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

ART CLASS/SOCIAL RECREATION

CONTRACTS DEPARTMENT

FOR YOUR INDEPENDENCE (FYI) DEPARTMENT

GENERAL OFFICE

SPECIALTY POSITIONS

SPECIAL EVENTS


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?

How much time is required?

When do you need Volunteers?

What would I do as a Volunteer?

Why is there a fee required?

What if I am not comfortable in the position I have been assigned?

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?

Other questions


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.