Front Desk Assistance at the San Diego Center for the Blind

Front desk volunteers are the first point of contact for many of the clients, visitors, and community members of the San Diego Center for the Blind. By offering a warm welcome, clear information, and thoughtful support, volunteers help create a safe, respectful environment that sets the tone for everything that follows.

Volunteer presence ensures smoother operations, reduces stress for staff and clients alike, and helps every person feel seen, supported, and valued. This role is essential in making their space more inclusive, accessible, and people-first.

As a front desk assistant, volunteers will:

• Greet visitors with kindness and professionalism

• Help clients check in for appointments or services

• Answer basic questions and direct people to the right place

• Assist with phone calls, light clerical tasks, or other small projects

• Be a steady, reliable presence in a space that serves individuals who are blind, visually impaired, or facing life transitions

Opportunity Requirements & Important Notes

• Time Commitment: There are two shifts on Tuesdays and Fridays. The first shift is from 9am-12pm and the second shift is from 12pm-3pm. Volunteers may complete one shift or both. Volunteers are expected to serve in an ongoing capacity. 

• Onboarding Process: To register for this opportunity, please fill out this form from the San Diego Center for the Blind. 

• Required Skills/Experience: Friendly communication, patience & empathy, reliability and punctuality, phone etiquette, flexibility, an understanding of technology use, and the ability to be comfortable working with individuals who may have disabilities or need extra time/support.

• Physical Requirements: This role involves sitting at a desk for extended periods and may include light physical tasks such as walking short distances, opening doors, or guiding visitors. Volunteers may need to answer phones, write or type notes, and occasionally lift lightweight materials (under 10 lbs). Volunteers should be comfortable interacting with individuals one-on-one and navigating a moderately busy environment. Accommodations can be made — they welcome volunteers of all abilities and are happy to discuss how to make this role work for everyone! The space where this project takes place is wheelchair accessible.

• Attire: Please wear neat, casual clothing that is comfortable but professional — think clean jeans or slacks, plain tops, and closed-toe shoes. Volunteers may be assisting individuals with low vision or mobility needs, so avoid long, flowy clothing or dangling jewelry that could get in the way.  

San Diego Center for the Blind

The mission of the San Diego Center for the Blind is to increase the abilities of any adult with blindness or vision impairment to reach their own highest level of independence.