Thank you for your interest in becoming a volunteer at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital. We hope you will take time to learn more about our program, and the requirements of our volunteers. Information about our department, opportunities, and our application process is described below. Our goal is to assist you in finding a volunteer placement that you will enjoy at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital. We look forward to meeting you!

About our volunteers

Inova Fair Oaks Hospital volunteers are adults and teenagers from the Northern Virginia and Loudoun County area. Each year our volunteers give thousands of hours of their time to our hospital, team members, patients and visitors. Volunteer Opportunities are available for those 16 years of age and older. Volunteers assist team members, patients, visitors and families. Adult volunteers commit to one consistent volunteer shift per week for a minimum period of six months. Volunteers are expected to start in their assignments within 1-2 weeks of the Volunteer Orientation date.

Our volunteers are also vital to the operation of the Inova Fair Oaks Hospital Thrift Shop, which sells lightly used clothing and household items. Monies that are made in our thrift shop, gift shop and fundraisers are given back to the hospital to assist in the purchase of necessities for hospital operations. 

Opportunities include:

  • Assisting with answering phones, helping to make copies, file, and assist with data entry and clerical support
  • Interacting with visitors, patients, and guests; helping with directions; answering questions, providing information, and helping in our gift shop
  • Helping in our clinical areas with stocking patient rooms with supplies, assisting with directions, speaking with patients, families, and visitors, and making kits for team members

Current service needs and availability are updated monthly in the interactive volunteer opportunities box below. Select the hamburger menu (three horizontal lines) to see assignments with openings at each of the hospital sites. By clicking the duties and times needed labels, you can view more details about the service area and the times we currently have openings.

Upcoming application windows

Applications are reviewed during designated windows throughout the calendar year.

NOTE: The registration for the 2024/2025 High School Student School Year Volunteer program is now closed. Information about the 2025 High School and College Student Summer Program will be posted by February 28, 2025.

The following application windows are for adult and college (graduated high school and age 18+) volunteers ONLY.

Applications can be accessed through the following link: https://www.volgistics.com/appform/577682232

The application link will open at 8 a.m. on the first day and close at 4 p.m. on the last day of the application window. Applying volunteers will need to attend in-person orientation on the date indicated. There is no alternate or virtual option for Volunteer Orientation. If you cannot attend the Volunteer Orientation, please apply during the next application window.

  • Application window: January 9 – 14, 2025
  • Virtual Meet and Greet (attendance at one session is mandatory): January 16 at 3:00 p.m. or January 17 at 10:00 a.m.
  • Volunteer Orientation: March 6, 2025

Adult volunteers (18+ years) for Spiritual Care and the Inova Fair Oaks Hospital Gift Shop are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. Please email ifoh.volunteers@inova.org for more information.

Volunteers (16+ years) for the Inova Fair Oaks Thrift Store are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. Thrift store: more information and apply

Requirements to become a volunteer

  • Commit to one, 3-4 hour shift per week for a minimum of 6 months (unless participating in our High School/College summer-only program, during which each student is permitted 2 absences as needed)
  • Be at least 16 years of age on or before the start date of the session for which you’re registering (for involvement in the High School programs); OR be at least 18 years of age (for involvement in the College and Adult programs)
    • We ask that all communication come directly from the student
  • Complete and pass a background check through Certiphi following application submission
  • Complete two rounds of tuberculosis screening OR one tuberculosis blood test
  • Submit signed copy of Immunity Verification form to confirm receipt of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella), Varicella (Chickenpox), Tdap for Pertussis (Whooping Cough) vaccines OR proof of immunity via titer
  • Receive a flu vaccine (if onboarding during flu season)
  • Take online training and pass quiz with 85% or better
  • Attend new volunteer orientation (dates scheduled quarterly)

Annual volunteer requirements

  • Receive a flu vaccine during flu season (provided free of charge to all active volunteers through our Team Member Health Office)
  • Complete annual volunteer training

Contact us

Feel free to contact us for further information:

Volunteer Services Department
Inova Fair Oaks Medical Campus

703-391-3056

ifoh.volunteers@inova.org

Have questions?

Below are answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about adult volunteer opportunities at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital.

Frequently asked questions

Our greatest needs are between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday – Friday. At this time, we have very few early morning, late evening and weekend shifts. The greater flexibility you have in your schedule, the more likely we will be able to accommodate you.

The volunteer needs of the hospital change regularly. We encourage you to register again in the future.

Yes. After you start in your assignment area, speak with your supervisor regarding the need for additional volunteer support.

You’ll be given 4-6 weeks to complete all requirements.

We'll respond to all applications within 10 days of the close of registration.

You'll learn about the volunteering program at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital, receive your uniform, and be guided on a short tour of the hospital.

Within one week of attending the orientation.

At this time, we do not have volunteer opportunities for cuddlers/baby rockers in the NICU at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital.

The types of volunteer requests we receive from the hospital's various service areas do not lend themselves to group activities, so we cannot absorb group volunteers.

The volunteer office at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital does not oversee internships, opportunities to observe clinical providers, or place volunteers in clinical assignments.