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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I work a full-time job during regular business hours. Can I still be a BWC Volunteer?
A: Yes, most of our volunteers work 9 to 5 jobs. BWC has multiple volunteer positions that work directly with youth that require evening and weekend hours.
Q: Do you have daytime volunteer opportunities?
A: Yes, some of our opportunities require daytime hours.
Q: What is the process to become a volunteer?
A: Your first step in becoming a volunteer is to attend one of our volunteer orientations. Orientation dates are posted online or you can contact our Volunteer Manager directly. At orientation you will receive a volunteer application and paperwork for our screening process.
Once you have completed the application packet, you will need to schedule a personal interview.
Then you'll be all set to attend the next volunteer training series. You must attend all of the training sessions to graduate; then you will work with our volunteer coordinator to be placed in one of our programs.
Q: What exactly is the screening process?
A: To protect our clients, all volunteers must complete a personal interview and a background check. Our background check includes a fingerprint clearance and two references. This process will be explained in detail at the orientation.
Q: How often is the Volunteer Training offered?
A: Volunteer training is offered three times a year. Upcoming training dates are posted on our website or contact our Volunteer Manager for the start date of the next series.
Q: How many hours would I need to volunteer each week?
A: Each program varies in the hours a volunteer is expected to contribute each week. However, an average estimate is 4 hours per week.
Q: Is there a minimum time I can volunteer?
A: Many of the youth we work with have had many adults come and go in their lifetime. Therefore, as much as possible, we want to encourage consistency in their lives. All volunteers are required to volunteer for a minimum of one year.
Q: Do I need to have experience working with adolescents?
A: Having experience with adolescents is not necessary but it helps.
Q: I'm really excited about becoming a volunteer! How soon can I get started?
A: We are also excited to have you get started as a volunteer! We do remind volunteers that to ensure the safety of our clients, our screening and training process does not happen overnight. We ask for your patience in this process and that you do your best in getting all the paperwork to us in a timely fashion.
Q: If I have questions about becoming a volunteer who do I contact?
A: Our volunteer coordinator is responsible for screening, training and placing volunteers so she can assist you with your questions.
Q: I am a graduate student seeking hours towards my MFT or LCSW licensure? Who do I contact for getting my hours?
A: Our Director of Counseling Services, Connie Chrysoglou, deals with all graduate level prospective interns.
Q: I am an undergraduate student seeking hours for my internship? Who do I contact for placement for an internship?
A: All prospective undergraduate intern students need to contact our Volunteer Coordinator. We work with many Bay Area Colleges and Universities in providing a hands-on internship experience.
Q: My high school requires that I have community services hour? Can I get community service hours at BWC?
A: Depending on the requirement of you school, Safe Place Community Outreach or Peer Education Training may satisfy community services hours at your high school. We do encourage that you consult the community services director at your school first to approve these opportunities. For more information, please refer to our Youth Volunteer Opportunity page.
Q: My college professor requires I do 20 community services hours? Does BWC take short-term volunteers?
A: At this time, our agency is looking for long-term volunteers. There are many agencies that are in need of short-term volunteers. To find opportunities in your area, visit www.volunteermatch.org.
Questions? Email Amanda Freeman or call her at (408) 850-6138.