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Volunteer orientation
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- 2. Purpose of Orientation •To share the mission of Council on Rural Services • To share program information • To explain basic procedures • To answer any questions you may have • To familiarize you with your site
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- 4. Welcome from ourExecutive Director
- 5. Mission of Councilon Rural Services We provide comprehensive education and support services to individuals and families. Our dedicated and knowledgeable staff builds partnerships with people of all ages, and inspires them to seek new opportunities which increase their potential for growth.
- 6. What We Do •Council on Rural Services is a nonprofit social service organization that was incorporated in 1972 to plan, coordinate, and operate direct service programs to low-income families in a nine county rural service area. • Counties: Auglaize, Champaign, Darke, Greene, Logan, Miami, Preble, Shelby and Van Wert
- 7. Our Programs • AchievementCenter for Educational Success (ACES) • Darke County only • Gateway Youth Programs • Darke, Miami and Shelby Counties only • HandsOn West Central Ohio – Darke, Logan, Miami and Shelby Counties only • Kids Learning Place
- 8. A.C.E.S. Serves students grades9 – 12 who are credit deficient or who are looking for alternative learning environment • Smaller classroom setting • Substance abuse counseling and education • Character building and social skills activities • Work study component • Advocacy with the schools and court • Referrals to other agencies to address student’s needs • Transition services upon returning to their home schools
- 9. Gateway Youth Programs •Specializes in working with youth ages 5 – 17 who are struggling with relationships and their self-esteem • Runaway and Homeless Youth Program available • WIA program provides work readiness skills for youth and young adults ages 14 to 21
- 10. HandsOn West CentralOhio HandsOn West Central Ohio inspires, equips and mobilizes people to take action that changes the world. Our program will help every person discover their power to make a difference by... • Connecting people with opportunities to serve. • Building the capacity for effective local volunteering. • Promoting and fostering volunteerism. • Participating in strategic initiatives that mobilize volunteers of all ages, ethnicities and genders to meet local needs. Primary initiative includes the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP).
- 11. Kids Learning Place EveryDay Learning … Every Day Exploring … Every Day Growing Early Childhood Education Programs for children birth to 5 years and after school programs for 5 to 12 years • Full day including child care • Part day preschool • Home based infant/toddler and preschool • School age before/after school and summer Fee based programs with tuition assistance available from Federal Head Start or Department of Jobs and Family Services based on income.
- 12. Contact Information • Mainoffice… – (937) 778-5220 – (866) 627-4KLP (toll free) – 201 R.M. Davis Parkway Piqua, OH 45356 • On the Web… – www.councilonruralservices.org – www.handsonwestcentralohio.org – www.kidslearningplace.org
- 13. Because of volunteerslike YOU… • We are able to serve more children, youth and parents through our programs. • We are able to adjust our programs to better meet our clients’ needs. • We are able to add new programming to our agency. • We are able to raise funds to support current and new services.
- 14. Our volunteer positionsInclude… • Board of Trustees Members • Classroom assistants • Bus riders • Fundraising committee members • Tutors • Speakers • Clerical assistants • Special maintenance projects • And many other positions!
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- 16. Why are policiesimportant? • They protect you and guarantee you support as you volunteer. • They protect our clients, including children and families. • They protect our staff while they work with our organization. • They protect our organization and its reputation, helping us keep our services available to the community.
- 17. Importance of GreatCustomer Service • Ensures that our clients and their families are treated with respect. • Ensures that our agency is able to meet its mission. • Encourages other members of the community to utilize our services. • Encourages other members of the community to financially support our work.
- 18. Reporting to YourShift • If you cannot serve your shift, please provide your supervisor with as much notice as possible. We are counting on your help! • Arrive at least five minutes prior to the start of your shift. Plan to stay for entirety of your shift. • Identify where your supervisor will be located while you are volunteering. Ask your supervisor for more instructions as needed.
- 19. Holidays Our organization celebratesa variety of holidays throughout the year: New Year’s Day MLK Day President’s Day Memorial Day Fourth of July Labor Day Veteran’s Day Thanksgiving Day after Thanksgiving Christmas Day Check with your supervisor to see which dates your site may be closed. Check to see what your site’s inclement weather policy is as well.
- 20. Dress Code andBehavior • Wear appropriate clothing for your tasks as described by your supervisor. • Please wear your volunteer badge during your shift and return it to staff when you leave. • Do not share information about clients with anyone except your supervisor. • Maintain a positive attitude and always remember to represent our agency in a positive manner. – Remember… Volunteers working with children should be role models for acceptable behavior.
- 21. Policies and Procedures •NEVER be alone with a child. • Refrain from use of alcohol and drugs prior to and during your volunteer shift. Refer to the drug free workplace policy for more information. • Report suspicious behavior or incidents immediately to your supervisor. • Cell phone use during volunteer shifts is strictly prohibited. • Do not photograph our clients.
- 22. Policies and Procedures •Telephones, computers and other resources are not for personal volunteer use. • Do not take resources home unless directed to do so by your supervisor. • Never accept gifts from clients. • Do not accept donations. Refer donors to a staff member. • Do not perform tasks if you are uncomfortable doing so. • Ready to advance? Just ask!
- 23. Review of Agency-WidePolicies • Non-discrimination • Harassment • Disabilities Accommodation • Drug Free Workplace • Smoke Free Workplace • Workplace Violence and Firearms • Computer and Internet • Confidentiality • Standards of Conduct
- 24. Review of ChildCare Policies * • Child Care ADA • Child Abuse and Neglect • Child Abuse Prevention • Child Guidance & Management • Child Safety Policy * For volunteers serving in classrooms only
- 25. Review Your PositionDescription Please take a moment to review your position description with your supervisor and ask him/her any questions you may have.
- 26. Ending Your VolunteerService • When possible, please provide two weeks notice prior to ending service. • Inform your supervisor in writing of what date you intend to end your service. • Please complete and return the volunteer exit interview, which will be handed to you or mailed following your service.
- 27. Separation from Service Whenpossible, supervisors and/or volunteer coordinators may counsel volunteers and develop a plan of action to address areas of concern. When corrective action is required, you will receive… • A verbal warning. • A written warning. • A letter of separation.
- 28. Separation from Service Youwill be asked to separate from service for any of the following reasons: • Alcohol or drug intoxication • Careless destruction of Agency property • Documented investigation of alleged child abuse/neglect and felony charges • Documented report indicating a violation of any action that would result in immediate dismissal • Insubordination • Second offense of an already documented warning • Harassment (sexual or other)
- 29. Need more support? •If you have question or concerns, contact your immediate supervisor. • If you need further assistance, please contact your volunteer coordinator. • Additional assistance may be available via the HandsOn West Central Ohio Director.
- 30. Volunteer Coordinator ContactInformation • Miami and Greene Counties: – (937) 778-5220, ext. 461 • Darke, Preble or Van Wert Counties: – (937) 548-8002, ext. 211 • Shelby or Auglaize Counties: – (937) 497-0643 • Logan or Champaign Counties: – (937) 593-0160
- 31. Logging Your Hours •Using computer, visit www.1800volunteer.org • Log in to your account using information provided by volunteer coordinator • Create a new record of service • Save and close • Problems? Contact your volunteer coordinator. • Ask your supervisor if you should complete in- kind sheets as well.
- 32. Benefits • Annual recognitionevent held in April during National Volunteer Week • Letters of recommendation from your supervisor (upon request) • Opportunities for advancement • Training opportunities • Networking opportunities
- 33. Questions • Please takethis opportunity to ask your supervisor any questions you may have. • Feel free to contact your volunteer coordinator with additional questions.
- 34. Your supervisor willnow… • Identify where you should park regularly • Show you where to log your hours • Show you where important facilities are located (restrooms, break areas, etc.) • Introduce you to staff • Review with you your schedule for volunteering • Inform you of site closure policies • Explain emergency procedures • Provide you with specific supervisor contact information, including an emergency number
- 35. Welcome aboard! Thank youfor taking action to change your community! We appreciate your interest in making a difference, and we look forward to partnering with you!