Volunteer
Mission Statement - "Enhancing the quality of life and creating opportunities for people with disabilities."
Upcoming Events for volunteers!
Pool Party at Palm Desert Aquatic Center September 2011
Italian Festival November 2011
Use your talents or develop new skills, Volunteer!
Desert Arc is currently accepting Volunteer Applications.
Our Volunteer Program provides coordination between staff, volunteers, and our Board of Directors so that our combined efforts expand opportunities to enrich our clients' lives and increase our delivery of quality services.
Come tour our facility, call Cheryl at 760-346-1611 Ext. 405. We will show you why you will love being part of our team!
WHY VOLUNTEER?
Volunteering your time with Desert Arc is a great way to learn more about people with disabilities. It allows you to share your expertise, meet new people, and is a great way to make a difference in your community!
Volunteering is also a way to gain or increase job skills, job references, friends, and provides a great sense of accomplishment.
Most importantly, it is fun for both you and the clients that you meet!!
VOLUNTEER JOB DESCRIPTIONS
Note: All volunteer positions require flexibility and a willingness to learn about developmental disabilities. Volunteers must be able to take direction from our staff. And most importantly, must be patient and understanding of the unique challenges our client's face.
ADULT DAY CENTER (ADC) DEPARTMENT
POSITION: ADC Volunteer
HOURS: Daytime hours, weekdays
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Our ADC programs provide services and individualized attention for the development of fundamental living skills. These programs also provide extensive opportunities for participating in community activities through field trips, volunteer services and employment projects.
REQUIREMENTS: Must be patient and understanding. Position may require doing tasks repeatedly.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Assist consumers to meet their daily goals
- Go on outings with clients and staff
ART CLASS/SOCIAL RECREATION
POSITION: Art Class Volunteer Assistant
HOURS: Thursdays 3pm-5pm
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Our Art Class provides art instruction and individualized attention for the development of art and socialization skills. This program also provides opportunities for participating in community activities through art shows and galas.
REQUIREMENTS: Must be patient and understanding. Position may require doing tasks repeatedly.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Assist consumers to complete art projects
- Assist with various tasks during special events such as art shows.
CONTRACTS DEPARTMENT
POSITION: Contracts Volunteer
HOURS: Daytime hours, weekdays only
REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to work in a low to high level setting. Must be able to use or able and willing to learn assigned machinery.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Helping Contracts instructors working on specific skills with clients
- Walking around, supplying material to keep a job going
- Helping lend extra hands and one-on-one instruction to clients that need some extra help
- Machinery use: Heat sealer, Heat gun, shrink wrap, & sewing machine
FOR YOUR INDEPENDENCE (FYI) DEPARTMENT
POSITION: Holiday Party
HOURS: Varies
PROGRAM DISCRIPTION: This is Supported Living Services. The Goal of this program is training people to live successfully and independently in their own homes.
REQUIREMENTS: Must be willing and able to complete assigned tasks.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Cooking, Cleaning, and serve food
- Various tasks as events require
GENERAL OFFICE
POSITION: General Office Assistant-Any Department
HOURS: Usually Daytime hours, Weekdays-Need may vary
REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to work in a low to high noise level. Must have a working knowledge of computers including, Word and Excel
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Include clerical assistance such as; filing, typing, office organization, copying and other tasks as they arise.
SPECIALTY POSITIONS
POSITION: Assistant to department of specialty
HOURS: Vary with need
REQUIREMENTS: Must have a working knowledge of computers and have experience and/or certification or licensure in related field of expertise.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Vary. May include:
- Grant writing, website updating, volunteer recruitment, fund development, or any other area of necessity
- Guest speakers or guest instructors
SPECIAL EVENTS
POSITION: Special Event Assistance
HOURS: Varies
REQUIREMENTS: Must be willing and able to complete assigned tasks.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Varies per event. May include:
- Cooking, cleaning, and serving food
- Registration table assistance
- Selling tickets
HOW DO I GET STARTED?
Step One: Application
1. Submit your Volunteer application including fee of $35.
2. A very brief interview with Volunteer Coordinator.
3. Your application will be forwarded to the department of interest.
Download Application Now
Step Two: Referral
Program Manager will decide if positions are available and if Volunteer is a good match for their program.
If the Manager decides that the volunteer would be better utilized in another department the application will be forwarded.
Step Three: Screening and Verification of Information
1. The designated Program Manager will interview each volunteer candidate. When the Manager decides the volunteer is appropriate for their program, the application process will begin.
2. Desert Arc will begin the criminal background check, drug screening, TB test and reference checks (if appropriate).
Step Four: Orientation and Application Process
When the application process is complete, the Volunteer will be contacted to schedule an orientation for each volunteer. The Orientation will include:
A. A tour of Desert Arc's Facility
B. Review of the General Orientation Packet
C. Complete Disability Awareness training
D. Necessary training specific to the department
Documentation and Tracking Hours
Each volunteer will sign in the Volunteer Hours Book. The Volunteer Coordinator will monitor for accuracy and keep track of all hours for each volunteer.
*Volunteers under age 18
*Are accepted on a case by case basis
*Written parental consent MUST be provided prior to volunteering at Desert Arc. This includes parental consent for criminal background check.
*No one under age 14 will be able to volunteer independently at Desert Arc.
*Volunteers who are age 12-14 may be able to volunteer at Desert Arc ONLY with an adult.
*Volunteers who are 12-14 may be able to assist in Special Event activities with Desert Arc approval and parental consent.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Throughout the year Desert Arc holds several events to help support our programs. Our Volunteers help each event be successful.
These include:
Fundraising Events
This includes a variety of events such as; dinners, luncheons, golf tournaments.
Fun Events
Desert Arc puts together fun events for our clients to have fun and socialize. This includes carnivals, fairs, parties and dances.
Holiday Parties
Desert Arc puts together fun events for our clients to have fun, socialize and celebrate the holidays. This includes Thanksgiving, Halloween, Christmas and Valentine's Day Dance.
Staff Parties
Desert Arc puts together fun events to celebrate and thank our staff for supporting our clients.
VOLUNTEER PROGRAM FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION'S
Why Volunteer?
Desert Arc is a 501(c) 3 organization. This means that we are a non-profit organization and rely on our donors and volunteers for support. Volunteering your time with Desert Arc is a great way to learn more about people with disabilities. It allows you to share your expertise, meet new people, and is a great way to make a difference in your community! Volunteering is also a way to gain or increase job skills, job references, friends, and provides a great sense of accomplishment. Most importantly, it is fun for both you and the consumers that you meet!!
How much time is required?
There is no specific time commitment required to be a volunteer. The time needed to assist will depend on which program you will be involved in and what activities are planned for that day. If you are not ready or able to make a full commitment yet, we have several special events throughout the year that require only a limited amount of assistance and time required.
When do you need Volunteers?
Our biggest need for volunteers is during the day. Our office hours are 8:00am - 4:30pm. Occasionally, we have a need for help outside of these hours; usually for special events such as our annual golf tournaments.
What would I do as a Volunteer?
There are many opportunities available to volunteers. From helping prepare meals in our cafeteria to assisting with special events. Visit our Volunteer Job Descriptions page for more information.
Why is there a fee required?
There are several reasons that we must require an initial fee for our volunteers. Most important is that it helps to offset the costs that are associated with instituting and maintaining a volunteer program. A few of the costs associated with the program are criminal background checks and TB tests for volunteers.
What if I am not comfortable in the position I have been assigned?
For the sake of our clients and volunteers we want you to have fun and feel productive during the time you spend with Desert Arc. We do our best to match the positions that we have available with your skills and interests. If, however, you find that your preference has changed contact the Staff Development Coordinator and we will do what we can to find a program that best fits your needs.
My skills include a specialty that is not listed in the volunteer job descriptions, but I believe that my skill(s) can be useful, how can I find out if I can be of service?
Volunteers with specialty skills are one of our most valuable assets. They can provide Desert Arc with services that may be otherwise unreachable due to budget considerations. All you need to do is let the Staff Development Coordinator know what your specialties are to connect you with the right program.
Other questions
Please contact the Staff Development Coordinator by phone (760) 346-1611 Ext. 405 or by email at ccurley@desertarc.org
CONTACT US
For more information about our Volunteer Program contact, Cheryl Curley:
Phone: (760) 346-1611 Ext. 405
Fax: (760) 773-0933
Email: ccurley@desertarc.org
Mail:
Desert Arc
Attention: Cheryl Curley
73-255 Country Club Drive
Palm Desert, CA 92260
Disclaimer:
Volunteering at Desert Arc is on an at-will basis and can be terminated by the volunteer or Desert Arc at any time. Volunteer service is not covered under the Worker's Compensation Program. By signing the application you agree that Desert Arc will not be held liable for any injury.
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