Volunteer at UCP
Become a “miracle worker” and change lives
Volunteers Creating Everyday Miracles
Do you care deeply about helping people with disabilities become more independent? Volunteering at UCP of Central Arizona is a powerful way to give back to your community and make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities. It is extremely awarding to see the impact your time can have on the lives of our families.
Volunteer as a Community Member
UCP’s volunteer program enhances the lives of families and people with disabilities. Volunteers impact the well-being of the children and adults we serve, share their talents and become advocates for those with disabilities. We welcome any talents, commitments, and time that volunteers are able share with others at UCP of Central Arizona! Volunteers make the world a brighter place! Volunteering at UCP in the Early Learning Center, Therapy Clinic in our Early Intervention Program or in the classrooms of our Day Treatment and Training Programs for children and adults, is a great way to make a difference.
What volunteer opportunities are available?
Volunteers are able to volunteer in varies programs and departments:
Volunteer with the members: Assist in various programs with children or adults in a classroom setting. Provide support to staff in preparing activities and snacks for the day, participating in field trips, share talent, and engagement with members, staff, and community!
Volunteer in administration: Provide clerical support in the office, such as filing, scanning, preparing mailings, data entry, organizing, and any other projects assigned.
Volunteer in special events: Assist UCP staff during their annual events including galas, fun run, program parties and celebrations, community fairs and more.
Serve on committees: As we increase awareness, we are always looking for new people to bring another perspective.
Do volunteers take the place of an employee or ratio?
Volunteers will never take the place of an employee, or be used as a staff ratio for any classroom, program, or service at UCP. Each volunteer has an identified supervisor or lead that is responsible for direct management their volunteer duty or task. The supervisor or lead is responsible for the day-to- day management and guidance of the work of the volunteer and shall be available for consultation and assistance.
Does UCP pay for volunteer fingerprint clearance level one?
UCP can start the process of fingerprinting the volunteer, and or provide them with intructions on how to complete however the fee will be at the volunteer’s own expense.
Does UCP allow court order community service hours, for persons to complete with our organization?
Depending on the court order, UCP may or may not be able to accommodate the court ordered community service hours. This will be discussed with the Human Resources Director or Manager.
What are the age requirements for a volunteer?
Volunteer age requirement starts at 12. However each volunteer case may vary, depending on the program, department, project, or special event, volunteers under 12 can be accepted. The volunteer services assigned to a minor will be performed in a non-hazardous environment and will comply with the appropriate requirements of child labor laws. Minors will need to be accompanied by parent, guardian, or adult at all times. All waivers and forms will be completed with consent of a parent or legal guardian prior to volunteering.
Can volunteers be left alone with any of our members?
Although volunteers are required to take Article 9 training in which they may provide direct service to our our members; depending on the length of volunteer commitment; volunters will never be left alone with any of UCP’s member.
Are volunteers covered under UCP's insurance?
In general, UCP insurance covers volunteers while they are acting as agents for UCP for: Liabilities they might incur while performing UCP duties Liabilities incurred as a result of accidents in a UCP owned or leased vehicle Medical expenses incurred in conjunction with their UCP volunteer activities (injured volunteers should first turn to their own personal health and medical insurance). Questions about insurance for volunteers can be referred to UCP’s Human Resources, Community Relations Manager.
If a parent of a UCP member expressed interest in volunteering, on a regular basis, or for a special event, are they still required to go through the volunteer process? Background check, waivers, etc?
Yes. Depending on the time length of service, and what area or program the parent/gaurdian will volunteer their time in, they will still need to go through the volunteer process. Applications, credentials, trainings, etc.
Volunteer as a College Student
Volunteer as a College Student:
UCP’s programs are looking for college student volunteers whose field of study or degree aligns with UCP’s various programs. This is a great opportunity for students to gain much needed experience. At the same time, the process makes sure the student has a knowledge base to participate fully in the volunteer program. Direct contact with patients or children should not be expected but the program opportunities will still provide experiences that will help the college student gain valuable knowledge. UCP offers a variety of ways for students to learn about a profession and serve at the same time.
Therapy Clinic or Early Intervention:
Kinesiology, Psychology, Biology, and Health Sciences, Speech & Language Pathology, Audiology, and Communication Disorders.
Early Learning Center:
Early Childhood Education, Human Development and Family Studies, Early Elementary Education, and Psychology.
Benefits of Volunteering as a College Student
Boost your resume
Volunteering allows you to be able to boast about your volunteering experience on your resume when applying for jobs post-graduation. Employers like seeing that you volunteer your time, and are able to manage your time well enough to taken on an unpaid position.
Financial Aid Packages
Many scholarships and grants are available that list community service as a prerequisite, so if you dedicate a few hours a week you could also be boosting your financial aid profile. Hours will be logged for you to have documentation.
Grow as a person
Volunteering makes you feel good. In a volunteer situation, one person really can make a difference, especially to a not-for-profit organization like UCP – while also building your skill sets. If you are not sure about a particular field of study or have lots of interests in several potential majors, volunteering in those areas can help define your future.
Build a network
Volunteering positions are a great way to meet people, especially volunteering in a professional program that may create a positive relationship with professionals that benefit you post-graduation.
Student loan forgiveness
If a college student volunteers at UCP, job opportunities may exist with UCP after volunteering for the organization. We are a qualifying Student Loan Forgiveness Plan Employer. Learn More about Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program Here
The Steps
1. Volunteer as a College Student:
UCP’s programs are looking for college student volunteers whose field of study or degree aligns with UCP’s various programs. This is a great opportunity for students to gain much needed experience. At the same time, the process makes sure the student has a knowledge base to participate fully in the volunteer program. Direct contact with patients or children should not be expected but the program opportunities will still provide experiences that will help the college student gain valuable knowledge. UCP offers a variety of ways for students to learn about a profession and serve at the same time.
2. Applying for UCP Programs:
Interested college student applicants should complete the Student Interest Profile to be eligible for volunteer opportunities as they become available throughout the year.
3. Understanding What It Means to be a UCP Volunteer:
Be professional, consistent, and reliable while volunteering. Although you may think you’re “just a volunteer” extend the same courtesies as you would your future employers. For example, if you are unable to volunteer on a day when you are scheduled, please call and let us know. Our agency accepts the service of all volunteers with the understanding that such service is at the sole discretion of the agency. Volunteers agree that the agency may at any time, for whatever reason, terminate the volunteer’s relationship just like the volunteer may also. Notice of such decision should be communicated as soon as possible.
4. Confidentiality:
Volunteers are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of all proprietary or privileged information to which they are exposed while serving as a volunteer, whether this information involves a single staff, volunteer, client, or other person or involves overall agency business. Failure to maintain confidentiality may result in termination of the volunteer’s relationship with the agency or other corrective action.
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