Volunteer Opportunities

Assistant Coach/Coach: Fall & Winter Sports

Role Responsibilites: Under the leadership of a head coach, help to organize practice and assist athletes in acquiring sports skills. Volunteers in this role may also serve as chaperones/one on one volunteers. 

Time Commitment: 2-3 hours per week during the sport season, which usually lasts for 8-10 weeks.

Location: All counties. Please contact us for specific details on practice locations in your county.

Requirements: Volunteer application; Background checks for volunteers 18+; Complete general orientation, protective behaviors and concussion training.

Athlete Representative Mentor

Role Responsibilites: Support Special Olympics athletes in their journey to become Athlete Leaders. Mentors are matched with an athlete and offer ongoing support, constructive feedback and encouragement.

Time Commitment: 3-5 hours per month, year-round.

Location: All counties

Requirements: Volunteer application; Background checks for volunteers 18+; Complete general orientation, protective behaviors and concussion training.

Global Messenger Mentor

Role Responsibilites: Support Special Olympics athletes in their journey to become Athlete Leaders in the Global Messenger role. Mentors are matched with an athlete and offer ongoing support, constructive feedback and encouragement.

Time Commitment: 3-5 hours per month, year-round.

Location: All counties

Requirements: Volunteer application; Background checks for volunteers 18+; Complete general orientation, protective behaviors and concussion training.

Health & Fitness Coordinator Mentor

Role Responsibilites: Support Special Olympics athletes in their journey to become Athlete Leaders in the Health and Fitness Coordinator role. Mentors are matched with an athlete and offer ongoing support, constructive feedback and encouragement.

Time Commitment: 3-5 hours per month, year-round.

Location: All counties

Requirements: Volunteer application; Background checks for volunteers 18+; Complete general orientation, protective behaviors and concussion training.

Assistant Coach/Coach: Fall & Winter Sports (All Counties)

Role Responsibilites: Under the leadership of a head coach, help to organize practice and assist athletes in acquiring sports skills. Volunteers in this role may also serve as chaperones/one on one volunteers. 

Time Commitment: 2-3 hours per week during the sport season, which usually lasts for 8-10 weeks.

Location: All counties. Please contact us for specific details on practice locations in your county.

Requirements: Volunteer application; Background checks for volunteers 18+; Complete general orientation, protective behaviors and concussion training.

Bowling Head Coach/Assistant Coach (Clearfield)

Role Responsibilites: Under the leadership of a head coach, help to organize practice and assist athletes in acquiring sports skills. Volunteers in this role may also serve as chaperones/one on one volunteers.

Time Commitment: 1-3 hours per week during bowling season

Location: Clearfield

Requirements: Volunteer application; Background checks for volunteers 18+; Complete general orientation, protective behaviors and concussion training.

Community Team Leader (Centre County)

Role Responsibilites: Help us connect with community resources, groups, service organizations and others throughout their local area to increase involvement and awareness of Special Olympics. Relevant experience is always welcome, but not necessary!

Time Commitment: 5-7 hours per month, year-round.

Location: Centre County

Requirements: Volunteer application; Background checks for volunteers 18+; Complete general orientation, protective behaviors and concussion training.

Fundraising Team Leader (Clinton & McKean County)

Role Responsibilites: Volunteer for Special Olympics Pennsylvania outside of the sports environment. Help to plan and run local fundraising events, maintain a list of donors for the county program and work with staff to create and present a local fundraising budget. Experience with fundraising is always welcome, but not necessary.

Time Commitment: 5-7 hours per month, year-round.

Location: Clinton County, McKean County

Requirements: Volunteer application; Background checks for volunteers 18+; Complete general orientation, protective behaviors and concussion training.

Athlete Representative Mentor

Role Responsibilites: Support Special Olympics athletes in their journey to become Athlete Leaders. Mentors are matched with an athlete and offer ongoing support, constructive feedback and encouragement.

Time Commitment: 3-5 hours per month, year-round.

Location: All counties

Requirements: Volunteer application; Background checks for volunteers 18+; Complete general orientation, protective behaviors and concussion training.

Global Messenger Mentor

Role Responsibilites: Support Special Olympics athletes in their journey to become Athlete Leaders in the Global Messenger role. Mentors are matched with an athlete and offer ongoing support, constructive feedback and encouragement.

Time Commitment: 3-5 hours per month, year-round.

Location: All counties

Requirements: Volunteer application; Background checks for volunteers 18+; Complete general orientation, protective behaviors and concussion training.

Health & Fitness Coordinator Mentor

Role Responsibilites: Support Special Olympics athletes in their journey to become Athlete Leaders in the Health and Fitness Coordinator role. Mentors are matched with an athlete and offer ongoing support, constructive feedback and encouragement.

Time Commitment: 3-5 hours per month, year-round.

Location: All counties

Requirements: Volunteer application; Background checks for volunteers 18+; Complete general orientation, protective behaviors and concussion training.

Assistant Coach/Coach: Fall & Winter Sports (All Counties)

Role Responsibilites: Under the leadership of a head coach, help to organize practice and assist athletes in acquiring sports skills. Volunteers in this role may also serve as chaperones/one on one volunteers. 

Time Commitment: 2-3 hours per week during the sport season, which usually lasts for 8-10 weeks.

Location: All counties. Please contact us for specific details on practice locations in your county.

Requirements: Volunteer application; Background checks for volunteers 18+; Complete general orientation, protective behaviors and concussion training.

Global Messenger Mentor (Tioga County)

Role Responsibilites: Support Special Olympics athletes in their journey to become Athlete Leaders in the Global Messenger role. Mentors are matched with an athlete and offer ongoing support, constructive feedback and encouragement.

Time Commitment: 3-5 hours per month, year-round.

Location: Tioga County

Requirements: Volunteer application; Background checks for volunteers 18+; Complete general orientation, protective behaviors and concussion training.

Athlete Representative Mentor (Northumberland/Snyder)

Role Responsibilites: Support Special Olympics athletes in their journey to become Athlete Leaders. Mentors are matched with an athlete and offer ongoing support, constructive feedback and encouragement.

Time Commitment: 3-5 hours per month, year-round.

Location: Northumberland/Snyder

Requirements: Volunteer application; Background checks for volunteers 18+; Complete general orientation, protective behaviors and concussion training.

Assistant Coach/Coach: Fall & Winter Sports

Role Responsibilites: Under the leadership of a head coach, help to organize practice and assist athletes in acquiring sports skills. Volunteers in this role may also serve as chaperones/one on one volunteers. 

Time Commitment: 2-3 hours per week during the sport season, which usually lasts for 8-10 weeks.

Location: All counties. Please contact us for specific details on practice locations in your county.

Requirements: Volunteer application; Background checks for volunteers 18+; Complete general orientation, protective behaviors and concussion training.

Athlete Representative Mentor (Lackawanna County)

Role Responsibilites: Support Special Olympics athletes in their journey to become Athlete Leaders. Mentors are matched with an athlete and offer ongoing support, constructive feedback and encouragement.

Time Commitment: 3-5 hours per month, year-round.

Location: Lackawanna County

Requirements: Volunteer application; Background checks for volunteers 18+; Complete general orientation, protective behaviors and concussion training.

Health & Fitness Coordinator Mentor (Lackawanna, Wayne, Pike)

Role Responsibilites: Support Special Olympics athletes in their journey to become Athlete Leaders in the Health and Fitness Coordinator role. Mentors are matched with an athlete and offer ongoing support, constructive feedback and encouragement.

Time Commitment: 3-5 hours per month, year-round.

Location: Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike County

Requirements: Volunteer application; Background checks for volunteers 18+; Complete general orientation, protective behaviors and concussion training.

Assistant Coach/Coach: Fall & Winter Sports

Role Responsibilites: Under the leadership of a head coach, help to organize practice and assist athletes in acquiring sports skills. Volunteers in this role may also serve as chaperones/one on one volunteers. 

Time Commitment: 2-3 hours per week during the sport season, which usually lasts for 8-10 weeks.

Location: All counties. Please contact us for specific details on practice locations in your county.

Requirements: Volunteer application; Background checks for volunteers 18+; Complete general orientation, protective behaviors and concussion training.

Golf Head Coach/Assistant Coach (Bethlehem)

Role Responsibilites: Head coaches lead and organize their team of athletes and volunteers to create a comprehensive sport training program. Assistant coaches provide support and assist athletes in acquiring sports skills. No experience necessary!

Time Commitment: Practices Wednesdays and Sundays March-October weather permitting. Usually attend Eastern Spring Sectionals, usually first Saturday in May at Kutztown University.

Location: Bethlehem

Requirements: Volunteer application; Background checks for volunteers 18+; Complete general orientation, protective behaviors and concussion training.

Snowboarding Head Coach/Assistant Coach (Bethlehem)

Role Responsibilites: Head coaches lead and organize their team of athletes and volunteers to create a comprehensive sport training program. Assistant coaches provide support and assist athletes in acquiring sports skills. No experience necessary!

Time Commitment: Anticipate 2 hour practices weekly November-February. Early practices can be dry land. Season finishes with a statewide competition at Seven Springs Mountain Resort, February 13-15.

Location: Bethlehem

Requirements: Volunteer application; Background checks for volunteers 18+; Complete general orientation, protective behaviors and concussion training.

Swimming Head/Assistant Coach (Bethlehem)

Role Responsibilites: Head coaches lead and organize their team of athletes and volunteers to create a comprehensive sport training program. Assistant coaches provide support and assist athletes in acquiring sports skills. No experience necessary!

Time Commitment: Start between January and March, continue through Summer Games at Penn State. Two hours practice/week, a few regional competitions on weekends in April and May, and a culminating event at Penn State University, June 6-8.

Location: Bethlehem (Team Bethlehem Practices Tuesday night at Liberty HS in Bethlehem. Would love to have beginner swimmers 6-7 pm and advanced swimmers 7-8 pm)

Requirements: Volunteer application; Background checks for volunteers 18+; Complete general orientation, protective behaviors and concussion training.

Local Program Leader (Bethlehem)

Role Responsibilites: Local Program Leaders serve as advocates in the local community to promote Special Olympics' mission and raise awareness. They work alongside staff and volunteers to help recruit volunteers and provide budgetary input. They connect with the local sport teams to make sure that they are successful.

Time Commitment: Would estimate a minimum of 10 hours/week, especially at the outset as a new leader begins to understand what is happening with the program, meets key members of the leadership team, coaches and athletes.

Location: Bethlehem

Requirements: Volunteer application; Background checks for volunteers 18+; Complete general orientation, protective behaviors and concussion training.

Treasurer (Berks & Lehigh County)

Role Responsibilites: The Treasurer Team Leader volunteers for Special Olympics Pennsylvania outside of the sports environment. They help to manage and report local county program expenses. Relevant experience is always welcome, but not necessary!

Time Commitment: 1-2 hours per week.

Location: Berks County & Lehigh County

Requirements: Volunteer application; Background checks for volunteers 18+; Complete general orientation, protective behaviors and concussion training.

Fundraising Team Leader (Bethlehem & Lehigh)

Role Responsibilites: Volunteer for Special Olympics Pennsylvania outside of the sports environment. Help to plan and run local fundraising events, maintain a list of donors for the county program and work with staff to create and present a local fundraising budget. Experience with fundraising is always welcome, but not necessary.

Time Commitment: 10-15 hours per month, year-round.

Location: Bethlehem County, Lehigh County

Requirements: Volunteer application; Background checks for volunteers 18+; Complete general orientation, protective behaviors and concussion training.

Global Messenger Mentor (Carbon County)

Role Responsibilites: Support Special Olympics athletes in their journey to become Athlete Leaders in the Global Messenger role. Mentors are matched with an athlete and offer ongoing support, constructive feedback and encouragement.

Time Commitment: Depending on the individual you are assigned to Mentor, the commitment ranges from 3-5 hours a month throughout the year.

Location: Carbon County

Requirements: Volunteer application; Background checks for volunteers 18+; Complete general orientation, protective behaviors and concussion training.

Health & Fitness Coordinator Mentor (Lehigh & Schuylkill)

Role Responsibilites: Support Special Olympics athletes in their journey to become Athlete Leaders in the Health and Fitness Coordinator role. Mentors are matched with an athlete and offer ongoing support, constructive feedback and encouragement.

Time Commitment: Depending on the individual you are assigned to Mentor, the commitment ranges from 3-5 hours a month throughout the year.

Location: Lehigh County, Schuylkill County

Requirements: Volunteer application; Background checks for volunteers 18+; Complete general orientation, protective behaviors and concussion training.

Assistant Coach/Coach: Fall & Winter Sports

Role Responsibilites: Under the leadership of a head coach, help to organize practice and assist athletes in acquiring sports skills. Volunteers in this role may also serve as chaperones/one on one volunteers. 

Time Commitment: 2-3 hours per week during the sport season, which usually lasts for 8-10 weeks.

Location: All counties. Please contact us for specific details on practice locations in your county.

Requirements: Volunteer application; Background checks for volunteers 18+; Complete general orientation, protective behaviors and concussion training.

Global Messenger Mentor (Montgomery County)

Role Responsibilites: Support Special Olympics athletes in their journey to become Athlete Leaders in the Global Messenger role. Mentors are matched with an athlete and offer ongoing support, constructive feedback and encouragement.

Time Commitment: Depending on the individual you are assigned to Mentor, the commitment ranges from 3-5 hours a month throughout the year.

Location: Montgomery County

Requirements: Volunteer application; Background checks for volunteers 18+; Complete general orientation, protective behaviors and concussion training.

Global Messenger Mentor (Bucks County)

Role Responsibilites: Support Special Olympics athletes in their journey to become Athlete Leaders in the Global Messenger role. Mentors are matched with an athlete and offer ongoing support, constructive feedback and encouragement.

Time Commitment: Depending on the individual you are assigned to Mentor, the commitment ranges from 3-5 hours a month throughout the year.

Location: Bucks County

Requirements: Volunteer application; Background checks for volunteers 18+; Complete general orientation, protective behaviors and concussion training.

Athlete Representative Mentor (Bucks)

Role Responsibilites: Support Special Olympics athletes in their journey to become Athlete Leaders. Mentors are matched with an athlete and offer ongoing support, constructive feedback and encouragement.

Time Commitment: 3-5 hours per month, year-round.

Location: Bucks County

Requirements: Volunteer application; Background checks for volunteers 18+; Complete general orientation, protective behaviors and concussion training.

Assistant Coaches: Fall & Winter Sports (All Counties)

Role Responsibilites:  Under the leadership of a head coach, help to organize practice and assist athletes in acquiring sports skills. Volunteers in this role may also serve as chaperones/one on one volunteers.

Time Commitment: 2-3 hours per week during the sport season, which usually lasts for 8-10 weeks.

Location: All counties. Please contact us for specific details on practice locations in your county.

Requirements: Volunteer application; Background checks for volunteers 18+; Complete general orientation, protective behaviors and concussion training.

Community Leader (Adams, Lancaster)

Role Responsibilites: Help us connect with community resources, groups, service organizations and others throughout their local area to increase involvement and awareness of Special Olympics. Relevant experience is always welcome, but not necessary!

Time Commitment: 5-7 hours per month, year-round.

Location: Adams County, Lancaster County.

Requirements: Volunteer application; Background checks for volunteers 18+; Complete general orientation, protective behaviors and concussion training.

Local Program Leadership (Lebanon, Cumberland, Dauphin, Perry)

Role Responsibilites: Support your local Special Olympics program as a Team Leader, Sports Leader, Fundraising Leader or Community Leader!

Time Commitment: Typically 2-3 hours per week, year-round.

Location: Lebanon, Cumberland, Dauphin and Perry Counties.

Requirements: Volunteer application; Background checks for volunteers 18+; Complete general orientation, protective behaviors and concussion training.

Fundraising Team Leader (York)

Role Responsibilites: Volunteer for Special Olympics Pennsylvania outside of the sports environment. Help to plan and run local fundraising events, maintain a list of donors for the county program and work with staff to create and present a local fundraising budget. Experience with fundraising is always welcome, but not necessary.

Time Commitment: 5-10 hours per month, year-round.

Location: York County

Requirements: Volunteer application; Background checks for volunteers 18+; Complete general orientation, protective behaviors and concussion training.

Athlete Representative Mentor (Mifflin/Juniata)

Role Responsibilites: Support Special Olympics athletes in their journey to become Athlete Leaders. Mentors are matched with an athlete and offer ongoing support, constructive feedback and encouragement.

Time Commitment: 3-5 hours per month, year-round.

Location: Mifflin/Juniata

Requirements: Volunteer application; Background checks for volunteers 18+; Complete general orientation, protective behaviors and concussion training.

Global Messenger Mentor (Mifflin/Juniata)

Role Responsibilites: Support Special Olympics athletes in their journey to become Athlete Leaders in the Global Messenger role. Mentors are matched with an athlete and offer ongoing support, constructive feedback and encouragement.

Time Commitment: Depending on the individual you are assigned to Mentor, the commitment ranges from 3-5 hours a month throughout the year.

Location: Mifflin/Juniata

Requirements: Volunteer application; Background checks for volunteers 18+; Complete general orientation, protective behaviors and concussion training.

Health & Fitness Coordinator Mentor (Mifflin/Juniata)

Role Responsibilites: Support Special Olympics athletes in their journey to become Athlete Leaders in the Health and Fitness Coordinator role. Mentors are matched with an athlete and offer ongoing support, constructive feedback and encouragement.

Time Commitment: Depending on the individual you are assigned to Mentor, the commitment ranges from 3-5 hours a month throughout the year.

Location: Mifflin/Juniata

Requirements: Volunteer application; Background checks for volunteers 18+; Complete general orientation, protective behaviors and concussion training.

Assistant Coaches: Fall & Winter Sports (All Counties)

Role Responsibilites:  Under the leadership of a head coach, help to organize practice and assist athletes in acquiring sports skills. Volunteers in this role may also serve as chaperones/one on one volunteers.

Time Commitment: 2-3 hours per week during the sport season, which usually lasts for 8-10 weeks.

Location: All counties. Please contact us for specific details on practice locations in your county.

Requirements: Volunteer application; Background checks for volunteers 18+; Complete general orientation, protective behaviors and concussion training.

Athlete Representative Mentor

Role Responsibilites: Support Special Olympics athletes in their journey to become Athlete Leaders. Mentors are matched with an athlete and offer ongoing support, constructive feedback and encouragement.

Time Commitment: 3-5 hours per month, year-round.

Location: All Counties

Requirements: Volunteer application; Background checks for volunteers 18+; Complete general orientation, protective behaviors and concussion training.

Global Messenger Mentor

Role Responsibilites: Support Special Olympics athletes in their journey to become Athlete Leaders in the Global Messenger role. Mentors are matched with an athlete and offer ongoing support, constructive feedback and encouragement.

Time Commitment: Depending on the individual you are assigned to Mentor, the commitment ranges from 3-5 hours a month throughout the year.

Location: All Counties

Requirements: Volunteer application; Background checks for volunteers 18+; Complete general orientation, protective behaviors and concussion training.

Health & Fitness Coordinator Mentor

Role Responsibilites: Support Special Olympics athletes in their journey to become Athlete Leaders in the Health and Fitness Coordinator role. Mentors are matched with an athlete and offer ongoing support, constructive feedback and encouragement.

Time Commitment: Depending on the individual you are assigned to Mentor, the commitment ranges from 3-5 hours a month throughout the year.

Location: All Counties

Requirements: Volunteer application; Background checks for volunteers 18+; Complete general orientation, protective behaviors and concussion training.

Winter Games Committee Member

Role Responsibilites: Work with athlete volunteers to solicit feedback from event participants.

Time Commitment: Meetings take place once a month, on the second Monday of each month. Committee members are also asked to attend Winter Games, which will be February 13-15, 2024.

Location: Winter Games takes place at Seven Springs Mountain Resort in Somerset County. While it's helpful if you are close to this area so that you can attend Winter Games, the meetings are held virtually and can be done from anywhere!

Requirements: Volunteer application; Background checks for volunteers 18+; Complete general orientation, protective behaviors and concussion training.

Assistant Coaches: Fall & Winter Sports (All Counties)

Role Responsibilites:  Under the leadership of a head coach, help to organize practice and assist athletes in acquiring sports skills. Volunteers in this role may also serve as chaperones/one on one volunteers.

Time Commitment: 2-3 hours per week during the sport season, which usually lasts for 8-10 weeks.

Location: All counties. Please contact us for specific details on practice locations in your county.

Requirements: Volunteer application; Background checks for volunteers 18+; Complete general orientation, protective behaviors and concussion training.

Pickelball Coach/Assistant Coach (Allegheny)

Role Responsibilites:  Lead Pickleball practices. Under the leadership of a head coach, help to organize practice and assist athletes in acquiring sports skills. Volunteers in this role may also serve as chaperones/one on one volunteers.

Time Commitment: Any 8 weeks we can carve out of the spring, summer, and/or fall - 1-2 hours/week

Location: Moon Township Park

Requirements: Volunteer application; Background checks for volunteers 18+; Complete general orientation, protective behaviors and concussion training.

Floorball Coach/Assistant Coach (Allegheny)

Role Responsibilites:  Lead Floorball practices. Under the leadership of a head coach, help to organize practice and assist athletes in acquiring sports skills. Volunteers in this role may also serve as chaperones/one on one volunteers.

Time Commitment: One day a week for 2 hours. Floorball runs Dec through 1st weekend of March.

Location: South Hills of Allegheny County

Requirements: Volunteer application; Background checks for volunteers 18+; Complete general orientation, protective behaviors and concussion training.

Local Program Leader (Fayette County)

Role Responsibilites: Team Leaders serve as advocates in the local community to promote Special Olympics' mission and raise awareness. They work alongside staff and volunteers to help recruit volunteers and provide budgetary input. They connect with the local sport teams to make sure that they are successful.

Time Commitment: About 5 hours per week.

Location: Fayette County

Requirements: Volunteer application; Background checks for volunteers 18+; Complete general orientation, protective behaviors and concussion training.

Health & Fitness Coordinator Mentor

Role Responsibilites: Support Special Olympics athletes in their journey to become Athlete Leaders in the Health and Fitness Coordinator role. Mentors are matched with an athlete and offer ongoing support, constructive feedback and encouragement.

Time Commitment: Depending on the individual you are assigned to Mentor, the commitment ranges from 3-5 hours a month throughout the year.

Location: All Counties

Requirements: Volunteer application; Background checks for volunteers 18+; Complete general orientation, protective behaviors and concussion training.

Global Messenger Mentor

Role Responsibilites: Support Special Olympics athletes in their journey to become Athlete Leaders in the Global Messenger role. Mentors are matched with an athlete and offer ongoing support, constructive feedback and encouragement.

Time Commitment: 3-5 hours a month, can be as flexible as needed.

Location: Allegheny

Requirements: Volunteer application; Background checks for volunteers 18+; Complete general orientation, protective behaviors and concussion training.

Global Messenger Mentor

Role Responsibilites: Support Special Olympics athletes in their journey to become Athlete Leaders in the Global Messenger role. Mentors are matched with an athlete and offer ongoing support, constructive feedback and encouragement.

Time Commitment: 3-5 hours a month, can be as flexible as needed.

Location: Beaver

Requirements: Volunteer application; Background checks for volunteers 18+; Complete general orientation, protective behaviors and concussion training.

Administrative Support: Database Entry

Role Responsibilites:  Scan, upload and enter pertinent medical information into athlete records. Keep a running list of athletes who are missing information to allow staff to follow up.

Time Commitment: 2-4 hours per week; we will work with your schedule!

Location: Remote; can be completed anywhere in PA!