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The first step is to apply for a position that interests you. Once you are selected for a position you and the supervisor will sign a volunteer service agreement that describes the work, the time commitment and relevant factors such as training, equipment, accommodation, and health and safety.

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No. The selection of a volunteer is not a formal competitive process. Volunteers are selected based on several considerations such as experience, education, availability, interest, motivation, and personal interview.

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Volunteers who are enrolled with Federal agencies are covered under the Federal Employees Compensation Act, which authorizes compensation for work-related injuries. Prospective volunteers for other governmental entities should ascertain answers directly from these public sector organizations as there is so much variance between states and local governments on this important question.

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Volunteers are covered under the Federal Tort Claims Act, which protects volunteers and Federal employees from liability for injury or damage to others while they are acting within the scope of their assigned duties. As stated above, prospective volunteers with other governments should ask about liability coverage afforded volunteers.

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No. Volunteers are not considered Federal employees. Your service is not creditable for leave accrual, retirement, or other benefit purposes should you later accept a Federal appointment. Similarly, serving as a volunteer for other government entities does not convey any benefits or entitlements.

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Yes. The experience, knowledge and skills you gain as a volunteer are applicable to many paid positions in both public and private sectors. Volunteer work often demonstrates to prospective employers your personal initiative, enthusiasm, and dedication.

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Federal positions are filled through a competitive process and are based on many job-related factors. Your volunteer assignment may enhance your qualifications for a position, but it does not guarantee your selection.

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Depending on the nature of the volunteer work, certain volunteer services can be performed at home. The volunteer supervisor would determine whether the volunteer work could be adequately accomplished at home, taking into consideration such things as the need to use Government equipment or facilities.

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People of all ages may volunteer. Young people, under age 18, can volunteer provided that the work does not pose a threat to their health or safety or violate Federal or State child labor laws or the policies of the agency’s volunteer program. A parent or legal guardian must give written consent before a person under 18 years of age may volunteer.

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In some cases, adults aged 18 or over may perform hazardous duties. If volunteers perform such duties, appropriate certifications and training are required. This will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by individual agencies. Volunteers may not perform active law enforcement activities. Where careful analysis shows an unacceptable risk to the volunteer's health or safety would preclude volunteers working in such activities.

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Every effort is made to ensure that minors are protected and safeguarded during their assignments as volunteers and that they are provided adequate instruction and adult supervision. Agencies comply with Federal or State child labor laws and the policies of their individual agencies in assigning minors to volunteer duties.

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It is the decision of the educational institution whether or not to give credit for students’ volunteer work. Supervisors of volunteers are usually willing to provide the necessary job descriptions and assessments of the student’s work. Students are personally responsible for making the arrangements with the educational institution and their supervisor.

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Yes. Immediate family members and other relatives of Federal employees may serve as volunteers in the same agency. Certain restrictions apply.

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Yes. However, if the Federal employee volunteers for his or her hiring agency, the services must not be the same type of duties for which the employee is paid. It is very important that the volunteer services are substantially different from official duties.

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Volunteers are advised to contact their tax accountant or consult Internal Revenue Service publication 526 for information and guidance.

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Citizens of countries other than the U.S., who reside outside the U.S. are not eligible to participate in Federal volunteer programs.

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Individuals who are not U.S. citizens, but who reside in the U.S., may volunteer (1) if they are a lawful permanent residents; or (2) if they are non-immigrant aliens with F-1 visa status, who are bona fide students residing in the U.S. solely to pursue a course of study at a recognized, approved institution of education.

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As a general rule, volunteers are responsible for their own living expenses and travel to and from the location of the volunteer assignment. If funds or accommodations are available, they may be provided. Documentation of any reimbursement or arrangement for accommodations will be specified on the volunteer agreement.

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No. Volunteers who are required to wear a uniform as part of their assignment are provided the uniform at no cost.

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Step 1 - Identify your personal goals.
Knowing your personal goals will help you choose a volunteer position that's right for you. Ask yourself, "Why do I want to volunteer? What are my goals? Do I want to make a difference in my career, my social life, my community, or something else? What do I hope to gain? To give? To learn?"

Step 2 - Assess your skills and interests.
What are you good at? What do you enjoy? What skills would you like to improve? If you have volunteered in the past, you can think about the things you liked the most and least about your experience. Be specific. Do you like working indoors or outdoors? Independently or with others? Would you choose to work in a behind-the -scenes position, such as a clerical assistant in the office of a partner agency, or in a position that provides direct service, such as a campground host or veterans’ health volunteer?

Step 3 - Determine your time commitment.
Be realistic. After completing the above steps, you may feel anxious to get started. Before you do, try making a chart of the number of hours you spend on daily activities--job, family, friends, hobbies, chores, etc.--and see how much time is left. Then decide how many of these hours you are willing to donate to a volunteer position.

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Rights:

• Clear, Appropriate Assignment
• Fulfilling Work
• Orientation and Training
• Informed Involvement with Agency
• Supervision and Support
• Development of Individual Potential
• Recognition of Service
• Respect
• Time put to Best Use
• Safe, Healthy Working Conditions
• Right to terminate a volunteer agreement

Responsibilities:

• Be Honest about Goals, Skills, Limitations and Motivations
• Fulfill Your Commitment
• Maintain Confidentiality
• Cooperate With Staff
• Be Flexible and keep an Open Mind
• Stay Informed
• Participate in Training
• Ask for Help or Clarification
• Understand Your Role as a Volunteer

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Rights:

• Screen or Redirect Volunteers
• Request References
• Require Volunteers to Attend Training
• Expect Volunteers to be Responsible
• Reassign Volunteers
• Receive Notice of Leaving
• Terminate a volunteer agreement

Responsibilities:

• Interview candidates for Best Placement
• Provide a Written Position Description
• Treat Volunteers as Valuable Team-Members
• Inform of special events for the workforce
• Provide Supervision
• Seek and Respect Volunteer Contributions
• Conduct an Exit Interview

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Visit our web site to see if there are any current volunteer openings: http://ita.doc.gov/jobs