Volunteer
Opportunity Matters can always use volunteers within any of our programs! Through volunteering with Opportunity Matters, you can be a positive influence on the lives of individuals, help individuals remain independent in their own homes, offer your professional skills, and lend your talents and experience to strengthening your community. Volunteering supports areas varying from working with clients to working with administration staff. Together, we are able to accomplish many great things to help our clients, staff and community.
The process of becoming an Opportunity Matters volunteer involves several steps that are important in finding the best possible volunteer match based on the volunteer’s talents, interests, and personality. The enrollment process also acquaints volunteers with their upcoming role as a volunteer for Opportunity Matters and helps connect them to the program that best fits their needs and time availability.
Some people are motivated by the altruistic value of volunteering while others volunteer for personal growth. Whatever your reason for volunteering, just know it makes a difference in the lives of the people we serve!
The enrollment process includes the following steps:
Apply – Complete application on-line, download the application and return in the mail, or apply in person at Opportunity Matters, Sartell.
Interview – Complete in-person or over-the-phone interview
Background Check – Criminal background record and driving record checks are processed only if volunteer description requires one.
Match – Upon completion of the process, a volunteer's file is reviewed and acceptance or non-acceptance is decided. If a volunteer is accepted, a suitable match will be proposed.
Orientation – Orientation is completed only if volunteer description requires orientation. This will be noted on volunteer’s description.
Train - Once a match is made, Opportunity Matters provides site training based on each volunteers description.
There are several types of volunteer commitment levels available. These levels are listed below and are based on ones availability to voluntee
Flexible Status – Volunteers as time permits in their schedule. Does not have set schedule or set assignments.
One Time Project – Volunteers for one time projects on an as needed basis.
On-Going Basis – Reoccurring volunteers either assigned a weekly schedule or able to volunteer on a regular basis.
Field Work/Service Learning/Non-Paid Interns – Opportunity Matters also accepts college and university students seeking field work experience or service learning. Field work and service learning programs are accepted as un-paid volunteers for the organization, in which they may carry out their required field work experience or service learning. This option is available for students in fields such as Psychology, Gerontology, Applied Behavior Analysis, Human Resources, Accounting, Sociology, Nursing, and other Human Services related degrees.
All new volunteers receive basic orientation to cover company policies and procedures; ensuring compliance with regulations and to provide client safety.
Further volunteer training is based on the volunteer’s description.
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Volunteers are often needed for one-time events such as our Twisted Twilight Fundraiser, the Great Get Together or our Holiday Party.
All other volunteer positions are based on the organization’s need(s) and the volunteer’s interests.
To view a list of current volunteer opportunities available, please click here.
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Volunteer Frequently Asked Questions
What are the time commitment requirements for volunteering?
Opportunity Matters does not require a minimum time commitment. Volunteers can contribute 1 hour a week/month or 40 hours a week. The volunteer program is very flexible and based on the volunteer's schedule.
What type of volunteer needs do you have & what hours can one volunteer?
Because Opportunity Matters operates a number of programs, we are able to provide a wide variety of volunteer opportunities. Sometimes volunteers are needed for one-time events such as our annual Twisted Twilight Fundraiser that takes place in October. We also offer many opportunities for volunteers to work with Opportunity Matters clients on an ongoing basis. Depending on the program and/or project, volunteers are needed during day and evening hours as well as on both weekdays and weekends. Whatever your schedule, we can find and opportunity that's right for you.
So, why volunteer? What's in it for me?
Volunteering in the community provides a variety of benefits for everyone. Such benefits include;
- Meeting new people
- Socializing with others in the community who share your same interests
- Making a difference in other people's lives
- Utilizing existing skills or learning new ones
- Gaining a new perspective in the human services field
- Obtaining experience for future employment
- Fulfilling service hour requirements for a class or program
- Knowing that you've been part of accomplishing something meaningful & worthwhile
Do volunteers need to be a certain age?
Because of the variety of opportunities available at Opportunity Matters, we are able to accommodate volunteers of many ages and experience levels. Depending on the task, volunteers under 18 may need to be accompanied by an adult volunteer. Contact our Volunteer Coordinator for information on specific volunteer opportunities.
Does Opportunity Matters provide volunteer opportunities for large groups?
Not every program within Opportunity Matters can accommodate a large number of volunteers at one time, but some certainly welcome groups. Contact our Volunteer Coordinator to learn about our current volunteer opportunities for groups.
I would like to learn more about volunteering with Opportunity Matters, where do I start?
Individuals are encouraged to check out our current volunteer opportunities by calling or e-mailing Opportunity Matter's Volunteer Coordinator. Typically, volunteers 18 years of age or older must complete and pass a Department of Human Services Background check prior to beginning their volunteer experience. The Volunteer Coordinator can provide the necessary forms and direction to get your volunteer experience started!
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Thank you for your interest in enrolling for a volunteer position at Opportunity Matters If you have questions, feel free to call our Volunteer Coordinator. You are also welcome to fill out a volunteer application on-line, or in person at Opportunity Matters, 701 23rd Street South, Sartell. If you would like an application to be mailed to you, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator. Most volunteers will be required to have a criminal background check done on them. Applications are generally reviewed within 1-2 weeks from submission with possible call-backs made, per application.
Volunteer Visions Newsletters
Volunteer Visions: December 2011