What makes the YMCA such a special place? Ask around, and you’ll likely hear lots of different answers. But you’ll also hear one common thread in all of them: Our people. By volunteering at the Y, you have the opportunity to join this amazing family of passionate, engaged citizens. Combined with making a real difference in your community, that’s an experience whose value just can’t be measured. We’re always looking for motivated people seeking to improve the lives of those around them.

To become a Volunteer visit our Careers page HERE, click on "Volunteer" and click on the button at the bottom of the page to complete the application.

Position Summary

Volunteers at the Southeastern Indiana YMCA support programs, services, and community events that further the YMCA mission. Volunteers perform tasks that complement staff efforts while remaining completely separate from any paid employment. Volunteer service is unpaid and does not qualify for wages, overtime, or benefits.

Volunteers are placed according to their skills, interests, and the needs of the YMCA. Orientation, training, supervision, and evaluations are provided to ensure a positive and successful volunteer experience.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

These can be customized depending on the program or event:

• Assist program or department staff with designated volunteer tasks such as event support, program preparation, member interaction, or administrative assistance.
• Create a welcoming and positive environment for YMCA members, families, staff, and other volunteers.
• Participate in staff-guided orientation and training specific to the assigned volunteer role.
• Follow YMCA policies, procedures, safety expectations, and staff direction at all times.
• Sign in/out for each volunteer shift using the approved YMCA volunteer timesheet system.
• Communicate concerns, questions, or incidents promptly to the supervising staff member.
• Maintain a positive attitude and uphold the YMCA’s core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.
• Participate in required volunteer evaluations to ensure mutual satisfaction and effectiveness.
• Represent the YMCA positively to members and the public.

Qualifications

• Commitment to the YMCA mission and values.
• Ability to work cooperatively with staff, members, and volunteers.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Reliability and ability to follow instructions from staff supervisors.
• Successful completion of required application steps, reference checks, and interviews as outlined in the YMCA volunteer placement process.
• Participation in required volunteer orientation and training sessions.
• If employed by the YMCA: volunteer duties must be completely different from paid job duties.

Time Commitment

• Determined at placement and agreed upon in the Volunteer Agreement.
• May be seasonal, event-based, or ongoing depending on the role.
• Volunteers must notify their supervisor in advance of absences or schedule changes.

Training & Orientation

Volunteers will receive:

• General orientation to the Southeastern Indiana YMCA mission, policies, and facility layout.
• Program-specific training led by department staff.
• Instruction on safety procedures and expectations.
• Directions on how to submit volunteer hours using YMCA timesheet procedures.

Training requirements are consistent with those required for paid staff in comparable program areas.

Supervision

Volunteers are supervised by the program or department staff assigned to their area. Supervisors are responsible for:

• Providing clear expectations
• Offering ongoing support and guidance
• Ensuring volunteers feel valued and prepared
• Completing periodic performance evaluations

The Volunteer Coordinator supports recordkeeping, recognition efforts, and facilitation of the overall volunteer program.

Evaluation

Volunteers will be evaluated:

• At the end of seasonal programming or
• Twice yearly for ongoing volunteer roles

Evaluations help determine program improvements and volunteer satisfaction.

Volunteers also have the opportunity to evaluate their program and supervising staff.

To become a Volunteer visit our Careers page HERE, click on "Volunteer" and click on the button at the bottom of the page to complete the application.

If you have any questions, the Welcome Center by stopping by or calling 812-934-6006.