Volunteer Opportunities From: Special Olympics Southern California - Southern Counties

Volunteer: Unified Partner (Minor) - All Seasons

Description

Unified partners (individuals without intellectual disabilities) train and compete as a teammate alongside Special Olympics athletes on a Unified Sports Team (either on a school or community team). Unified partners can be any age! There is no better way to combine a love of sports with the rewards of being of service than by becoming a Unified partner with Special Olympics Southern California. 

Additional Details:

Minor Unified Partners are between the ages of 8 and 17

Here are SOSC’s sports seasons that currently offer Unified Sports competition. Orange County programs may differ.

Winter:  Unified Floorball Spring:  Unified Bocce; Unified Flag football Summer:  Unified Bowling Fall: Unified Golf Coming Soon:  Unified Cheer

 

Click on the REGISTER button (top right or bottom right) 

Program: Orange County

Description

Unified partners (individuals without intellectual disabilities) train and compete as a teammate alongside Special Olympics athletes on a Unified Sports Team (either on a school or community team). Unified partners can be any age! There is no better way to combine a love of sports with the rewards of being of service than by becoming a Unified partner with Special Olympics Southern California. 

Additional Details:

Minor Unified Partners are between the ages of 8 and 17

Here are SOSC’s sports seasons that currently offer Unified Sports competition. Orange County programs may differ.

Winter:  Unified Floorball Spring:  Unified Bocce; Unified Flag football Summer:  Unified Bowling Fall: Unified Golf Coming Soon:  Unified Cheer

 

Click on the REGISTER button (top right or bottom right) 

Program: Orange County

Volunteer Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Flexible

Zip Code: 92705

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Unified Partner - All Seasons

Description

Unified partners (individuals without intellectual disabilities) train and compete as a teammate alongside Special Olympics athletes on a Unified Sports Team (either on a school or community team). Unified partners can be any age! There is no better way to combine a love of sports with the rewards of being of service than by becoming a Unified partner with Special Olympics Southern California. 

Additional Details:

Adult Unified Partners are between the ages of 18 and 99

Here are SOSC’s sports seasons that currently offer Unified Sports competition. Orange County programs may differ.

Winter:  Unified Floorball Spring:  Unified Bocce; Unified Flag football Summer:  Unified Bowling Fall:  Unified Golf

Click on the REGISTER button (top right or bottom right) 

Program: Orange County

Description

Unified partners (individuals without intellectual disabilities) train and compete as a teammate alongside Special Olympics athletes on a Unified Sports Team (either on a school or community team). Unified partners can be any age! There is no better way to combine a love of sports with the rewards of being of service than by becoming a Unified partner with Special Olympics Southern California. 

Additional Details:

Adult Unified Partners are between the ages of 18 and 99

Here are SOSC’s sports seasons that currently offer Unified Sports competition. Orange County programs may differ.

Winter:  Unified Floorball Spring:  Unified Bocce; Unified Flag football Summer:  Unified Bowling Fall:  Unified Golf

Click on the REGISTER button (top right or bottom right) 

Program: Orange County

Volunteer Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Flexible

Zip Code: 92705

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: 2026 Orange County Golf Classic | Evening Auction Processing & Dinner Program

Volunteer Responsibilities:

Support managing program show flow, speaker handlers, sponsor an athlete support

Program: Orange County

Volunteer Responsibilities:

Support managing program show flow, speaker handlers, sponsor an athlete support

Program: Orange County

Volunteer Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Happens On Oct 12, 2026

Zip Code: 92691

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: 2026 Orange County Golf Classic | Event Break Down

Assist with event break-down. Including signage, tables, chairs, and other miscellaneous tear down. Must be comfortable standing/walking for the duration of your shift.

Program: Orange County

Assist with event break-down. Including signage, tables, chairs, and other miscellaneous tear down. Must be comfortable standing/walking for the duration of your shift.

Program: Orange County

Volunteer Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Happens On Oct 12, 2026

Zip Code: 92691

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: 2026 Orange County Golf Classic | Event Medical

Volunteer Responsibilities:

Assigned to oversee medical needs during the golf tournament. 


QUALIFICATIONS: CPR & First Aid Certified. Experience in heat related issues and seizures

Program: Orange County

Volunteer Responsibilities:

Assigned to oversee medical needs during the golf tournament. 


QUALIFICATIONS: CPR & First Aid Certified. Experience in heat related issues and seizures

Program: Orange County

Volunteer Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Happens On Oct 12, 2026

Zip Code: 92691

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: 2026 Orange County Golf Classic | Food and Beverage

Volunteer Responsibilities:

Help organize and serve meals. Provide lunches to golfers, volunteers, and other supporters.

Program: Orange County

Volunteer Responsibilities:

Help organize and serve meals. Provide lunches to golfers, volunteers, and other supporters.

Program: Orange County

Volunteer Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Happens On Oct 12, 2026

Zip Code: 92691

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: 2026 Orange County Golf Classic | Photographer

Volunteer Responsibilities:

Capture photos of athletes, coaches, volunteers during event. Walking throughout golf course.

MUST HAVE OWN PHOTOGRAPHY EQUIPMENT. Ideal to have equipment suited for action photography in various lighting situations, including low-light areas. 

Upon completing your registration, an SOSC staff member will reach out to have two additional forms signed: Photo Release and In-Kind

Program: Orange County

Volunteer Responsibilities:

Capture photos of athletes, coaches, volunteers during event. Walking throughout golf course.

MUST HAVE OWN PHOTOGRAPHY EQUIPMENT. Ideal to have equipment suited for action photography in various lighting situations, including low-light areas. 

Upon completing your registration, an SOSC staff member will reach out to have two additional forms signed: Photo Release and In-Kind

Program: Orange County

Volunteer Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Happens On Oct 12, 2026

Zip Code: 92691

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: 2026 Orange County Golf Classic | Volunteer Check-In

Volunteer Responsibilities:

Support venue by checking-in volunteers and guiding them to their role and scope of responsibility. Provide Class B forms to those who did not pre-register for event.  Collect and organize Class B forms along with other volunteer related items.

Program: Orange County

Volunteer Responsibilities:

Support venue by checking-in volunteers and guiding them to their role and scope of responsibility. Provide Class B forms to those who did not pre-register for event.  Collect and organize Class B forms along with other volunteer related items.

Program: Orange County

Volunteer Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Happens On Oct 12, 2026

Zip Code: 92691

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: 2026 Orange County Golf Classic| Registration

Volunteer Responsibilities:

Assist with greeting registered participants and providing next steps. Pass out registrant materials. Must be comfortable speaking with participants in a friendly manner.

Due to the nature of this volunteer role, registered volunteers will require a higher clearance through Special Olympics Southern California. Once officially registered, an SOSC representative will provide further instructions on completing this clearance. 

Program: Orange County

Volunteer Responsibilities:

Assist with greeting registered participants and providing next steps. Pass out registrant materials. Must be comfortable speaking with participants in a friendly manner.

Due to the nature of this volunteer role, registered volunteers will require a higher clearance through Special Olympics Southern California. Once officially registered, an SOSC representative will provide further instructions on completing this clearance. 

Program: Orange County

Volunteer Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Happens On Oct 12, 2026

Zip Code: 92691

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Coach

Our vision is to promote acceptance, inclusion and well-being for people with intellectual disabilities through sports. Knowledge and/or coaching experience in the sport you are interested in coaching is preferred. Click on the REGISTER button (top right or bottom right) to become pre-qualified for a volunteer role.

Key Responsibilities

Assist Head Coach create, organize and conduct a comprehensive sports training program Train athletes during scheduled practice times as well as accompany team to competitions Create and maintain a positive and fun environment for all athletes

 

After successfully completing the required qualifications and acknowledging the Background Check disclosure, a member of our staff will process your Background Check to complete your volunteer clearance. Once your Background Check is eligible, SOSC staff will contact you about next steps. 

Program: Orange County

Our vision is to promote acceptance, inclusion and well-being for people with intellectual disabilities through sports. Knowledge and/or coaching experience in the sport you are interested in coaching is preferred. Click on the REGISTER button (top right or bottom right) to become pre-qualified for a volunteer role.

Key Responsibilities

Assist Head Coach create, organize and conduct a comprehensive sports training program Train athletes during scheduled practice times as well as accompany team to competitions Create and maintain a positive and fun environment for all athletes

 

After successfully completing the required qualifications and acknowledging the Background Check disclosure, a member of our staff will process your Background Check to complete your volunteer clearance. Once your Background Check is eligible, SOSC staff will contact you about next steps. 

Program: Orange County

Volunteer Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Flexible

Zip Code: 92706

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Intern | Unified Champion Schools & Special Olympics College Internship

Intern Description: UCS & SO College Internship

 

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Unified Champion Schools is an inclusive school-based strategy designed to bring together students with and without intellectual disabilities to participate in activities in three core areas:  sport and fitness, youth leadership, and campus engagement. This strategy aims to develop leadership and advocacy skills for all students in the K-12 school community and throughout college and university campuses in SOSC’s footprint. 

 

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

This individual has a passion for inclusion and wants to make a difference within their campus and surrounding communities. They have a drive for connecting people to each other through encouragement, inclusion, and acceptance. They will leave with an increased understanding of the inclusive school programming listed above, the important role of a college within the SOSC community, as well as experience working with a large nonprofit organization.

Participate in meetings and activities respective to the role Enhance the continuum of Special Olympics program initiatives Develop, create, and recruit on respective college campus to form a sustainable SO College Club, which promotes and engages the rest of their campus in inclusive events and activities. Create and develop programs and strategies to capture and engage schools in the unified movement Contribute to internal processes related to data, operations, and reporting Lead and attend various unified events related to sports, summits, and meetings

 

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS

The Unified Champion Schools (UCS) internship is open to current college students or recent graduates majoring in a variety of fields. The UCS internship may count toward course credits.

 

Some characteristics we are looking for in an intern and that will make them successful in this position:

Self-directed and self-motivated to engage in meaningful and impactful work Able to take the initiative and complete intern responsibilities independently Self-aware and is able to serve as an advocate for the UCS strategy and demonstrate the values associated with Special Olympics Southern California Excellent written and oral communication, organizational and administrative skills Willingness to learn about and work with individuals with disabilities Must provide resume and complete an online volunteer application, required training, and background check

 

TRAINING & SUPPORT

Direct supervision from Manager, Schools Program with weekly meetings Orientation of SOSC history and protocols

 

COMMITMENT & WORK SITE

Candidates must be available to work a minimum of 5 hours per week, with flexible scheduling, and must commit to an entire school year (August – May) The worksite is flexible, and should be based within the Candidate’s respective college community.

 

APPLY

To apply, please send resume or cover letter to Darlene Partida, Administrator at dpartida@sosc.org

Program: Orange County

Intern Description: UCS & SO College Internship

 

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Unified Champion Schools is an inclusive school-based strategy designed to bring together students with and without intellectual disabilities to participate in activities in three core areas:  sport and fitness, youth leadership, and campus engagement. This strategy aims to develop leadership and advocacy skills for all students in the K-12 school community and throughout college and university campuses in SOSC’s footprint. 

 

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

This individual has a passion for inclusion and wants to make a difference within their campus and surrounding communities. They have a drive for connecting people to each other through encouragement, inclusion, and acceptance. They will leave with an increased understanding of the inclusive school programming listed above, the important role of a college within the SOSC community, as well as experience working with a large nonprofit organization.

Participate in meetings and activities respective to the role Enhance the continuum of Special Olympics program initiatives Develop, create, and recruit on respective college campus to form a sustainable SO College Club, which promotes and engages the rest of their campus in inclusive events and activities. Create and develop programs and strategies to capture and engage schools in the unified movement Contribute to internal processes related to data, operations, and reporting Lead and attend various unified events related to sports, summits, and meetings

 

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS

The Unified Champion Schools (UCS) internship is open to current college students or recent graduates majoring in a variety of fields. The UCS internship may count toward course credits.

 

Some characteristics we are looking for in an intern and that will make them successful in this position:

Self-directed and self-motivated to engage in meaningful and impactful work Able to take the initiative and complete intern responsibilities independently Self-aware and is able to serve as an advocate for the UCS strategy and demonstrate the values associated with Special Olympics Southern California Excellent written and oral communication, organizational and administrative skills Willingness to learn about and work with individuals with disabilities Must provide resume and complete an online volunteer application, required training, and background check

 

TRAINING & SUPPORT

Direct supervision from Manager, Schools Program with weekly meetings Orientation of SOSC history and protocols

 

COMMITMENT & WORK SITE

Candidates must be available to work a minimum of 5 hours per week, with flexible scheduling, and must commit to an entire school year (August – May) The worksite is flexible, and should be based within the Candidate’s respective college community.

 

APPLY

To apply, please send resume or cover letter to Darlene Partida, Administrator at dpartida@sosc.org

Program: Orange County

Volunteer Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Flexible

Zip Code: 90810

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Renewing Volunteer

Our vision is to promote acceptance, inclusion and well-being for people with intellectual disabilities through sports. Knowledge and/or coaching experience in the sport you are interested in coaching is preferred. Click on the REGISTER button (top right or bottom right) to become pre-qualified for a coaching role.

Key Responsibilities

Assist Head Coach create, organize and conduct a comprehensive sports training program Train athletes during scheduled practice times as well as accompany team to competitions Create and maintain a positive and fun environment for all athletes

 

After successfully completing the required qualifications and acknowledging the Background Check disclosure, a member of our staff will process your Background Check to complete your volunteer clearance. Once your Background Check is eligible, SOSC staff will contact you about next steps. 

Program: Orange County

Our vision is to promote acceptance, inclusion and well-being for people with intellectual disabilities through sports. Knowledge and/or coaching experience in the sport you are interested in coaching is preferred. Click on the REGISTER button (top right or bottom right) to become pre-qualified for a coaching role.

Key Responsibilities

Assist Head Coach create, organize and conduct a comprehensive sports training program Train athletes during scheduled practice times as well as accompany team to competitions Create and maintain a positive and fun environment for all athletes

 

After successfully completing the required qualifications and acknowledging the Background Check disclosure, a member of our staff will process your Background Check to complete your volunteer clearance. Once your Background Check is eligible, SOSC staff will contact you about next steps. 

Program: Orange County

Volunteer Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Flexible

Zip Code: 92706

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Team Volunteer

Our vision is to promote acceptance, inclusion and well-being for people with intellectual disabilities through sports. Knowledge and/or coaching experience in the sport you are interested in coaching is preferred. Click on the REGISTER button (top right or bottom right) to become pre-qualified for a coaching role. After completing the required qualifications successfully, a member of our staff will contact you about next steps. 

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Key Responsibilities

Assist Head Coach create, organize and conduct a comprehensive sports training program Train athletes during scheduled practice times as well as accompany team to competitions Create and maintain a positive and fun environment for all athletes

 

After successfully completing the required qualifications and acknowledging the Background Check disclosure, a member of our staff will process your Background Check to complete your volunteer clearance. Once your Background Check is eligible, SOSC staff will contact you about next steps. 

Program: Orange County

Our vision is to promote acceptance, inclusion and well-being for people with intellectual disabilities through sports. Knowledge and/or coaching experience in the sport you are interested in coaching is preferred. Click on the REGISTER button (top right or bottom right) to become pre-qualified for a coaching role. After completing the required qualifications successfully, a member of our staff will contact you about next steps. 

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Key Responsibilities

Assist Head Coach create, organize and conduct a comprehensive sports training program Train athletes during scheduled practice times as well as accompany team to competitions Create and maintain a positive and fun environment for all athletes

 

After successfully completing the required qualifications and acknowledging the Background Check disclosure, a member of our staff will process your Background Check to complete your volunteer clearance. Once your Background Check is eligible, SOSC staff will contact you about next steps. 

Program: Orange County

Volunteer Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Flexible

Zip Code: 92706

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Team Volunteer (Minor)

Our vision is to promote acceptance, inclusion and well-being for people with intellectual disabilities through sports. Knowledge and/or coaching experience in the sport you are interested in coaching is preferred. Click on the REGISTER button (top right or bottom right) to become pre-qualified for a coaching role. After completing the required qualifications successfully, a member of our staff will contact you about next steps. 

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Key Responsibilities

Assist Head Coach create, organize and conduct a comprehensive sports training program Train athletes during scheduled practice times as well as accompany team to competitions Create and maintain a positive and fun environment for all athletes

Program: Orange County

Our vision is to promote acceptance, inclusion and well-being for people with intellectual disabilities through sports. Knowledge and/or coaching experience in the sport you are interested in coaching is preferred. Click on the REGISTER button (top right or bottom right) to become pre-qualified for a coaching role. After completing the required qualifications successfully, a member of our staff will contact you about next steps. 

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Key Responsibilities

Assist Head Coach create, organize and conduct a comprehensive sports training program Train athletes during scheduled practice times as well as accompany team to competitions Create and maintain a positive and fun environment for all athletes

Program: Orange County

Volunteer Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Flexible

Zip Code: 92706

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Volunteer Management Team

GOAL/IMPACT 

Special Olympics Southern California (SOSC) is dedicated to creating opportunities for our athletes to find strength, success, confidence, and joy on and off the playing field. Making each competition meaningful to the athletes and to their families is important.  

 

The Games Management Team (GMT) is a group of volunteers that manages all aspects of the games.  The GMT concept incorporates several groups within a team to alleviate overload on one person. The GMT consists of the Games Director, Competition Director, Managers and Leads. Combined they are responsible for carrying out the mission, goals, planning and conducting high quality games while adhering to the predetermined timelines.  

 

 Volunteer Management Team (VMT) members assist with the overall check-in process at competitions and events. VMT members are typically the first face a volunteer sees upon arrival, and will help provide direction and instruction to volunteers.    

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

Work closely with other VMT members to create a friendly and welcoming environment for competition and event volunteers  Set-up and/or clean-up of Volunteer Check-In station at competitions  Communicate with and check-in volunteers using registration system or check-in roster, including pre-registered volunteers and walk-ups  Provide directions, on-site materials, credentials, and brief orientation to ensure volunteers receives detailed instructions for their shift  Create and maintain a positive and fun environment for volunteers 

 

TRAINING & SUPPORT 

Day-of training and orientation will be provided by SOSC staff 

Commitment and Work-Site 

Day-of competition hours may vary, throughout a 8-10 week season  Volunteer Check-In locations may be indoors, or under a designated canopy outdoors, depending on competition location 

 

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS 

Minimum age 16 years old with a government issued ID (driver’s license, military ID or passport). School ID acceptable for volunteers 16-17.   Must complete online volunteer application, online trainings, and background check (if over 18). Recertification required every 3 years  Commitment to the Mission and Philosophy of SOSC 

BENEFITS 

Direct interaction and impact on SOSC athletes!  Build a strong team to work together to achieve our vision of acceptance, inclusion, and well-being for people with intellectual disabilities through sports  Experience enthusiasm, joy, and personal achievement alongside our athletes 

Program: Orange County

GOAL/IMPACT 

Special Olympics Southern California (SOSC) is dedicated to creating opportunities for our athletes to find strength, success, confidence, and joy on and off the playing field. Making each competition meaningful to the athletes and to their families is important.  

 

The Games Management Team (GMT) is a group of volunteers that manages all aspects of the games.  The GMT concept incorporates several groups within a team to alleviate overload on one person. The GMT consists of the Games Director, Competition Director, Managers and Leads. Combined they are responsible for carrying out the mission, goals, planning and conducting high quality games while adhering to the predetermined timelines.  

 

 Volunteer Management Team (VMT) members assist with the overall check-in process at competitions and events. VMT members are typically the first face a volunteer sees upon arrival, and will help provide direction and instruction to volunteers.    

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

Work closely with other VMT members to create a friendly and welcoming environment for competition and event volunteers  Set-up and/or clean-up of Volunteer Check-In station at competitions  Communicate with and check-in volunteers using registration system or check-in roster, including pre-registered volunteers and walk-ups  Provide directions, on-site materials, credentials, and brief orientation to ensure volunteers receives detailed instructions for their shift  Create and maintain a positive and fun environment for volunteers 

 

TRAINING & SUPPORT 

Day-of training and orientation will be provided by SOSC staff 

Commitment and Work-Site 

Day-of competition hours may vary, throughout a 8-10 week season  Volunteer Check-In locations may be indoors, or under a designated canopy outdoors, depending on competition location 

 

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS 

Minimum age 16 years old with a government issued ID (driver’s license, military ID or passport). School ID acceptable for volunteers 16-17.   Must complete online volunteer application, online trainings, and background check (if over 18). Recertification required every 3 years  Commitment to the Mission and Philosophy of SOSC 

BENEFITS 

Direct interaction and impact on SOSC athletes!  Build a strong team to work together to achieve our vision of acceptance, inclusion, and well-being for people with intellectual disabilities through sports  Experience enthusiasm, joy, and personal achievement alongside our athletes 

Program: Orange County

Volunteer Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Flexible

Zip Code: 92706

Allow Groups: No