Volunteer Frequently Asked Questions

Review our list of positions. You may also talk to people who work or volunteer at a department that interests you.

Complete the online application. This is the quickest way to get started. We’ll let you know when we receive your application and forward it to the department(s) in which we think you’ll enjoy working. The volunteer site coordinator from the department will then contact you to talk about a match. For more information, see What Happens After I Apply?

Pinellas County has many opportunities at different locations. View Volunteer Positions or Volunteer For A Day.

We will seek a good match to use your skills and abilities. Some volunteer positions, such as the auxiliary park ranger, require training before we send you out into the field. Other positions, such as receptionist, require some orientation but not necessarily training.

Volunteers tell us that the work is rewarding in and of itself. And there are other benefits such as keeping up-to-date on your skills, adding volunteer projects to your portfolio and/or resume, staying “connected” while transitioning from one job to the next, feeling a sense of community, meeting new people and making friends, helping to meet the needs of the less fortunate in our community and more. See Volunteer Spotlights to read testimonials from several current volunteers.

Pinellas County also offers our VIPs access to the Wellness Center in downtown Clearwater and membership in the Pinellas County Federal Credit Union, should you choose it. You are eligible for training courses offered to County employees. There are other perks in the works – check with your volunteer site coordinator for an update every now and then.

That depends on you, the volunteer site coordinator and your assignment. Some VIPs volunteer for one event and some have scheduled hours on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.

Every volunteer that is asked to attend an orientation will be required to complete a background check and to be fingerprinted and photographed for an identification card during the orientation process.

Yes. Volunteer Services assists in placing volunteers fulfilling Bright Futures Scholarship requirements. Students develop their own projects, get approval from the Bright Futures Scholarship program, and we help implement the planned activity. The project must have a county-associated application. Please visit Bright Futures Scholarship Program Volunteers for more information.

Yes. Pinellas County government provides student internship opportunities to high school and college students who are currently enrolled, in good standing, in an educational program that has a formal academic student internship component. Visit Internships for more information.

Pinellas County does not originate programs that feed the needy directly. However, if your group would like to help, please call us at (727) 464-3367.

Yes. Pinellas County participates in the Day Reporting Program and Adult Pre-Arrest Diversion Program with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. Contact our Parks and Recreation Department at (727) 582-2914. Candidates must be at least 18 years of age to qualify for community service.

Depending on the assignment, most volunteers will go through a background check and be fingerprinted.

Volunteers may be eligible for workers’ compensation medical benefits only, in accordance with Chapter 440, Florida Statutes. If an injury occurs, immediately notify your volunteer site coordinator and report it to Johns Eastern at (877) 879-9296. This dedicated reporting line is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. In the event of an emergency, call 911 first and then Johns Eastern. Risk Management staff is available to assist you with any questions regarding a work-related injury at (727) 464-3664.

What a great way to build friendships and teams! Check out Volunteer for a Day for some opportunities or contact us for more information.

And we’d love to hear it! Let your volunteer site coordinator know what you think. Or, you can always contact us at Volunteer Services at (727) 464-3367 or by email.