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Open Volunteer Opportunities

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DES offers two general types of volunteer roles:

  • On-Going
  • Project-based

Check out our current volunteer openings and be sure to indicate your preferences when you apply.

Program Review Committee

The Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) is seeking volunteers to serve on the Program Review Committee (PRC). Volunteers will review Behavior Treatment Plans and provide guidance on strategies addressing behaviors that interfere with DDD members’ ability to lead self-directed, healthy and meaningful lives. Volunteers participating on this committee help others reach their full potential.
 
Individuals who meet any of the following categories are encouraged to apply:

  • Persons qualified in the use of behavior management techniques:
    • Psychologist
    • Psychiatrist
    • Board-Certified Behavior Analyst
  • Parent or Guardian of a person with a developmental disability
  • Habilitation services professionals
  • Individuals with a developmental disability
  • A person with no ownership in a facility and who is not involved with directly providing services to individuals with developmental disabilities.

Complete the Volunteer Interest Form, and a Volunteer Coordinator will contact you to answer any of your questions or complete the DES Volunteer Application if you are ready to apply.

Duties

Volunteers will:

  • Review Behavior Treatment Plans
  • Provide recommendations and approvals when needed

Plans may include:

  • Techniques that involve the use of force
  • Programs using response cost strategies
  • Programs that may affect a person’s rights
  • Use of behavior-modifying medications
  • Protective devices used to prevent self-injury

Time commitment

Time commitment varies, based upon need and volunteer availability to support each of the five districts. Time commitment varies, based upon need and volunteer availability to support each of the five districts. All meetings are held online.

PRC sessions take place Monday through Thursday:

  • 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
  • 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Volunteers do not need to attend every meeting. It is recommended to attend at least one session each month.

Requirements

Mandatory Requirements:

  • Background Check
  • Must be at least 18
  • 1 to 1 Training with PRC Chair

Mandatory Training (will be provided by DDD)

  • Article IX (Arizona’s required training for service providers on the rights of people with disabilities) (will be provided if applicant has yet to complete this training)
  • Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act (HIPAA)

Recommended Requirements:

  • Knowledge of Behavior Treatment Plans (BTPs)
  • Knowledge of Positive Behavior Support
  • Knowledge of Behavioral Health Supports

Location

All sessions are held online through Google Meet.

Independent Oversight Committee (IOC)

Project Description

You may volunteer for an Independent Oversight Committee (IOC). IOCs make sure DDD members’ rights are supported.

Committee members come from many backgrounds, including:

  • DDD members or their families
  • Advocates
  • Professionals
  • Community members who support the rights of people served by DDD

Duties

  • Review incidents that may have involved neglect, abuse, or denial of rights of members receiving services.
  • Review behavior programs.
  • Review proposed research involving members.
  • Make recommendations to DDD about changes needed to protect members’ rights..

Time commitment

Committees are located across the state and typically meet monthly.

Requirements

  • Background Check
  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • Training
  • 3 to 6 hours commitment per month (varies by committee)

To find out more information or to volunteer, contact the Statewide Human Rights Committee Coordinator at 1-844-770-9500.

Apply to Become a Volunteer for the Independent Oversight Committee

Developmental Disabilities Advisory Council (DDAC)

The Developmental Disabilities Advisory Council (DDAC) is an advisory council to the Assistant Director of the Division of Developmental Disabilities on a wide variety of matters relating to the Division. Council members are appointed by the Arizona Governor to three-year terms.

The council includes 17 members from the community, such as:

  • Parents of a person with a developmental disability
  • Service providers
  • Individuals receiving DDD services
  • Other community stakeholders

The mission of the DDAC is to provide, in partnership with the Division of Developmental Disabilities, advisory oversight on behalf of members, families, and providers.

Council Membership

Council members review and make recommendations to the Division on topics such as:

  1. Coordinating and integrating services provided by state agencies and providers that have contracted with state agencies to provide developmental disability programs.
  2. The health, safety, welfare, and legal rights of persons with developmental disabilities.
  3. Improving service delivery plans
  4. Establishing and reviewing division policies and programs.
  5. The cost-effectiveness of division services.
  6. Assessing the Division's annual needs.
  7. Selecting the Assistant Director of the Division.
  8. Monitoring the Division's annual budget.
  9. The sale of lease of the real property and improvements on the real property formerly used by the Department of Economic Security for the Arizona training program in Phoenix.

Read more about the Council and its members.

Have an interest in government and a desire to make a difference? Complete your online application for the Developmental Disabilities Advisory Council to be considered for appointment to the DDAC.

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