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.

The Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) was signed into federal law September of 2003. DOC designed and implemented training for staff, contractors, volunteers, and offenders about PREA. The PREA pamphlet for volunteers provides information for volunteers on the PREA act and volunteer responsibilities.

Apply Now to Volunteer

Fill out the volunteer application form (PDF).
E-mail the completed form
Or you can mail your printed form to:
DOC Volunteer Applications
c/o Diane Rowles-Schweikert
P.O. Box 41126
Olympia, WA 98504-1129

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

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.