Greetings!We are grateful for your interest in volunteering at The O'Connell House.
Potential Volunteers like yourself are vital in helping us achieve our mission and serve those in need more effectively. We understand that volunteering is a choice, and we are honored that you are considering joining our volunteer family. Your commitment to making a difference speaks volumes about your character and desire to create positive change in the world around you.
We place great importance on volunteering within our safe home, as you will likely be interacting with our residents at The O'Connell House. Becoming an O'Connell House volunteer can be lengthy, depending on your role, but it is worth it!
Enclosed are the steps you must follow to complete your enrollment as an O'Connell House Volunteer Team Member. Please note that this is a five-step process.
If you have any questions about our volunteer opportunities or if there's anything else we can assist you with as you consider becoming a part of our volunteer family, please don't hesitate to reach out. We are here to support you every step of the way.
Once again, thank you for your interest in volunteering with us. We look forward to the possibility of working together and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Warm regards,
The O’Connell House Team
RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION PROCEDURES
Recruitment
The O'Connell House uses a variety of different methods to recruit volunteers, including
presentations in the community, church visits and by word-of-mouth. We also encourage you to let your friends and family know about our volunteering opportunities.
Applications
As a volunteer, you will be required to complete a Volunteer Application. If you are participating as a volunteer in a one-time event, you will need to fill out the Event Volunteer Form, providing us with your contact information and emergency contact information.
Interviews
Most ongoing volunteer positions require an interview with the Administrative Program Manager and/or Executive Director. Interviews help volunteers clarify the responsibilities of the opportunity and help O’Connell House staff determine if the prospective volunteer is a good fit. If you are participating as a volunteer in a one-time event, then an interview before the event may not be necessary.
References & Background Check
The O’Connell House requires volunteers for ongoing positions (minimum of one year), who have access to the resident population, to undergo a background/criminal records check and sex offender registry check prior to beginning service. The O’Connell House covers the cost of all background and criminal records checks for volunteers. Direct service volunteers undergo a background screening every three years or if there is a break of 18 months between volunteering.
Volunteer Position Descriptions
As a volunteer, you will be given a Volunteer Position Description outlining the specific responsibilities of your role. It is your responsibility to read about your position, gain an understanding of the requirements, and seek any necessary clarification. Signing the Volunteer Agreement Form demonstrates that you are aware of the duties your position entails and agree to perform them to the best of your abilities.
VOLUNTEER SCREENING, ORIENTATION & ONBOARDING PROCESS
Volunteer Screening & Intake Process:- Volunteer Application
- One-on-One Interview with Administrative Program Manager
- Clearances (e.g., Criminal Background Check, etc.)
- Group Volunteer Orientation
- Job-Specific/On-the-Job Training
PROCESS:
Recruitment -> Application -> Interview -> Clearance Check -> Orientation -> On-the-job Training -> Ongoing supervision, support recognition
The O’Connell House Volunteer Application
Prospective volunteers are required to complete the online application form below for consideration in the volunteer program. Printable applications are available here: https://bit.ly/TOHVolunteerForm
One-on-One Interview
Prior to being assigned or appointed to a position, all volunteers will be interviewed to determine their suitability for, and interest in, a position. The interview will offer the opportunity to learn more about the prospective volunteer and give the prospective volunteer the opportunity to learn more about The O’Connell House.
Clearance Checks
All regular, ongoing volunteers are required to clear a criminal background check for volunteer positions at The O’Connell House. Any positions involving direct service with resident populations, such as women and children will be required to also undergo an FBI fingerprint check prior to beginning volunteer service.
Group Volunteer Orientation
All ongoing volunteers will be required to complete an orientation to The O’Connell House prior to beginning volunteer service. Orientations are held quarterly. Prospective volunteers will be enrolled in an orientation after completing the one-on-one interview.
On the Job Training
As a new volunteer, you will need to take and submit the certificate of completion for the online modular training program available via The O’Connell House website.
Supervision & Support
As a volunteer, you will have a clearly identified supervisor who will directly oversee your role within the program. This supervisor will be available to you for support and assistance. One-time volunteers will also be informed of their supervisor in case questions or problems arise. The Administrative Program Manager is also a point of contact to support agency volunteers throughout their service.
As a volunteer, you are an essential part of our safe home operations. Therefore, we believe it is very important to recognize the time and effort that you put into your service. Recognition opportunities are always acknowledged.
For volunteer roles that are ongoing, supervisors will reach out to the volunteer bi-annually to evaluate progress, expectations, and ongoing needs of both the volunteer and the organization. Volunteers serving longer than one year will complete an evaluation annually.