Volunteer Opportunities

"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." Aesop The mission of the Volunteer Program is to enhance and extend the County of Sonoma's ability to provide services through training, relationship development, and by connecting people with opportunities to serve the community. Established in 1984, the County of Sonoma Volunteer Program places hundreds of people each year throughout County departments. Countless volunteers invest energy, skills, and talent to make Sonoma County a better place to live. Volunteering is one of the greatest forms of civic engagement. America was built by volunteers and it continues to thrive because of our community's volunteer spirit. Learn more by visiting the County of Sonoma's Volunteer Program. Sonoma County is very fortunate to have other agencies in our community that strengthen community service efforts in Sonoma County. Please visit some of these other websites for additional information about volunteerism in Sonoma County: The Volunteer Center of Sonoma County Volunteer Solutions VolunteerMatch - Search for local opportunities Below are the current volunteer opportunities available at this time. Please check back as these may change frequently. Thank you for your interest in volunteering at the County of Sonoma. Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Volunteers Become a Child Advocate. Give the Gift of Time and Friendship This Holiday Season. Eight-year-old Robin loves to draw. Kittens, rainbows, flowers - the brighter the colors, the better the picture. But mostly she draws pictures of her family because all Robin wants is to go back home. Robin's parents are struggling with addiction. After a few painful years of watching her parents spiral downward and lose the ability to care for her, Robin is spending the holidays in foster care. But Robin has a Court Appointed Special Advocate, a CASA volunteer advocating for her best interests while her parents get the help they need so she can safely return home. A CASA volunteer takes the time to get to know the child. To learn what's possible and what the child needs to heal and thrive. A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is a trained volunteer appointed by a judicial officer to provide advocacy for a child who is under the jurisdiction of the courts due to abuse or neglect. The CASA serves as the "eyes and ears" of the judge for children in foster care. Volunteers spend time with children, monitor needed services, and provide child-focused recommendations to the court based on the best interest of the children they serve. We invite our community to give the gift of time and friendship to a child in foster care. Juvenile court officials have identified an additional 85 youth who need advocates and CASA is appealing to Sonoma County residents to volunteer If you care and have about 10 hours a month to spend, being a CASA can be very gratifying work. A CASA is a powerful voice in a child's life. Executive Director, Heloisa Heinen, states that there are approximately 187 volunteers, and hopes to recruit another 35 with the next training. The Winter Volunteer Training is scheduled to take place online during the following dates and times: Thursday, January 13th from 10:00-1:30 pm, and continues on Tuesday, January 18th through Thursday, January 20th from 9:00-1:00 pm. For more information and to sign up for the CASA training, contact Heloisa Heinen at or . Working together, we can end abuse and neglect so that every foster child has a chance to thrive. To find out more about CASA of Sonoma County visit us online at or call us at . Hair Stylist/Barber at Juvenile Hall The Sonoma County Probation Department is seeking Hair Stylists or Barbers to volunteer to cut hair for youth detained at the Sonoma County Juvenile Hall. The volunteers must provide their own tools and be willing to commit to 2 - 6 hours per month between the hours of 1:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. We would ideally like to have a consistent, agreed-upon monthly schedule. Qualifications: 21+ years of age Licensed cosmetologist or barber Flexible, patient, and interested in engaging in conversation and establishing rapport with youth Must be able to maintain confidentiality and strict boundaries No criminal background or felonies; and no probation or court action pending. If you are interested, please respond to this posting or email . Probation - Juvenile Hall - Tutor volunteers Volunteer Tutors work in conjunction with the Sonoma County Office of Education and tutor residents in math, English, writing, and/or spelling. Under the direction of teacher(s) and correctional staff, individual plans are developed for each resident to meet her/his educational needs. Tutoring is always done during school session which is held Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. The ideal volunteer should be well qualified to tutor both high school-level math and English and/or writing. Volunteers must be at least 21 years of age and able to maintain confidentiality and strict boundaries. Volunteers must also be able to attend the Juvenile Hall Volunteer Orientation. Valley of the Moon Children's Center - Dental Clinic needs volunteer assistants and hygienists. Valley of the Moon Children's Center (VMCC) provides temporary residential care for over 500 children a year who come to the Center after being removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment. During their stay at the Center children receives medical, dental, and mental health services and treatment. The facility includes a dental clinic designed to serve the oral health needs of all children entering emergency foster care at the Center. VMCC has a need for the following volunteers for their dental clinic, willing to volunteer 1-2 days per month for a period of 6 months. Dental Assistant - Under the direction of a dentist, provide support for dental services at Valley of the Moon Children's Center. Prepare patients for dentist's exam Perform chair-side duties such as handing instruments and materials to the dentist and operating the suction hose Assist with patient management during procedures Take x-rays Prepare and maintain dental instruments, supplies, and equipment Prepare compounds for cleanings and fillings Support the maintenance of accurate records or files Support office duties as needed, such as ordering supplies and scheduling appointments Adhere to all Safety and Environmental Programs as required by law (such as Aerosol Transmissible Disease Standards, Blood Born Pathogen Standards, etc.) Requires a minimum of 1 - 2 years of experience as a dental assistant. Must possess mobility and stamina to work in a clinical setting with extended standing and sitting; fine motor coordination to use dental tools and equipment, vision to read printed materials and a computer screen and to perform necessary dental work. Must show proof of valid license to practice dentistry issued by the CA State Board of Dental Examiners and malpractice insurance. Dental Hygienist - Under the direction of a dentist, provide professional dental services for patients at Valley of the Moon Children's Center Implement patient screening procedures Clean and polish teeth to remove plaque and stains Examine gums for signs of disease Chart conditions for diagnosis and treatment by a dentist Apply cavity-prevention agents such as fluorides and pit and fissure sealants Take x-rays Explain or teach oral hygiene Prepare clinical and laboratory diagnostic tests Prepare filling materials, temporary fillings, and periodontal dressings Making impressions of patient's teeth for study Support the maintenance of accurate records or files Adhere to all Safety and Environmental Programs as required by law (such as Aerosol Transmissible Disease Standards, Blood Born Pathogen Standards, etc.) Must possess a valid license to practice as a dental hygienist issued by the California State Board of Dental Examiners. Must possess mobility and stamina to work in a clinical setting with extended standing and sitting; fine motor coordination to use dental tools and equipment, vision to read printed materials and a computer screen and to perform necessary dental work. Must show proof of valid license to practice dentistry issued by the CA State Board of Dental Examiners and malpractice insurance. Dentist - Under direction, to provide professional dental services for patients at Valley of the Moon Children's Center. Confer with patients and VMCC staff concerning diagnosis and treatment. Work closely with VMCC staff regarding referrals as required. Perform dental examinations at VMCC Dental Clinic; authorize, take, and interpret x-rays; order additional tests as required and determine the appropriate treatment. Provide and oversee prophylactic services such as cleaning and fluoride or sealant treatments; instruct patients in proper oral hygiene and dental care. Perform routine diagnostic, restorative, oral surgery, and periodontal treatment. Advise Dental Administrator of cases requiring specialist referral. Support the maintenance of accurate records or files. Direct the procedural support work of dental assistants and hygienists. Adhere to all Safety and Environmental Programs as required by law (such as Aerosol Transmissible Disease Standards, Blood Born Pathogen Standards, etc.) Must possess a valid license to practice dentistry issued by the California State Board of Dental Examiners. Must possess mobility and stamina to work in a clinical setting with extended standing and sitting; fine motor coordination to use dental tools and equipment, vision to read printed materials and a computer screen and to perform necessary dental work. Must show proof of valid license to practice dentistry issued by the CA State Board of Dental Examiners and malpractice insurance . click apply for full job details