Special Category Associate Application

Learn More About Special Category Associates

• What is a Special Category Associate?

  Special Category Associates are non-employees. Associates serve in a variety of capacities, to include, but not limited to, observation/shadowing, administrative duties, providing patient activities, serving on hospital boards and specific tasks dedicated by the department in which they have an assignment. All tasks completed must be non-employee-based and cannot be employee-based.

• How old does a Special Category Associate need to be?

  There is a minimum age requirement of 15 years of age.

• What is Children's National looking for in a Special Category Associate?

  Associates must be passionate about children and our mission. It is important that associates work well in a team environment and are committed to meeting the needs of the patients and families we serve.

• How long does the application process take?

  The application process takes between four to six weeks.

• What kind of schedule is required for the Special Category Associates?

  We strive to be as flexible as possible with our volunteers' time, and we ask the same in return. There are various opportunities for you to become engaged in that can fit your interests and availability. Please discuss your availability or preference with your supervisor prior to submitting the application.

• What kind of involvement do you ask of the Special Category Associates?

  Commitment levels vary, depending on the assignment your supervisor chooses for you.

• How do I become a Special Category Associate?

  We require all potential associates go through an approval, background and onboarding process before becoming an active Special Category Associate.

• Why do I have to undergo a criminal background check?

  Our Special Category Associates are trusted to work directly with our employees, patients and families and may handle sensitive information and resources, depending on the assignment. For the protection of our patients and children, we require criminal background checks of all staff and Special Category Associates (excluding Episodic associates).  All information in the application, and any acquired through the background check, will remain confidential and is used only for screening and placement purposes.

• Do I need a passport and/or visa?

  Yes. If you are not a resident of the United States, you will need to provide a copy of your visa and a passport in order to apply.

• How are applicants selected?

  When you submit the online application, it is expected that you have already confirmed with a Children’s National staff member that they will serve as your supervisor while you conduct your assignment in their department. We review the details in your application and verify the information with the supervisor before proceeding with onboarding.

• I received my medical clearance. Does this mean that I'm officially cleared?

  No. This just means you have been cleared medically from our Occupational Health team. Your assignment is not officially cleared until you have received a final clearance email from the Special Category Program.

• Can I park on site? Who pays for my parking?

  In order to ensure ample parking for patients and families, Special Category Associates are not permitted to park on site at the hospital. If you would like to park at one of our offsite locations, we can issue you a parking form to complete and return to the Security and Parking Office when you obtain your ID badge.

  Special Category Associates are responsible for their own payment for parking.

• Where can I pick up my badge?

  Badges can be picked up from the Security and Parking office at the main hospital, located on the first floor next to the Emergency Department. The office is open for badge pickup Tuesday-Thursday from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. No badge pickup is allowed on Mondays or Fridays.

• When will I receive network access for my Children's National email?

  The Children's National ID (CNID) process can take up to one week to activate your Children’s email address and network access. You will receive an email from CNID with instructions to claim your access.

• Where do I go on my first day?

  Your manager will be notified of your clearance, the same day you receive your finalized email from Special Category. Managers or a representative from each department serves as first point of contact and instructs each associate of where to report to on their first day and what time to be there.