• WHAT IS A VOLUNTEER?
    A visitor is defined as an individual who, with District authorization attends a special event. A visitor does not need to have fingerprint clearance or a tuberculosis test.
    Examples of a visitor include a parent attending Open House, parent conferences, a concert or football game.
     
    A guest is defined as an individual who, with District authorization, assists students, teachers and the school with one-time activities. A guest does not need to have fingerprint clearance or a tuberculosis test. The guest is under constant supervision by staff.
    Examples of a guest include a guest speaker, a parent helping with a class project or an elementary field day.
     
    A volunteer is defined as a non-paid individual who, with school District authorization, assists students, schools, or educational programs. This individual is under direct supervision of District staff, but may not always be under the immediate supervision of staff. The service can be on a short-term, project-specific or on-going basis. A volunteer is required to complete a Volunteer Application, Code of Conduct form, have a clear tuberculosis (TB) test, and have a fingerprint background check completed prior to rendering service.
    Examples of a volunteer include a parent helping out in his/her child’s classroom, a parent/individual volunteering on field trips, a parent/individual tutoring after school or a college student assisting with a class for credit.
     
    WHAT IS REQUIRED TO BECOME A VOLUNTEER?
     
    The Pittsburg Unified School District sincerely appreciates your interest in serving as a volunteer to help our students and our schools. Your knowledge and skills can enrich the educational program. For the benefit and protection of students, volunteers, and others, state laws and District policies require the following:
    Volunteers working with students must be under the direct supervision of a District employee (Education Code 35021).
    Volunteers working regularly with students must take a tuberculosis test, be fingerprinted, may need to give evidence of basic skills proficiency, and take a loyalty oath (Education Code Sections 45344.5, 45347, 45349). Any school office can assist you with these requirements.
     
    Unsalaried volunteers are covered by the District's Workers Compensation Insurance (Labor Code Section 3364.5). In the case of an incident, notify the school office and call Company Nurse at 1-888-375-9779.
     
    Volunteers may offer services not otherwise available, but may not be used to displace regular school personnel (Education Code Section 35021).
     
    Volunteers must work in the presence of another adult. Any exception must be approved by the principal.
     
    Volunteers who will be driving students must complete a separate volunteer driver application.
     
    WHO CAN I CONTACT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS?
     
    Please contact your school site or the Human Resources Department, (925) 473-2335, if you have any questions.
     
    HOW DO I BECOME A VOLUNTEER?
     
    The following documents must be on file with the Human Resource Department prior to the beginning of your service:
    Volunteer Application (Enclosed)
    Current tuberculosis certificate (no older than 60 days)
    Fingerprint clearance from both the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
    Volunteer Code of Conduct Form (Enclosed)
    Photocopy of Driver’s License or Identification Card
     
    HOW DO I OBTAIN FINGERPRINT CLEARANCE?
    Once you have completed your application, please come to the Human Resources Department to submit your application and receive a live scan form along with a list of locations in the area.  
     
    WHERE CAN I OBTAIN A TB CERTIFICATE?
    Your family physician can provide a TB test. You may also utilize Muir/Diablo Occupational Medicine (see below). Please contact the facility to obtain additional information. Unfortunately, the District does not reimburse the cost of the TB certificate. Please provide your TB certificate along with your volunteer application.
     
     
    HOW LONG DOES THIS PROCESS TAKE?
     
    This process can take up to 7-10 business days or more, provided that all information has been received. Please be aware that at times the Department of Justice has backlogs and there can be 10 to 30-day delay in receiving fingerprints. Please plan ahead. CLEARANCE FOR VOLUNTEERING ON A FIELD TRIP CANNOT BE DONE AT THE LAST MINUTE.
     
    WHAT HAPPENS ONCE I AM CLEARED?
     
    The Human Resources Department maintains a roster of cleared volunteers, and sends each site an updated report of cleared volunteers. Once the school receives notification of your clearance, you will be notified and you may begin your volunteer service.
     
    WHERE DO I REPORT TO VOLUNTEER?
    As a volunteer, you are required to sign-in and sign out at the school office each time you are on campus.
    The sign-in registry should include a place for your name, date, location you are visiting, and the time reported in and out.
    As a volunteer, you will be required to wear some form of identification badge issued by the school office.