Volunteers are AFC’s greatest resource. We rely on more than 400 volunteers who support all aspects of our organization. The majority have worked with us for more than 5 years and we have a handful that have supported us since our inception 30+ years ago! AFC prides itself on being a welcoming community, an impactful organization, and a fun place for volunteers to donate their time and talents. The services we provide are serious, but we know how to have a good time doing it!
AFC Ambassadors: Volunteering at AFC is a great way to deepen one’s connection to the Arlington community and support our mission and values. AFC Ambassadors volunteer their time to help support AFC events, engage in fundraising activities and item drives, and represent AFC at community events like the Arlington County Fair, Information Booths, and Volunteer Recruitment Events. Opportunities for the role vary based on what is going on in the community, what AFC has been invited to participate in, and interest/activity level of the Ambassador.
Medical Providers*+: Primary Care, Optometry, Gynecology, Podiatry, Pulmonology, Endocrinology, and Rheumatology are the high needs we have right now, but we welcome all specialties!
Psychiatrists and PMNHPs*+: Assistance with medication management is our highest need.
Licensed Counselors*: Bilingual counselors are preferred as it makes patient communication easier, but it is not a requirement!
Diabetic Educators & Registered Dietitians*: Providing education and support to our diabetic patients continues to be a top priority.
Pharmacists & Pharmacy Techs*: Help in the pharmacy is currently at capacity, but we can use qualified pharmacists to provide diabetic education.
RNs*: Nurses assist with discharge instructions after appointments and keep our vaccine programs running strong!
MAs & EMTs: Perform intake at clinics rooming patients, doing vitals, medical histories, and mental health screenings.
Dental Assistants & Hygienists*: At this time, all dental assistant and hygienist volunteers must be bilingual (English/Spanish) as they typically also serve as an interpreter for the dentist.
Interpreters: We are always seeking more Spanish, Amharic, and Mongolian interpreters. Currently almost all interpreting work is being done on-site/in-person. There are some limited opportunities for remote interpreting either by phone or video call, depending on the appointment type.
Reception: The Receptionist is the first point of contact for all guests entering AFC during evening clinic sessions. They are responsible for greeting the patients when they first enter, signing them in for appointments, distributing information to patients as needed, and responding to general inquiries. They are essential for operating the clinic session efficiently. The Receptionist may assist with other clinic functions like setting up/cleaning up the kitchen, making phone calls, and answering general questions.
Scribes: Scribes assist physicians by documenting patient encounters and managing administrative tasks in a medical setting. The scribe program is distinct from the general volunteer program – find out specific details and how to apply here!
*Medical volunteers must be licensed to practice in the state of Virginia. Virginia does now offer licensure by reciprocity for MDs and does participate in the NCL for LPNs and RNs. Depending on the profession, some Virginia licensing boards do offer a Volunteer Restricted License to Practice.
+Licensed medical providers (MD, DO, NP) need to have been practicing independently at least 4 years post-residency to volunteer with AFC. Additionally, retired medical providers need to have practiced substantially in the last 4 years.
AFC is not open on weekends.Unfortunately, AFC cannot offer practicums/preceptorships to students.
If you are interested in a summer internship, please check our internship page in January for the application process.
Join our Volunteer Team!
Below is the process to become a volunteer at Arlington Free Clinic:
- RSVP and attend one of our Volunteer Info Sessions, held the 4th Thursday of each month at 6pm. Our Director of Volunteer Resources will talk about opportunities and answer questions at the end of the tour.
- Additional details and the online application link will be emailed to you after you have attended the Volunteer Info Session.
- If we feel your skills match our needs, an interview with the Director of Volunteer Resources will be scheduled.
- If accepted, attend classroom-based or on-the-job training, as needed.
Individual volunteer commitments vary, but most provide 2-4 hours per month of service for at least eight months. All volunteers must adhere to AFC’s confidentiality and best-practice policies. All volunteers must be over the age of 18. Volunteers with access to Protected Health Information (mainly clinicians and interpreters) cannot have a personal relationship with a current or past AFC patient.
To RSVP for a tour please click here or call 571-569-3573.
Contact AFC’s Volunteer Department
For more information, please contact AFC’s Volunteer Department at volunteer@arlingtonfreeclinic.org. Thank you for supporting Arlington Free Clinic!