Volunteering at the Department of Corrections

The Department of Corrections has many opportunities for volunteers and interns to help the agency as well as thousands of offenders confined in or under the supervision of facilities located throughout Washington. The volunteer guidebook provides more information.

Apply Now to Volunteer

  1. Fill out the volunteer application form (PDF).
  2. E-mail the completed form to either:
  3. Or you can mail your printed form to:
    DOC Volunteer Applications
    c/o Rebecca Citrak
    P.O. Box 41129
    Olympia, WA 98504-1129

Volunteers interested in mentoring women releasing into the community

The mentor is a trusted guide, coach and friend who assists and encourages offender to fulfill goals they have set. For information about the mentoring program.

Volunteering

The Department of Corrections has many other opportunities for volunteers and interns to help the agency as well as thousands of offenders confined in or under the supervision of facilities located throughout Washington.

Volunteers and interns earn no salary but the service may be counted toward qualification for state employment and 174.3 hours of volunteer experience equal a month of state work experience. Interns may earn academic credit or stipends.

Opportunities to Help Offenders in Prison

  • Education
  • Religion
  • Health services and recreation
  • Preparing offenders to re-enter the community
  • Chemical dependency
  • Cultural and ethnic issues
  • Professional services
  • General assistance

Opportunities to Help Offenders Under Community Supervision

  • Helping community corrections officers with their caseloads by monitoring offender compliance, helping with investigations and attending DOC and court hearings
  • Learning computer skills, filing and learning receptionist skills while assisting clerical staff
  • Providing recreational, counseling, religious or other programs to offenders
  • Helping offenders deal with minor violations of their supervision
  • Assisting offenders change their behavior
  • Screening offenders for referrals to community work sites, monitoring offender performance and communicating with employers

Volunteer/Intern Qualifications and Restrictions

  • Be 18 years or older
  • Have photo identification
  • Provide services DOC needs in accordance with the department’s guidelines
  • Have a valid driver’s license if duties include driving while on state business. Volunteers must have permission to use state vehicles
  • Volunteers and interns may not be a member of the immediate family or friend of offenders at the facilities at which they seek to serve
  • They also may not be under the supervision of any local, county, state or federal corrections agency or under indictment for any felony.
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