Sheltering Arms recruits, screens (via applications, background checks and interviews) and orients volunteers in much the same way as our paid staff. Each position has a written job description, a general orientation and then a department orientation so that each volunteer has a thorough understanding of the policies and procedures and his/her role in the organization. We also require that all staff and volunteers have a Varicella (chicken pox) vaccine and a tuberculosis skin test prior to their first day of service.
In order to be eligible for volunteer service at Sheltering Arms, one must meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 16 years of age
- Present valid photo ID
- Complete the following:
Application:
All prospective volunteers are required to complete an online application.
Interview:
If you are selected as a prospective volunteer candidate, you will be notified of an interview opportunity.
Background Check:
Sheltering Arms is dedicated to providing care of the highest caliber and in doing so, we conduct background checks on all volunteers and employees. If you are under 18 years of age, you do not have to complete this background check.
Varicella Screening:
Sheltering Arms requires all volunteers to be screened for Varicella (chicken pox) immunity. A volunteer is considered to be immune if he/she has had the chicken pox or has had two doses of the chicken pox vaccine. If a volunteer is uncertain of his/her chicken pox immunity status, a Varicella titer will need to be drawn from his/her personal physician to show immunity.
Orientation:
All volunteers must attend general volunteer orientation prior to the start of volunteer service. Topics covered in general orientation include Sheltering Arms services and locations, mission, vision & values, polices, customer service, infection control, TB skin test and confidentiality. Department orientation will be completed with your site supervisor on the first day of your volunteer service to review location specific information and competencies necessary for your position. If you are under 18 years of age, a parent or legal guardian must be present during general volunteer orientation.
Tuberculosis Skin Test:
Our volunteer program requires that all volunteers have a tuberculin skin test and complete screening for tuberculosis prior to the start of their volunteer services at Sheltering Arms. This usually takes place during general orientation at no cost to the volunteer. The results must be read within 48-72 hours following the test by the Employee Health Nurse, his/her designee, or another health care professional. THIS MUST BE COMPLETED PRIOR TO THE START OF YOUR VOLUNTEER SERVICE. If you have already had a tuberculosis test in the past 12 months and provide a copy of the records showing the date the test was administered, the date the test was read, and the test results, you will not have to retake the test for Sheltering Arms.