English
Spanish
Become a Volunteer
Special Olympics of Pennsylvania relies on the time and dedication of thousands of volunteers each year. Commitments can range from being a one- time volunteer for local, regional and state competitions to coaching, assistant coaching and training our athletes, to participating on our leadership teams or planning fundraisers and special events.
Whether you are a group or an individual, there is an opportunity available to volunteer. Some opportunities require long-term commitments and specific skills. Other opportunities require limited time commitments and less specific sports skills but are just as important to the overall success of the program.
Class A
A Class A volunteer is someone who is or may be in immediate contact with athletes. Class A Volunteers will require a background check for applicants 18 years or older. In addition to a background check, Special Olympics also requires that all Class A volunteers 16 and over take Concussion Training, Protective Behaviors Training, and General Orientation.
To find out “What to Expect” in completing your SOPA Class A background checks, click here.
Class B
A Class B volunteer is someone with casual or limited contact with athletes, such as Event Volunteers.
Read or download our One-Day Volunteer Expectation Brochure and/or our Expectation One-Sheet
Class A Volunteers will require a background check for applicants 18 years or older. In addition to a background check, Special Olympics also requires that all Class A volunteers 16 and over take Concussion Training, Protective Behaviors Training, and General Orientation.
Not sure how to complete our online Volunteer Application?
Watch our brief “How To Become A Volunteer” video that will walk you through the process step by step!
Volunteer Opportunities with Special Olympics Pennsylvania’s The Wilds Region:
Covid-19 Coordinator
Volunteers to serve as primary point of contact for all questions related to COVID-19 mitigation processes at practice training site. Administer screenings and temperature checks to all participants (max of 8 athletes with 2 coaches). Monitor and execute safety protocols. Must have access to computer, internet access and a basic understanding of Google products (Forms & Sheets). Contact Alexandra Rowlands, 610-850-0449, arowlands@specialolympicspa.org.
Leadership Positions
Fundraising Team Leader: Local Fundraising Team Leaders will work in partnership with the Regional Development Director to coordinate and execute local and regional fundraising activities and events. The Fundraising Team Leader will also work collaboratively with their counterparts from throughout the Region.
The Fundraising Team Leader may select an assistant, or build a team of volunteers to help with these responsibilities.
Fundraising Team Leaders needed in Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Dubois/Jefferson and KcKean County.
Sport Team Leader: The Sports Team Leader will be responsible to see that required functions in their area are completed and serve as the communication link between the Region and the Local Team. The Sports Team Leader represents the Local Team at the Regional planning level.
This position will work with the Regional Sports Director and the other local Sports Team Leaders within the Region to develop and execute the Regional Sports Plan and goals. They will be part of a collaborative strategic growth effort of sports activities that supports the recruitment of new SOPA eligible athletes, volunteers and community partners. They will be responsible for the oversight of athlete and coach training, competitions and uniform and equipment management. The Sports Team Leader may select an assistant, or build a team of volunteers to help with these responsibilities.
Sport Team Leader needed in Centre County.
Community Team Leader: The Community Team Leader will be responsible to see that required functions in their area are completed and serve as the communication link between the Region and the Local Team. The Community Team Leader represents the Local Team at the Regional planning level.
In conjunction with the Regional Community Director, the Community Team Leader seeks to connect to community resources, groups, service organizations and others throughout their local area to increase involvement and awareness of Special Olympics. The Community Team Leader works to grow the Local Team primarily through collaboration with the Regional office to support outreach to volunteers and athletes. This position also works to maintain communications, and build partnerships with families, volunteers, and other mutually beneficial resources in the community. The Community Team Leader may select an assistant, or build a team of volunteers to help with these responsibilities.
Community Team Leader needed in Centre County.
Team Leader: This position will provide guidance and coordination for the Local Team. They will “oversee” the coordination of SO activities within the Local Team ensuring our mission is met and policies/procedures are followed. This volunteer, with prior discussion with the Regional Executive Director, may add additional volunteers within the Local Team (above and beyond Sports, Community, and Fundraising Team Leaders) to assure activities are managed at an optimal success level.
Team Leader needed in Clearfield, McKean and Potter County.
Coaching Position
Head Coach Positions – Team Clearfield:
- Athletics
- Swimming
Head Coach Positions – Team Dubois/Jefferson:
- Swimming
- Basketball
Head Coach Positions – Team Potter:
- Softball
The primary responsibility of a head coach is to teach the skills and instill the spirit that defines a true athlete; they are role models and character builders. Head Coaches help athletes identify and develop their own strengths and abilities while showing them how to build upon those strengths and improve every day. By becoming a Head Coach, you will enrich the lives of the Athletes in many lifechanging ways. You will help the Athletes develop skills and confidence that will aid them in their career path and will have a long-lasting effect. Head Coaches become more than a teacher, mentor, and role model; head Coaches are seen as a leader to the Athletes and community.
Event Volunteer Opportunities
Open volunteer positions coming soon.
Questions?
If you have questions about volunteering with Special Olympics Greater Lehigh Valley Pocono Region, contact:
Kathy Guy, Regional Admin. Manager, at kguy@specialolympicspa.org or 412-279-5450