Court-Mandated Volunteering

Blue Mountain Humane Society accepts a limited number of court-mandated community service volunteers. Because this program operates under stricter guidelines, volunteers must meet specific eligibility requirements and follow all outlined steps before beginning service hours. Court-mandated volunteering does not include direct animal handling.

Before You Apply

All applicants must review the BMHS Ineligible Offenses List before submitting an application. Individuals with offenses listed in the ineligible category cannot complete service hours at BMHS.

Court-mandated volunteers must also understand:

  • Service hours cannot be completed on holidays or weekends.

  • Volunteers must be 18 or older.

  • All hours must be scheduled and logged according to BMHS policy.

  • Walk-in or same-day service is not allowed.

  • Failure to follow instructions, policies, or staff direction may result in dismissal from the program.

Steps to Begin Court-Mandated Service

Step 1. Review requirements and the ineligible offense list

This ensures you qualify before submitting your application.

Step 2. Submit the court-mandated volunteer application

The application allows us to verify your eligibility and place you in an appropriate service role.

Step 3. Allow 3 to 5 business days for review

Applications undergo a standard background check and must be approved by BMHS staff before hours can begin. You will be notified by email once reviewed.

Step 4. Receive instructions

If approved, you will receive:

  • Orientation information

  • Scheduling process

  • Approved tasks and work areas

  • Reporting and hour-tracking instructions

Service Duties for Court-Mandated Volunteers

Approved court-mandated volunteers may assist with tasks such as:

  • Groundskeeping and outdoor maintenance

  • Laundry and sanitation

  • General cleaning and facility upkeep

  • Sorting, organizing, and non-animal support tasks

  • Event setup or housekeeping tasks (as approved)

Court-mandated volunteers do not participate in:

  • Animal handling

  • Dog walking

  • Cat or small animal care

  • Surgery support

  • Public-facing customer service roles

Attendance and Hour Tracking

  • Volunteers must sign in and out using Bloomerang Volunteer on each shift and may be required to have staff verify their hours.

  • Hours must be completed by the court’s deadline; BMHS cannot adjust or verify hours that were not served.

  • Volunteers must arrive on time, follow all safety protocols, and wear appropriate attire suitable for cleaning and labor tasks.

Dismissal From the Program

BMHS reserves the right to dismiss any court-mandated volunteer for:

  • Failure to follow staff instructions

  • Inappropriate behavior

  • Safety violations

  • Dishonesty regarding hours or conduct

  • Noncompliance with policies or scheduling

Dismissed volunteers will not be reinstated.

Questions or Assistance

If you have questions before or after applying, email

volunteer@bluemountainhumane.org

Apply Here

Court-Ordered Community Service Volunteer Policy

Purpose
Blue Mountain Humane Society is dedicated to the welfare of animals in our care. While we recognize the importance of community service opportunities, our priority is the safety of our staff, volunteers, and animals. This policy outlines the parameters under which BMHS may accept individuals seeking to complete court-ordered community service hours.

Eligibility Criteria
BMHS will consider applicants for court-ordered community service on a case-by-case basis. The following offenses automatically disqualify individuals from volunteering with BMHS:

  • Any offense involving violence, cruelty to animals, child abuse, sexual misconduct, or weapons

  • Any offense that requires the individual to be listed on a sex offender registry

  • Any offense that may pose a risk to the safety of staff, volunteers, visitors, or animals, at BMHS’s sole discretion

Application & Approval Process

  1. Individuals seeking to complete court-ordered service hours must submit a completed Court-Ordered Volunteer Application, which includes:

    • Name and contact information

    • Probation officer’s name and contact information (if the person doesn't have an assigned probation officer, they must list the name of the court ordering the volunteer service and a contact name or number for staff to confirm — we need to know who these volunteer hours are being reported to)

    • Total hours required and deadline for completion

    • Full disclosure of the offense(s) requiring service

  2. BMHS reserves the right to request documentation and/or conduct a background check.

  3. Applicants will be notified of approval or denial by the Volunteer Coordinator within 5 working days. BMHS is under no obligation to accept any applicant and may limit the number of court-ordered volunteers accepted at any given time.

Scheduling Requirements

  • Court-ordered community service may only be completed Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

  • Weekend and evening hours are not permitted under any circumstances.

  • Volunteers must sign in and out using the BMHS computer system at the front desk. Logging hours manually on clipboards will not be accepted.

Attendance & Accountability

  • Volunteer must sign up for shifts online. Drop-ins are not allowed for court-ordered service.

  • Volunteers are responsible for tracking their own hours and must request verification from the Volunteer Coordinator with at least 48 hours’ notice.

  • Falsification of hours or failure to follow BMHS procedures will result in immediate dismissal from the program, and notification will be sent to the probation officer.

  • No-show or repeated tardiness may result in removal from the program.

Supervision and Assignments
Court-ordered volunteers may be assigned to tasks such as cleaning, laundry, yard maintenance, and other duties that do not require interaction with the public or animals. Some exceptions may be made to allow for dog walking shifts. Volunteers will be assigned based on staff availability and organizational needs. BMHS cannot guarantee availability of hours.

Limitations and Discretion
BMHS reserves the right to:

  • Deny or revoke volunteer opportunities at any time for any reason

  • Limit the total number of court-ordered volunteers active at once

  • Decline verification of hours not logged properly or not aligned with this policy

Important Notes
BMHS is a nonprofit animal welfare organization, not a social services provider. Our mission is to serve animals, and all volunteer activities must align with that mission. While we value giving people opportunities to contribute positively, court-ordered volunteer work is not guaranteed.