Volunteer opportunities at Sheltering Arms Institute

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.

We are not accepting court-ordered service at this time.

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.