age by your initial start date. If under the age of 18, you must provide Student General Employment Certificate (working papers).
• Volunteer a minimum of four hours per week.
• Medical Clearance Form completed by your physician. (Including proof of COVID-19 immunization and seasonal influenza vaccination).

Once the application and medical clearance process has been completed and approved by our staff, an orientation is provided to ensure that you are well informed about the Institute and its programs, policies and procedures.

What can I do as a volunteer?

Our volunteers are actively involved in many of the departments and offices in Parker.  Some of our volunteer opportunities include:

- Activities: Volunteers assist with games and programs.

- Administration: Assist office staff with clerical duties including filing, answering phones, running errands and other duties as assigned.

- Arts & Crafts: Individuals who have talents in everything from needlepoint, ceramic, woodworking, painting or other activities, can enjoy teaching their craft to our residents.

- Cultural Liaisons: Individuals who are fluent in languages other than English can assist by communicating with residents that have another primary language.

- Discussion Leaders: Conduct group discussions on current events, cultural topics or special hobbies.

- Entertainers: Musicians, singers, and other entertainers are able to offer programs for our community.

- Friendly Visitors: Meet a new friend and maintain a regular visitation schedule with residents.

- Hospice Friendly Visitor: Special visitors receive additional training, that prepares them to visit with terminally ill residents and meet their socialization needs.

- Gift Shop: Join our gift shop as a sales associate.

- Recreation Cart: Visit our residents with a decorated cart, stocked with magazines, games, books and other items. You will help reach our residents who are unable to visit the Gift Shop or attend activities.

- Special Events: For those with limited time available to volunteer. These volunteers can be called upon to help with special programming, holiday events and administrative projects.

- Spiritual Care: Individuals of different faiths, beliefs and practitioners of healing modalities have the opportunity to extend discussions and activities to enhance resident's wellness.

- Welcome Wagon: Visit newly admitted residents and help them adjust to their new surroundings.

*We are always open to new ideas, should there be anything you would like to do that would enrich the lives of our residents.*

As a volunteer at Parker, you’ll enjoy many rewards. You’re guaranteed to feel a sense of accomplishment, learn new skills, meet new people, make new friends and make an invaluable contribution to your community.

Volunteer opportunities extend to high school students as young as 15 or in the 9th grade, as well as college and adult volunteers who may be seeking ways to serve the community or exploring their own career options. Volunteers between the ages of 15 and 17 are enrolled as student volunteers. Volunteers who are 18 years of age or older are considered adult volunteers.

Summer Volunteer Program

Our summer program runs for seven weeks and starts immediately following the July 4th holiday. The application process starts in January and ends May 15. 

If you want an experience that will dramatically shape your career, consider a company that’s dramatically shaping the long- term care health care system. Parker is a leading skilled nursing facility and innovative organization dedicated to to providing superior quality health care to adults. With more than 1,000 employees, Parker combines people, research, technology, and advocacy to improve the delivery, quality and efficiency of health care. Our internship opportunities provide a view of a rapidly evolving health care system. Here, you’ll work with some of the most talented people in the business on assignments that matter. Join us and you may end up staying for a career in which you can make a difference.

Summer Volunteers are required to:

• Meet with a member of our staff for a personal interview
• Complete our application process, which includes a medical reference form that must signed by your physician. The form requires information on immunization status for MMR and Varicella, a current TB test as well as Covid-19 and Flu Vaccination.
• Attend Parker’s volunteer orientation

OUR RESIDENTS WOULD LOVE TO HAVE YOU JOIN US!

To begin your volunteer experience at Parker, please call our  Volunteer Services Department at:

(718) 289-2134