Join the VIP Team: What Happens Next?

So, you’ve filled out your VIP application. You’ve told us what you’re interested in and, maybe, what county department you’d like to volunteer with. What’s next?

We Get to Work!

Your application is important to us. As soon as it is received we evaluate your responses and match you to available opportunities.

Then, your application is forwarded to every department with an available opportunity that fits your interests. Within 1 – 3 weeks, a Volunteer Site Coordinator will contact you either by phone or email to schedule an informal interview that will further evaluate your interests and skills.

After your interview, you will be contacted by the Volunteer Site Coordinator to work out your volunteer schedule and when and where to report for training.

In some cases it may be determined that there isn’t an opportunity available in that particular department with the “right fit” for the volunteer candidate. In that case, other sites may be suggested with further opportunities that better match the individual’s goals as well as the department’s needs.

Is There an Orientation Program?

Yes. Pinellas County Volunteer Services conducts an orientation program if the volunteer position meets specific requirements. Not all volunteers go through the orientation program. You will be notified if you need to participate depending on the volunteer opportunity you choose.

If you are notified that you need to go through the orientation program, you will have 2 choices: an in-person orientation at a location to be determined, or, the online orientation which you can view at any time on any computer.

Please note: When taking the online orientation, please print out the final document and bring it with you when you are fingerprinted.

Background Screening and Fingerprinting

In most cases, volunteers will be required to go through the orientation program and may be required to complete a background check including fingerprinting. You will be photographed for your identification card at this time.

Special Orientations and Training

For certain placements and areas, special training/orientation is required. These may include use of power tools, special equipment or vehicles. The departments involved may provide this training or require proof of certification or demonstration of knowledge and ability to operate the equipment.

Placements in areas where volunteers are interacting with citizens with health issues are required to complete the short, online special orientation “HIPAA and the HITECH Acts: Privacy and Security of Health Information in 2009”.

Please note: After taking the online HIPAA orientation, please print out the final document (Confidentiality Agreement)  and give it to your Site Coordinator. This must be done prior to beginning the assignment.