Requirements

Requirements for Volunteering

If you have any questions about these requirements, please contact the Volunteer Office at 360.313.1399.

1.  Identification

All volunteers are required to show a valid piece of photo identification for our files.
(State ID, Drivers License, or Passport.)

2.  Requested Commitment (and exceptions)

In the interests of sustainability and continuity, we ask our primary volunteers (those who staff the ongoing clinics) to make a average commitment of one volunteer shift per month, for one year.  

We have learned that when the same people work the same shift together each month, we get incredible results.  They build working relationships, improve clinic capacity, and increase overall effectiveness, just by getting to know each other.  And frankly, they have more fun.   Medical and dental clinic shifts average around three hours.  Many of our volunteers have been with us for more than 15 years and are still passionate about it! 

• Health Professionals, Physicians, Specialists, Dentists, Pharmacists, etc., or other busy professionals who have challenging schedules, sometimes commit to one shift per quarter (4 times per year). 

• Professional Volunteers (non-clinical) Accountants, Legal Counsel, Marketing Consultants, etc., who offer to contribute their services will determine the scope & duration of their contribution.
• Board or Committee Members will meet the terms of service set by the Free Clinic Executive Committee.
• Interns or Externs (academic or other) may serve increased hours or a shorter time span depending on external requirements and/or internal program needs.

3.  Credentialing

Washington State Department of Health Credentials:

All health professionals must be actively licensed, registered or certified by the Washington State Department of Health (WA DOH).  We use this online credential verification: (you can search for your credential here too) https://fortress.wa.gov/doh/providercredentialsearch/SearchCriteria.aspx

Retired volunteers, or those who practice in solely in another state, may obtain WA licensing (& liability ins) at no cost.   FREE Licensing

Other Credentials:

For those professionals who have credentials not regulated by the WA DOH, verification will be made through the national organization which does have oversight.  Volunteers are responsible to provide copies of their credential and contact information for the verifying organization.

4.  Liability Insurance

Dentists & Physicians must provide their own liability insurance or obtain free AHEC insurance.

FREE liability insurance is available to health professionals who volunteer with the underserved (our patients) through AHEC, a WA State program. 

All other volunteers are covered by the Free Clinic of Southwest Washington professional liability policy.  

5.  Physician Assistants

PA's are encouraged to volunteer, but must first file a practice plan with the WA Department of Health (supervised by our medical director).  We will provide you the paperwork after reviewing your application.

6.  Background check 

Policy
As part of the volunteer application process, Free Clinic of Southwest Washington policy requires that all staff (volunteer & employed) pass a criminal background check. 

Oregon Residents
The Oregon State Criminal Background Check agency charges a $10 processing fee to access records.  Please include a check for $10 (payable to Free Clinic of Southwest Washington) if you are an Oregon resident.

Exemptions
Health Professionals who are certified, registered or licensed with the Department of Health in Washington State must pass a criminal background check as part of their licensure, and are therefore exempt from this requirement. 

Process 
Submit this form  Criminal History Check with your signature, and we will conduct the check within 7 days.

The process to become a volunteer

• Submit the online application.
• Review the Volunteer Handbook (please download and read.)
• Submit a signed copy of the Criminal History Check.
• A Free Clinic of Southwest Washington volunteer will telephone you to answer your initial questions, complete your file, and discuss next steps.
• Physician Assistant's will complete and submit the practice plan.
• Interview with the Program Manager
• Receive an agency orientation & tour the agency.
• Sign the Volunteer Agreement
• Sign the Confidentiality Agreement.
• Provide photo identification.
• (Physicians & Dentists)Sign the Declaration of Liability Insurance
• Schedule your regular shift (ongoing) and 1-2 training shifts (for non-professionals).