Deschutes County has launched a new volunteer program at its Deschutes Services Building in downtown Bend. Volunteers will staff the County's new Information Desk, providing directions and assisting visitors.

The Deschutes Services building is home to the Board of County Commissioners, Assessor's Office, County Clerk's Office, Finance/Tax Office, Human Resources, Administrative Services and County Counsel.

Duties will include assisting and or directing citizens as they come in for services such as applying for marriage licenses, recording real estate transactions, paying their property taxes, registering for dog licenses, attending a variety of community meetings or pointing them in the right direction if they need help and are unsure where to go.

Volunteers must be 18 or older and complete the volunteer application process, which includes a meet and greet and background check. Volunteers will be matched according to their skills and schedule.

This facility is open Monday - Friday, excluding holidays.

It is the policy of Deschutes County to ensure that consistent policies and procedures support participation and community involvement through volunteer service to Deschutes County.

The Volunteer Policy is not a job description or an employment classification.

POLICY AND PROCEDURES
In General:
Volunteer Definition: A volunteer is any person, approved by the Human Resources Department, who donates approved service to Deschutes County without pay or other remuneration other than reimbursement of approved incidental expenses for those services rendered. Volunteers include: 

• Persons who are in non-paid job experience or on-the-job training programs.
• Non-paid practicum students and interns.
• County employees who are approved by the Human Resources Department for volunteer service.

• The volunteer position is with an established County volunteer program.
• The duties of the position are outside the employee's normal work duties.
• No work time is used to perform the volunteer duties.
• The volunteer duties are performed solely at the option of the employee and there is no expectation direct or implied by the County that the employee performs the volunteer service.
• The employee states that the decision to volunteer is entirely his or her own and understands no payment for the work will be rendered.

• Work-release inmates.
• Community service workers.
• Anyone who is not approved by the Human Resources Department for volunteer service.
• Individuals under the age of 18 are not eligible for County volunteer service unless the volunteer application is signed and approved by a parent or guardian.

• Employment history
• References
• Completed criminal background consent form
• Drug screening UA
• Computer, E-Mail and Mobile Computing Device Use policy agreement
• Completion of Security Awareness Training
• Completed confidentiality agreement form
• Oregon driver's license information and driving record release form

• The Human Resource Department utilizes the Law Enforcement Data System (LEDS) and notifies Risk Management of the criminal background screening results.
• If required by Deschutes County departments, the Human Resource Department will also obtain authorization from the prospective volunteer to conduct pre-placement drug screening.
• Risk Management conducts a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) review and orders a driver's certified court print, if applicable. Risk Management will assess the volunteer's driving record and determine their ability to drive on County business. Volunteers are added to the Risk Management "auto-flag" system for active County drivers.

Deschutes County is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We strive to build an inclusive environment that encourages, supports, and represents the diverse voices and needs of our communities. All are encouraged to apply - we welcome diverse perspectives and experiences.

If you are a veteran and would like to apply for Veterans' Preference, please click HERE for information.