1. Apply to be a Vital Volunteer

1. Fill out the Volunteer Interest Form.
2. The Volunteer Manager will contact you and invite you to fill out a full Volunteer Application.
   1. The Volunteer Application process involves a background check.

2. Complete Training

Training takes about a week to complete. Training doesn’t need to be completed on consecutive days. You can plan your training with the training team.

Day 1: Orientation

In-person Orientation takes 8 hours to complete and includes an overview of Via Mobility Services, Drug & Alcohol testing (our drivers are required by law to be drug-free), and getting a badge to swipe into Via’s facility.

Day 2: Safety First Training

In-person training with Via’s trainers takes 8 hours, covering topics such as best practices to help people who use wheelchairs in and out of a vehicle for our door-through-door paratransit service.

Day 3: Defensive Driving 

Defensive Driving is an 8-hour-long in-person training or 4-hour online course. You will receive a certificate for completing this course, regardless of how you choose to complete it. Some insurance companies will provide you with a discount for having this certification, so remember to ask and find out!

Day 4: PASS Class

The PASS (Passenger Assistance, Safety, Sensitivity) class is a 2-day in-person training or 4- to a 5-hour-long online course.

Day 5: Pre- and Post-Trip Training

One-on-one in-person training for about an hour with the support of a Via Trainer while you learn how to drive one of our Prius vehicles and complete the pre- and post-trip processes. You can choose to drive your own vehicle if you prefer, but you will still learn about our pre- and post-trip processes.

You will also meet with the Volunteer Manager for about 30 minutes to talk about our policies and procedures, including how to use a tablet to complete a route.

Day 6: Ride-Along

Ride-along for 4 hours as a passenger while a Volunteer Trainer drives to discover what the hands-on part of volunteering with Via looks like.

Day 7: Driving Your First Route

Next, you will drive your first 4-hour route while a Volunteer Trainer rides along with you as your passenger.

Volunteer Interest Form

Why volunteer with Via?

• Drive a hybrid electric Prius or your own car
• Make a schedule that works for you
• Mobile tablets with GPS
• Mileage reimbursement is offered for volunteers using their own cars
• Backup and support of Via’s Call Center and safety and training departments
• Draw on Via’s decades of transportation experience
• Access Via’s knowledge of serving people with mobility limitations
• Training and orientation (training involves completing an in-person orientation, CTAA PASS class, and National Safety Council Defensive Driving class — check with your insurance company to see if you can save money once you pass this class!)
• Liability insurance (supplemental or comprehensive)

What are the volunteer driver qualifications?

• A little time to spare (at least 4 hours at a time)
• Enjoy older adults and those living with disabilities
• Safe driving record
• Background checks and drug screens (including marijuana) are done before volunteer work begins and also on an annual basis.
• Honest and reliable
• Good cognitive and awareness skills
• Comfortable with technology
• Know the local community
• Follow Via’s volunteer driver policies and procedures

How many hours or days do I have to volunteer?

• Any day Monday through Friday.
• Via volunteers are asked to commit to a 4-hour route
• Example 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. ,10a.m. to 2p.m. or 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

What if I have more questions?

For questions regarding Via’s volunteer driving program, please contact Chris Baker, at 303-447-2848 extension 1031 or by email at volunteer@viacolorado.org.