You have questions. We have answers!
Curious about volunteering at SOAR365? Find our volunteers’ frequently asked questions below.
Volunteer Opportunities
How much time do you have? For quick, one-day volunteering opportunities, sign-up for One-Time Volunteering. Check Current Opportunities to see what’s available now or contact us. Want to stay a while? Check out our Ongoing Volunteering opportunities for longer commitments. Ongoing volunteers must complete the following steps:
- First, attend an online info session to learn more about SOAR365.
- Second, fill out an application online.
- Third, we’ll connect with you to get to know you and your interests.
For more details, see How to Apply.
Lots of programs and services means lots of ways you can help! Whether you’re a photographer, gardener, OT student, or retired professional – everyone has skills that can support SOAR365. To learn more and see where we need help right now, check out Current Opportunities.
There’s nothing like coming together for a good cause. We welcome corporate teams, fraternities and sororities, service and civic clubs, congregations, scout troops, and more.
One-Time Volunteering offers great service opportunities for groups. For more information on group volunteering ideas, contact us today!
Many One-Time Volunteering opportunities are family-friendly for children over the age of 12. Parents must fill out any necessary forms and are required to accompany children ages 12-15 at all times.
Are you age 16 or older? Then you can volunteer independently! For Ongoing Volunteering roles, fill out your application as required. A parent or guardian must sign it as well. Please make sure you’ve read the position description. Many (but not all) ongoing volunteer positions work directly with people with disabilities. While no experience is required, please make sure you’re comfortable engaging with our participants and assisting with activities.
Absolutely! Each semester, we offer exciting opportunities to 5-10 interns and fieldwork students. No matter what degree or technical certification you’re pursuing, we can help you get the experience and academic credit you need. All while doing a world of good!
For a full list of internship and fieldwork opportunities, contact us at [email protected]
Since SOAR365 serves a population designated as “vulnerable” by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS), we cannot accept court-ordered volunteers.
Volunteer Requirements
You choose your volunteering style and level of commitment. We’ll find the right opportunity. We know your time and talents are a gift, and we’re so happy you’re sharing them with us!
To learn more about one-time and ongoing opportunities, see Current Opportunities.
If you’re interested in Ongoing Volunteering, we’ll make sure we find the right fit for your skills AND your schedule during your interview.
- Program Support volunteers and selected Administrative Support volunteers have to pass a background check, due to DBHDS licensing requirements. That’s because these volunteers interact more directly with participants.
- Volunteers involved in one-time volunteer opportunities do not need to pass a background check. Just sign-up and join the fun!
Great question! Our disability training help prepare Program Support volunteers to work with individuals with disabilities. It covers a wide range of topics from SOAR365’s mission and values to specific ethical and legal requirements. You’ll also learn a lot about the disability community including updated language, appropriate boundaries, communication strategies, and more.
Mandated reporters are required by law to report suspected harm in the form of abuse, neglect, or exploitation directed toward individuals designated as “vulnerable.”
If you volunteer in Program Support, you’ll complete Human Rights training that will help you recognize possible signs of harm so you can notify our staff. You’ll be taught confidential reporting protocols, and you won’t ever receive negative consequences for making a report.
Welcoming younger volunteers is a great way to encourage the dreamers and world-changers of tomorrow. Parental supervision helps support and focus their efforts, so they can have the biggest positive impact. It also helps keep program participants, volunteers and staff members safe, and allows us to maintain the programming staff ratio mandated by DBHDS.
Ready to begin your volunteer journey with SOAR365? Check out Current Opportunities. Want to learn more about our programs? Visit Find Support to see how we create life-fulfilling opportunities for individuals with disabilities. If you have questions, feel free to contact us.
