Volunteering Information for Parents & Guardians

CentraCare welcomes student volunteers ages 14 and older. The application process is unique and we hope that your student can do as much of the process independently as possible, but there are some aspects that require parent/guardian participation.

Future student volunteers should send a link to this page to share with your parent/guardian so they know how to support you as a potential CentraCare student volunteer.

Information Parents/Guardians Should Be Aware of as Their Student Pursues Volunteering.

• Student volunteers typically commit to one 3-4 hour shift per week and a minimum service commitment before leaving the program. Volunteers serve throughout the school year and summer. There are options for students to remain active volunteers during busier times — such as sports seasons.
• Volunteers receive a snack/meal allowance (amount depends on length of shift).
• Volunteers must meet minimum service requirement before they are eligible for letters of recommendation and service verification.
• Volunteers are expected to attend each scheduled shift and should plan to make up missed shifts. Student volunteers are responsible for planning ahead and to stay in communication with their supervisor about their schedule. The Volunteer Program appreciates as much notice as possible for absences. Volunteers can access and change their own schedule online unless it is an unexpected absence and the window for editing their own schedule is closed.
• CentraCare offers a variety of volunteer opportunities for adults and students. If you would be interested in learning more about how you can share your time and talents with CentraCare as an adult volunteer, view our Volunteer Opportunities page.

Before your student begins volunteering they will need to present in person to attend some appointments IN PERSON.

After your student submits an application, a Volunteer Program employee from your region will work with your student to schedule these appointments.

• Junior Volunteer Information Session (not required at all locations, for high school volunteers only, typically scheduled during weekday evening times)
• Medical Clearance Process (PARENT/GUARDIAN MUST ATTEND THIS APPOINTMENT for a minor volunteer. Appointments are only available weekdays during regular business hours).
• Background Study (depending upon the position in which a volunteer will be serving, a fingerprint background study may be required. PARENT/GUARDIAN MUST ATTEND THIS APPOINTMENT for a minor volunteer.
• Most locations require a visit to the volunteer office prior to your first shift to finalize all your paperwork and requirements. Often at these visits a $20 refundable deposit is collected.
• A training shift.

In addition to in person appointment(s), parents/guardians will complete paperwork on behalf of the student volunteer including a Parental Consent Form.

• Parental Consent Form - English (PDF)
• Parental Consent Form - Somali (PDF)

Thank you for your time and effort to support your student volunteer. Thank you for reviewing the student specific aspects of the volunteer application process. Review more now.

Communication

The Volunteer Program will communicate directly with your student volunteer. We understand that student volunteers do not typically have their own personal email or phone number, but please support your student volunteer to communicate directly with the Volunteer Program during the application screening process and as an active volunteer. CentraCare strives to help students learn and grow through their volunteer service and this is an opportunity to practice communication and organization skills. Although we request your student conducts communication with the Volunteer Program, we welcome parents and guardians to contact the Volunteer Program with any questions.

Education topics

All volunteers complete education as part of General Orientation and each year as Annual Education. Your student volunteer will complete education on topics including but not limited to:

• Diversity and Cultural Competence
• Offensive Behavior
• Privacy, Security, Safety and Emergency Management
• Bloodborne Pathogens and Tuberculosis
• Hazardous Communication
• Stroke Education
• Vulnerable Populations
• Information Security

Education is conducted electronically and most volunteers do it from home. Your student volunteer will receive instructions for accessing education as part of the screening process and annually as long as they volunteer.