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Volunteers

Volunteer Recruitment
Volunteers are recruited from the participants of the Senior Centers during presentations made by staff to groups interested in the work of the Council of Senior Citizens,  from the Volunteer Center of Durham, Retired Senior Volunteer Program, etc.

Training
After orientation, the volunteer should be prepared to begin his/her particular assignment of duties. The job description will give preliminary guidance to the volunteer; however, training in the specific tasks to be accomplished must augment that. The supervisor should provide on-the-job training until it is evident the volunteer is familiar with his/her responsibilities. Training will also cover the volunteer’s hours, the Council for Senior Citizens’ holiday schedule, and any reimbursement for travel or incidental purchases that may be allowed. 

Standards of Conduct
The Council for Senior Citizens’ greatest asset is the skills and reputation of its employees and volunteers. It is therefore expected that all will act in a manner that enhances the standing of the Agency and will avoid any activity that is, or could appear to be, a conflict of interest or reflect unfavorably on the organization or its employees. 

Doing the Job
Employees and volunteers represent the Council for Senior Citizens to other agencies, to older adults, and to the public at large. Whatever the job, it is important to give a good impression in all aspects of responsibilities such as, how visitors are greeted, telephones are answered, letters written, materials mailed, consultations rendered, meetings conducted, and in other contacts with the public.

Policies
The Council for Senior Citizens Board of Directors sets the organization’s policies. Employees and volunteers are expected to carry out the policies. In the process of developing organizational policies, opportunities exist to offer input and suggestions. Once a policy has been adopted, employees and volunteers are expected to reflect it when expressing views or when representing the Council for Senior Citizens. Should an employee or volunteer be in sharp disagreement with a policy, his/her supervisor should be notified.

TARDINESS/Absences
Although volunteers are not compensated for work, the Council for Senior Citizens relies on their help. Because of that reliance, volunteers are asked to notify their supervisors as soon as they are aware they know they will be tardy or must be away from their job assignment due to illness, vacation, or other responsibilities. This allows the supervisor to seek a replacement volunteer. Punctuality is appreciated. 

Confidentiality
Confidentiality is imperative. Should volunteers find themselves discussing the Council for Senior Citizens with family or friends, we ask that they keep in confidence personal information that may have learned regarding participants or staff. Should the volunteer have complaints about his/her job or the way the Agency operates, he/she is asked to speak first with the supervisor. If the response is not satisfactory, the volunteer may proceed with the complaint or concern to the Executive Director. 

Evaluation
Although it may seem odd to evaluate volunteers or put them on a probationary status, such assessment is necessary to assure that tasks are being performed satisfactorily. As in the evaluation of employees, the process is expected to be a reciprocal one, where the volunteer is encouraged to express thoughts regarding how things can be improved to better serve senior citizens. The volunteer and supervisor should have an “evaluative discussion” at least once a year. Indeed, the volunteer may become bored with the responsibilities of his/her job, in which case a job assignment change and/or promotion might best serve both the program and the volunteer. 

Dress Code
Appropriate, neat attire helps to create a positive impression of the Council for Senior Citizens on those who visit our offices, satellite centers, or on those visited. 

Information and Referral
Should a volunteer be confronted by a situation where a participant needs information or referral to another agency for assistance, he/she should seek guidance from the supervisor or from the Information and Referral staff at the Council, 688-8247.

Emergencies/Accidents
The safety of the participants, volunteers, and staff is important. In an emergency situation, the area of danger should be evacuated immediately. Call 911 as quickly as possible and notify the Council for Senior Citizens administrative office of the problem (688-8247). If the emergency is one of personal health, on-site assistance should be sought immediately. Call 911 as appropriate and the CSC administrative office to inform staff of the incident (688-8247).

Volunteers who experience an accident or injury during work hours as the result of an activity directly related to their volunteer activity are required to report the incident to their immediate supervisor without delay, regardless of whether the injury is apparent or suspected.