Welcome

Welcome to the Residential Volunteer Page for Innisfree Village. Here, you’ll discover everything you need to know about joining our lifesharing community as a residential volunteer. The following information will serve as a useful guide, offering valuable insights and information as you navigate the application process. By understanding the expectations, requirements, and opportunities associated with volunteering at Innisfree, you can make informed decisions and approach the application process with clarity and confidence.

**What is a Residential V*olunteer?***

At Innisfree Village, a residential volunteer plays a pivotal role in fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As an integral member of our community, a residential volunteer primarily serves as a caregiver who lives alongside our residents, known as coworkers, in one of our village homes. They provide personal care, emotional support, companionship, and guidance in daily life and activities. Alongside caregiving and managing a household, a residential volunteer also engages and participates in our therapeutic workstations. Through the meaningful and varied opportunities in the bakery, community kitchen, farm, free school, fitness, herb garden, vegetable garden, weavery, woodshop , and art studio, volunteers provide additional guidance and support to the coworkers, encouraging them to pursue their own creative passions and skill development, while also allowing volunteers the unique opportunity to develop and learn new practical and creative skills for themselves. Active participation of our volunteers in community life and events is integral to the essence of life-sharing at Innisfree. By immersing themselves in our activities, meetings, and gatherings, volunteers not only enrich their own experience but also contribute to the vibrancy of our community.

Volunteer Eligibility

As we strive to consistently enhance our volunteer opportunities, we do our best to provide updates and requirements for our volunteer candidate eligibility. At Innisfree Village, we believe in fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment where individuals from all backgrounds can come together to share their talents and compassion. In line with this commitment, we periodically implement new guidelines to ensure that each volunteer is fully prepared and qualified to support our community effectively. Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or exploring opportunities to get involved for the first time, we invite you to learn more about our updated eligibility criteria:

Prospective Candidates: We are currently recruiting U.S. volunteers as well as potential international candidates who are eligible under the U.S. Visa Waiver requirements. Countries under this program allow for greater visa success and due to an extended list of international volunteers facing visa delays and subsequent denials, we are accepting limited international applications until further notice. Please click here to learn more about the Visa Waiver Program and if eligibility requirements are met.

Visa Considerations: A potential international candidate with a current B1/B2 non-immigrant visa is eligible to apply. The visa must be current and good for at least one year upon arrival to Innisfree. Individuals who do not currently possess a B1/B2 visa are still welcome to express their interest in volunteering with us, but should anticipate an extended waiting period for potential volunteer opportunities due to the additional processing time required for visas.

Availability and Volunteer Openings: Due to the high interest in our volunteer position, there may be a waiting period between when a candidate applies and when they receive our final decision. With openings anticipated to be available in the Summer and Fall of 2024, individuals interested in pursuing our volunteer opportunity, are encouraged to apply as early as possible. By doing so, applicants increase their chances of being considered for available volunteer openings while allowing our recruitment team much-needed time to review applications thoroughly, conduct interviews, and asses volunteer qualifications. We value each application and are working diligently to accommodate as many qualified candidates as possible.

How to Apply

1. COMPLETE THE APPLICATION

We are pleased that you are interested in joining Innisfree Village as a residential volunteer and making a meaningful impact within our community. Our application process is designed to be progressive, intentional, and enriching, guiding individuals through a step-by-step journey that empowers our community to carefully assess each candidate’s compatibility, ensuring that those selected are poised to have a fulfilling volunteer experience that aligns with our values and mission. To begin, please thoroughly review the information provided.

The Volunteer Application comes in 3 sections:

Complete Part 1 of the online volunteer application. This section includes your contact information, employment and volunteer history, and educational background. After an initial review, if potential volunteer criteria are met, an applicant will be notified via email with a link to proceed with part 2. To begin part 1, please click here.
If you have met the eligibility criteria, our recruitment coordinator will email you Part 2 of the online application to complete. This section includes essay questions as well as space to provide 3 professional references (Please note: family members and friends as references will not be accepted).
Upon completion of Part 1 and Part 2, your application will undergo an initial assessment by our recruitment team. This process may take a little time, and we appreciate your patience during this process. Once our initial review is complete, you will be contacted via email to discuss potential next steps for Part 3, which could include scheduling an interview and/or providing further information.

2. SCHEDULE A VISIT

While visits are not required for potential international volunteers, for those in the U.S., an in-person visit to Innisfree Village holds immense significance for prospective volunteers. Experiencing our community firsthand offers a profound understanding of our culture, values, and daily life, allowing individuals to discern whether Innisfree aligns with their personal goals and aspirations for volunteering. Through direct interaction with our coworkers (residents with disabilities), staff, and fellow volunteers, visitors gain invaluable insight into what defines our community. Those who have the means to do so often find that a visit solidifies their commitment to our mission and enhances their readiness to embark on the Innisfree volunteer experience.

Types of Visits:

Day Visits: A day visit at Innisfree is most convenient for individuals who live within a day’s drive of the community. These visits include a tour of the community, an exploration of our therapeutic workstations, an opportunity to engage in meaningful interactions with our coworkers, staff, and volunteers, an in-person interview with our recruitment coordinator, and an enjoyable lunch with our community. Innisfree primarily encourages weekday visits so visitors can see the workstations in operation.
Overnight Visits: A 2-3 day visit to Innisfree offers prospective volunteers a unique and immersive glimpse into our community. Visitors have the opportunity to engage in meaningful interactions, gain firsthand insight into our culture and mission, and participate in our therapeutic workstations. Multi-day visits include the following:
- Tour of Innisfree
- Interview with the volunteer recruitment coordinator
- Meeting coworkers, volunteer caregivers, and long-term staff
- Visiting the workstations
- Lunch in Innisfree’s community center
- Dinner in one or more community houses
- Overnight in a community house

A completed application is required before setting up a visit. Arrangements for a visit should be made at least 2 weeks in advance.

3. APPLICATION REVIEW

At Innisfree Village, our application review process is designed to ensure that each individual joining our community is well-prepared and aligned with our values and mission. Upon submitting an application, prospective volunteers undergo a thorough review by our dedicated committee along with community input, considering factors such as experience, skills, and compatibility with our community culture. The outcome of volunteer applications is determined by Innisfree’s Volunteer Acceptance Committee and approved or denied on a case-by-case basis. Volunteer Applications are generally reviewed in monthly cycles. If selected as a prospective volunteer candidate, please expect the application process to take between 6-8 weeks for processing and review by the committee. To be eligible for review, an applicant must have completed the following:

Submitted the Volunteer Application (Parts 1 and 2)
Provided 3 Professional References
Provided a resume, CV, and/or work history
Completed an in-person or video interview with the recruitment coordinator
If applicable/able, have completed an in-person visit to Innisfree (optional)
Submitted any additional information asked by the recruitment team

4. VOLUNTEER ACCEPTANCE

If selected, an applicant will receive a formal invitation via email, inviting them to join the Innisfree community for a year of life-sharing as a residential volunteer. The applicant must respond within 7 days with an acceptance or denial of the invitation. Upon a volunteer’s acceptance, candidates are provided with detailed information about the next steps with our recruitment team offering guidance and support, ensuring that each volunteer feels prepared and welcomed as they begin their journey with Innisfree.

The following documentation will be required before arrival:

Confidential Medical Questionnaire
Arrival Information
Driving History Report
Negative Tuberculosis Screening (Results should be brought with you upon arrival)
Background Screening
State of Virginia Police Report

Upon acceptance, incoming volunteers work with the volunteer coordinator to establish an arrival date based on current community openings. The availability of openings will vary depending on the time of year and the transitions of current volunteers fulfilling their community commitment. Patience and flexibility are appreciated as we work strategically to fill volunteer openings throughout the year. If the applicant is unable to accept a placement within 6 months of an opening becoming available, the candidate will be required to reapply.

International candidates that have been selected must obtain Class B visas to enter the United States. If a candidate does not already have a current valid B visa, upon acceptance as a residential volunteer, an individual should schedule a meeting with the United States embassy/consulate in their home country to apply for a Class B visa (non-immigrant visa B1 or B2). All costs and fees associated with the visa are to be paid for by the candidate. Innisfree provides documentation that can be presented at this appointment to assist with the visa interview process. Please note: Innisfree cannot ensure that an international applicant will be granted a visa. For more on Class B visas, visit U.S. Visa Information.

If a candidate has not been selected to volunteer at Innisfree Village, they will be notified promptly via email by our recruitment team. We believe in transparency and strive to provide constructive feedback whenever possible to help individuals understand our decision. We encourage non-selected candidates to stay connected with our community and consider future opportunities that may align more closely with their interests and qualifications.

Additional Volunteer Information

1. VOLUNTEER CRITERIA/QUALIFICATIONS

As we strive to create a supportive and inclusive community, it’s essential to ensure that our volunteers are well-suited to meet the diverse needs of our coworkers and contribute positively to our community. Understanding our criteria will help you assess and determine how you can best contribute to our mission of life-sharing. The following includes a list of qualities, skills, and experiences that we consider essential for a potential volunteer.

Required Volunteer Criteria:

Be at least 18 years old
Be able to make at least a one-year commitment of service
Have the equivalent of a high school diploma
Be willing to abide by Innisfree policies and guidelines
Ability to pass a background check and meet any additional screening requirements

Preferred Volunteer Qualifications:

Compassionate and empathetic attitude towards individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Ability to work collaboratively within a diverse and inclusive community setting
Effective communication skills to engage successfully with others
Capacity for patience, flexibility, and problem-solving in diverse and challenging situations.
Receptive attitude towards learning and embracing the unique culture and lifestyle of Innisfree Village
Commitment to personal and professional growth, embracing opportunities to expand skills, deepen understanding, and cultivate meaningful connections within our community
Dedication to fostering a supportive and nurturing environment that aligns with the mission of Innisfree
Interested in rural community living

Innisfree does not require residential volunteer applicants to have previous experience working with people with disabilities or in specific workstation areas. An extensive orientation and training period are provided for each volunteer.

2. BENEFITS

Each residential volunteer receives:

Room and board (accommodations and all meals)
Monthly stipend of $800
Health Insurance (U.S. volunteers only)
Access to community vehicles
15 days of paid vacation per year ($75 per day)
5 days of unpaid vacation per year (3 for Christmas, 1 for Thanksgiving, and 1 for Easter)
2 days off each week
Access to the onsite fitness facility
Severance pay upon completion of the term of service ($65 per month of service for first-year volunteers)
Student Loan Deferral, financial loan support offered after one year
Training in first aid, CPR, medical assistance, and personal care

3. ACCOMMODATIONS

Each residential volunteer enjoys the following amenities:

Private bedroom in a family-style home
Bathroom shared with 1 to 2 others
Kitchen, dining area, living room, and laundry room shared with all house residents
Access to WIFI and shared house computer

4. COMMUNITY RESPONSIBILITIES

Each resident volunteer has the following responsibilities:

SERVING AS HOUSE VOLUNTEER with other residential volunteers and/or village staff, ensuring the daily care, health, and human rights of Innisfree’s coworkers 5 days a week.
WORKING IN WORKSTATIONS three or four days a week.
PARTICIPATING IN COMMUNITY through daily life, social gatherings, and special village events.
BEING PART OF COMMUNITY DECISION-MAKING at regular meetings and on special committees.
ABIDING BY POLICIES as set forth in the Innisfree Village Handbook.