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Volunteers/Service Providers

Volunteer or Partner with the DC Department of Corrections 
The DC Department of Corrections (DOC) welcomes passionate volunteers and service providers to support the treatment, rehabilitation, wellness, and reentry of our residents. Your partnership helps deliver education, recovery, and life-changing services that promote successful reintegration into the community. 
We welcome both individual volunteers and those serving through organizations. For organizational groups, we ask that a designated point of contact be identified to serve as a liaison for any questions regarding the credentialing of their volunteers.  
 
Service Domains 
Volunteers and service providers can support residents through: 
  • Faith-based programming 
  • Higher education and literacy support 
  • Wellness and mindfulness practices 
  • Mentoring and life skills workshops 
  • Job readiness and workforce assistance 
  • Parenting classes and family reunification 
  • Violence prevention and trauma counseling 
  • Housing and reentry support 
  • Behavioral health and substance use recovery 
  • Arts, cultural enrichment, and creative expression 

These programs enhance residents’ quality of life and increase their opportunities for success after release. 

Requirements 
All volunteers must: 
  • Be at least 18 years of age (21 for some roles) 
  • Pass a criminal background investigation 
  • Submit a Tuberculosis (TB) test result (positive results disqualify participation) 
  • Demonstrate good character and ability to contribute meaningfully 

Returning citizens may volunteer if: 

  • They have not been incarcerated or on probation in the past 3 years 
  • They have no active separation orders from current residents 
New Volunteer Application, Certification & Training 
Volunteer opportunities are open to individuals who complete all required application materials, clearances, and training.  
  • Step 1 — Application 
    • Download the Volunteer Services Application Packet. 
    • Complete all forms, including TB test results, and background check forms. 
    • Save as one PDF named: Lastname_Firstname_Organization.pdf 
    • Example: Smith_Jane_GWU.pdf 
  • Step 2 — Submit Packet 
  • Step 3 — DOC Processing & Initial Certification 
    • To be cleared, you must provide: 
    • Completed application 
    • TB test results 
    • Background check forms 
    • Attendance at DOC orientation training 
    • Volunteers will receive an email confirming their clearance. 
  •  Step 4 — Training 
    • After successful completion of training, volunteers are enrolled by the Training Department via email (handled by Ms. Wallace/Training Academy). 
    • Note: Contractors are required to complete 40 hours of total training hours (16 hours in person and 24 hours online). Volunteers are required to complete 8 hours of training online only.  
    • Training is split between virtual and in-person (as applicable). 
    • Submit training certificates via email upon completion to the training academy. 
  • Step 5 — Badges 
    • After clearance and training are complete, volunteers will receive an email from the volunteer services coordinator with the ID application and badge pick-up information. 
    • Badges are issued after clearance and training. They may be picked up from:  
    • DOC HQ (Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.) 
    • CTF Leisure Skills (Wednesdays, 9–11 a.m.) 
    • Bring a government-issued photo ID. 
Annual Volunteer Recertification 
  • Step 1 – Initiating Recertification 
    • Submit updated TB results, forms, and training certificates. 
    • Note: TB testing may be completed at your primary care provider, a university medical center, or a local CVS MinuteClinic. 
  • Step 2 – Annual Refresher Training 
    • Volunteers are enrolled once cleared; certificates must be submitted. 
  • Step 3 – Badge Pick Up 
    • Badges are issued after clearance and training. They may be picked up from:  
    • DOC HQ (Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.) 
    • CTF Leisure Skills (Wednesdays, 9–11 a.m.) 
    • Bring a government-issued photo ID and your expired DOC ID.  
New Program Proposal Submissions  
  • Organizations wishing to deliver a program must complete the New Program/Service Proposal Application (NPSPA). [Hyperlink to this page: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/4817b45a046e4f9dbd89bde23970a505 ] 
  • Once approved, a designated liaison should guide their volunteers to complete providers complete the volunteer clearance process before starting services. 
Questions – Contact Our Team 
For assistance or additional information, please contact: 
Volunteer Services Coordinator 
Brandi Murray