What is the role of a Sheriff's Office volunteer?
The Sheriff's Office depends on many volunteers to provide inmate programs and services at the Adult Detention Center and Alternative Incarceration Branch, including life skills classes, mental health counseling, religious services, alcohol and drug support groups, health education, library services and job training. These volunteers work with deputies and civilian staff to help inmates improve their lives during incarceration and prepare for a successful transition from jail into the community.
Sheriff’s Office volunteers are affiliated with many different nonprofit and public agencies:
- Schools/Education: Many of our volunteers are certified county teachers or are otherwise familiar with the school system. Our educational programs allow inmates to obtain their GED, and in some cases their high school diploma, or improve their reading and writing skills.
- Religion: We offer both religious studies and services to various denominations, allowing inmates to improve their spiritual life in whatever religion they follow or are trying to regain. Mentors are welcomed for one-on-one spiritual counseling.
- Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board: Our volunteers have a working knowledge of the AA and/or NA programs; many have recovered from their own addictions. Recovery is a lifelong process, and our programs strive to help the individual overcome these hurdles.
Volunteer requirements
- Volunteers must NOT be wanted by law enforcement or court authorities for any criminal charge or civil matter.
- Volunteers must NOT have incurred any charges, arrests, convictions or incarcerations within the past four years and have been off probation and parole for the past four years.
- Addiction recovery volunteers must have abstained from alcohol and drug use or have been sober for at least five years.
Volunteer training
- All volunteers must complete the Sheriff's Office training program.
- Volunteers affiliated with OAR must complete separate training in addition to the requirements of the Sheriff's Office.
Apply NOW!
Please click here and select one of the currently available opportunities, which will bring you to the sign-up page. Click the sign-up box to log in (if you already have an account) or to register.
Questions? Send an email or call our Inmate Programs Office at 703-246-2845. (TTY for hearing impaired is 711.)