The Volunteer Services Department of the Riddle Developmental Center is a multifaceted operation, serving as the primary link between the facility's resident life program and the community at large. It serves as the personnel office for all non-paid support staff, such as college and university interns, community service and Work First assignees, and youth service volunteers. It manages two federally funded grant programs, the Foster Grand Parent Program and the Green Thumb Program, which are employment and training opportunities for senior adults; and a Learn and Serve America federal grant program, the Handy Hearts Corps and Volunteens, which are volunteer and training programs for youth in the field of human services.

Media Services, the public information office of the J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center, is a component of this department, and is responsible for publication of the Bulletin, a monthly newsletter for Center staff, and The Center Stage, the facility news publication.

In its primary role as liaison between the Riddle Developmental Center and the public, the goal of the department is to provide facility residents with the opportunity for involvement with and support from individual and group volunteers. The department accepts and allocates financial and material contributions which are used to enhance resident quality of life and assist in expanding and supporting existing resident programs and activities, coordinates and directs special events and activities, including the annual Riddle Developmental Center Christmas parade. Members of the Volunteer Services department are offered continuing education and networking opportunities through individual membership in the North Carolina Association of Volunteer Administrators and other volunteer organizations.