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PBVSC - Frequently Asked Questions
Opportunities / Application / Program Info
How does the City define a “volunteer”?
A “volunteer” is anyone who without compensation or expectation of compensation performs a task at the direction of and on behalf of the City. Volunteers must be officially accepted and enrolled by the City prior to performance of any task, and unless specifically stated, shall not be considered employees of the City.
What is the difference between a volunteer and an intern?
An intern is a very specific type of volunteer. Interns are looking to gain hands on experience in their field of interest and have a specific career related goal in mind.
What are some tips to help get me started as a volunteer?
If you are interested in a new volunteer position, but aren't sure where to begin, try asking yourself the following questions to determine what kind of volunteer opportunities will be best suited to you:
- What kind of time commitment are you willing to make? Are you looking for a regular/weekly volunteer commitment or a short-term/one-time opportunity?
- Would you like to volunteer with other people or by yourself?
- Where is the best location for you to volunteer? Near your home, your work, your child's day care?
- Do you have specific skills or talents you would like to share with this organization?
- Would you like to develop a specific skill?
- What are your personal goals? Would you like to re-enter the workforce? Meet new people?
If you are still unsure about what volunteer position is right for you, call the Human Resources Department at 321-952-3421. We will do our best to find you a rewarding place to volunteer.
Is volunteering a two-way street?
Volunteering is a two-way street. Not only do the recipients of voluntary action benefit, but so too, do the volunteers. Volunteering provides a satisfying outlet for people’s talents, ambitions, and concerns in ways that are different from their daily responsibilities.
Do I need to be a City of Palm Bay resident to volunteer for the City of Palm Bay?
No. You need only have the willingness and desire to contribute to our events and program.
I reside in another state for a few months each year. Can I still volunteer during the months I am here?
Yes. Just indicate this on your application and we'll make a note not to call you during those months.
Is there an age requirement to volunteer?
Volunteers need to be at least 15 years of age (subject to child labor laws). We sometimes allow younger youth to assist with special projects providing an adult accompanies him/her.
I work during the day. Do you have a need for volunteers on weekends and in the evenings?
Yes. The City holds several special events throughout the year. Many of these are in the evenings and on weekends and require assistance from volunteers.
Will my volunteer position lead to a job with the City of Palm Bay?
No. As a public agency, the City of Palm Bay (unlike private business) cannot hire people just because they are working as a volunteer. However, experience in the field you would like to be hired in is a tremendous boost for your application and many former local government volunteers are now public employees. See the Human Resources Department page for current openings and how to get a job with the City of Palm Bay.
What types of screening practices are in place?
The City of Palm Bay has adopted a variety of screening practices to ensure that volunteers and staff enjoy a safe and healthy environment. The level of screening required (I, II, or III) is based on job design and dependent on the positions' interaction with at-risk populations, and a variety of other factors.
Level III (all volunteers):
- Clerk of Courts “E-Facts”
- Florida State sexual predator/offender database
- National sexual predator/offender database
Level II (volunteer who work supervised with at-risk population; plus Level III checks)
- Drivers license check (case-by-case)
- Drug test (case-by-case)
- Education background (case-by-case)
- Previous employment check (case-by-case)
- Reference check (case-by-case)
Level I (volunteer who work unsupervised with at-risk population; plus Level II & III checks)
- Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), criminal investigation checks through the Volunteer & Employee Criminal History System (VECHS)
What happens after I apply to be a volunteer?
Your application is reviewed by the City's Human Resources staff and is forwarded to the department in which the volunteer opportunity you are interested in exists. An interview with you will be requested and you will have an opportunity to learn about their requirements.
If you and the department agree your services would be beneficial, you will be asked to complete the required screening process. After your screening results are approved, a work schedule will be developed and you can begin your volunteer service. A mandatory time sheet is used to track volunteer hours.
Is there an orientation process for new volunteers?
Yes. The Human Resources staff will give you a brief orientation to the City, and staff from the department in which you are volunteering will orient you to your volunteer assignment.
Will I be trained for a volunteer position?
Staff from the department in which you are volunteering will be responsible for training you for your assignment. Many times, training occurs on the job. Staff will be available to answer any of your questions.
How many hours will I be expected to volunteer?
There is no limit on how many hours a volunteer can "work". Time commitment and schedule depends upon the volunteer position you are interested in. Generally, interns volunteer between 8 and 10 hours per week. Volunteers in other positions vary greatly; some volunteer only a few hours per month while others volunteer as many as 20 hours per week. When and how long a volunteer works should be agreed upon by the volunteer and his/her supervisor.
May I volunteer for multiple departments?
Absolutely! You are allowed to accept as much responsibility as you can successfully manage.
Is there a dress code?
Volunteers are expected to dress neatly in clothes suitable for the job they are performing. If there is a specific dress code for the volunteer assignment, the volunteer will be notified.
What insurance is needed to volunteer?
The City is self-insured for Workers’ Compensation, and volunteers are eligible for medical expenses only. (Volunteers are encouraged to consult with their own insurance agents regarding the extension of their personal insurance to include volunteer work.) Specific information regarding Workers’ Compensation is available from the Human Resources Department.
For more information on how you can get involved, please visit the City of Palm Bay Human Resources Department at 120 Malabar Road SE, Palm Bay, FL 32907, or telephone (321) 952-3421.
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