Volunteer opportunities at Sheltering Arms Institute

Volunteer experiences for individuals of all ages who are seeking a way to give back to others and their community.

VOLUNTEERING AT SHELTERING ARMS INSTITUTE

Help us, help others

Sheltering Arms Institute offers a variety of volunteer roles to assist our team members in providing quality service and showing compassion to our patients and their families.

Volunteer locations

From our inpatient rehabilitation hospital to our outpatient centers throughout Central Virginia, volunteer roles are available at multiple Sheltering Arms Institute locations.

Volunteer roles

A variety of volunteer roles have been designed to provide individuals an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to our community

Mealtime Feeder

A regular weekly shift of 2-3 hours, the mealtime feeder assists patients with their meals and engages in conversation with patients during meals if they wish to talk.

Apply now

Nursing Assistant and Hospitality

A regular weekly shift of 2-3 hours, the nursing assistant and hospitality volunteer role enhances the patient experience by cleaning and organizing the environment, meeting patients’ basic needs, and helping patients connect with family and friends.

Apply now

Front Desk Greeter and Wayfinder

A regular weekly shift of 3-4 hours, the front desk greeter and wayfinder greets patients, visitors, and team members; maintains the current inpatient and outpatient listings; provides patients and visitors with wayfinding directions; answers the phone; delivers flowers and cards to patients; and completes other clerical duties as assigned. 

Apply now

Patient Ambassador

A regular weekly shift of 2-3 hours, patient ambassadors check in with patients to make sure they are having an exceptional patient experience, sharing any feedback with the supervisor to coordinate a follow-up response.

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VolunTeen

VolunTeen shifts are available on a routine basis and assist with tasks such as event support.

Apply now

Student Observer

Individuals who require observation hours as an application prerequisite for a graduate program, or those who wish to learn more about a specific discipline.

Apply now

Volunteer requirements

At Sheltering Arms Institute, volunteers are part of our team and are held to the same standards as our employees. Below are the general requirements to serve in a volunteer role at Sheltering Arms Institute.

  • Be at least 18 years old, or 16 years old to participate in VolunTeen program
  • Commit to volunteering 2-3 hours per week for at least a year, totaling 100 hours
  • Be willing to follow the hospital’s appearance standards and all policies and procedures
  • Provide proof of immunizations for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) and varicella (chickenpox); flu (if volunteering between October 1 and April 30); a tuberculosis (TB) test and assessment; and COVID
  • Complete and submit an application
  • Pass a background check
  • View a pre-recorded volunteer orientation presentation
  • Meet with a member of the volunteer services department to participate in a skills-matching conversation
  • Complete compliance and HIPAA training

Our volunteers are an invaluable asset to our team. They truly are a gift to our patients, families, and team members giving selflessly their love and time.

Volunteer FAQs

Here are some things to consider before applying to volunteer: 

Hospital Environment:

  • Am I comfortable interacting with individuals from a variety of backgrounds who are in the healthcare environment for a variety of reasons?
  • Am I comfortable interacting with patients, guests, and team members while respecting boundaries and maintaining confidentiality?
  • Am I comfortable offering support that is respectful of those with different perspectives or beliefs and not personal in nature?

Commitment:

  • Am I able to commit to volunteering for a weekly shift for a year or longer?
  • In addition to my important work, family, and other obligations, will I be able to regularly volunteer with Sheltering Arms Institute?

Regulatory Requirements:

  • Am I willing to submit the information required (including Social Security Number) for completing the appropriate background clearances?
  • Am I willing to complete an initial health screening that will include two tuberculosis skin tests and verifying certain immunities? (This process can require multiple trips to our health office during daytime business hours or be done through an outside provider at your own expense.)
  • Am I willing to receive a seasonal (annual) flu vaccine?
  • Am I willing to provide proof of having received the COVID vaccine?
  • Am I willing to complete an initial orientation, and ongoing regular training, as requested?
  • Must be at least 18 years old, or 16 years old to participate in VolunTeen program
  • Commit to volunteering 2-3 hours per week for at least a year, totaling 100 hours
  • Be willing to follow the hospital’s appearance standards and all policies and procedures
  • Provide proof of immunizations for: 
    • Measles, mumps & rubella (MMR) and varicella (chickenpox)
    • Flu (if volunteering between October 1 and April 30)
    • Tuberculosis (TB) test and assessment 
    • COVID
  • Complete and submit an application
  • Pass a background check
  • View a pre-recorded volunteer orientation presentation
  • Meet with a member of the volunteer services department to participate in a skills-matching conversation
  • Complete compliance and HIPAA training

Most volunteer assignments require a weekly commitment of 2-3 hours. However, we understand some volunteer shifts may be missed for major holidays, official college/university breaks and closings, and other circumstances.

It may take 2-3 weeks to complete the health screening, orientation, and background check before you’re ready to serve in a volunteer role. Volunteer services will guide you through those steps once a placement has been confirmed.

For the safety of our patients, visitors, volunteers, and team members, we follow infection prevention policies of Sheltering Arms Institute, which are based on guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Yes, some units do need help in the evenings or on weekends. Those opportunities are very popular, and volunteer services will share what positions and shifts are available upon applying.

If you aren’t feeling well, please stay home to take care of yourself and help us protect our patients and team members. Please follow the instructions given by volunteer services and/or your assignment supervisor to remove yourself from the schedule or contact us as soon as possible.

Yes, as long as you remain in good standing, you are welcome to continue serving in a volunteer capacity at Sheltering Arms Institute. You will be required to complete annual education requirements and receive an annual flu vaccine. There may be additional annual, periodic, or one-time requirements depending on the volunteer program and/or volunteer assignment.

We want all of our volunteers to find their assignments meaningful and enjoyable. If you are not satisfied, please speak with volunteer services to remedy the problem or help you find another area.

Start your Journey

Learn more about volunteering at Sheltering Arms Institute