UM College Park • UM Eastern ShoreUM College Park • UM Eastern Shore 1

UME Volunteer Policy

Part I - Overview

 University of Maryland Extension programs are open to all citizens without regard to race, color, gender, disability,

religion, age, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, or national origin.

UM College Park • UM Eastern Shore

IntroductionUniversity of Maryland Extension Volunteer Policy Required of all UME VolunteersProvides authorization enabling volunteers to

perform services on behalf of UMEProvides liability protectionDoes not create an employer/employee relationship

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The UME Volunteer Policy4-H Volunteers Impact UME….Multiply efforts of the 4-H ProgramExpand the organization’s creativity

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4-H Volunteers…Are screened and trained Are appointed and authorizedSign an agreement Complete an application Are reappointed annuallyAre covered by MD Tort Claims Act

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Maryland Tort Claims Act (MTCA)Immunity from Suit for UME VolunteersNegligence, Ordinary Care & TortScope of Duties (Position Description)Appointment & Training ProceduresGross NegligenceIntentional Misconduct or MaliceInvasion of PrivacyLegal Representation

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Purpose of the PolicyProvides important safeguards for both volunteers

and UME/UMCP/UMESClarifies roles and expectations of volunteers and UMEProvides a process to match a volunteer’s skills with

duties of the positionDefines training opportunities, benefits and

recognition

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Seven Steps to becoming a UME Volunteer

1. Position Description2. Application3. Screening4. Appointment5. Orientation and Training6. Support and Supervision7. Evaluation and Recognition

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Fitting all of the Pieces Together

Volunteer Policy Objectives… Creating the Position DescriptionMatching volunteer skills with tasks

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Evaluatio

n

Recognition

Renew

Support

Appointment

Training

Application

Screening

Job Description

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DocumentationPosition DescriptionApplicationScreeningAgreementEvaluationRe-Appointment

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Position DescriptionPosition TitlePurpose of PositionMajor DutiesQualificationsLocation and TenureTrainingSupervision

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ApplicationName, address, phoneTitle of position Volunteer and work experienceInterests, hobbies and organizationsReferences

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ScreeningInterviewThree References

Can not be related to applicantCan not be UME employees

Verifies Character and SkillsCriminal Background Check If RequiredOn-line Sexual Offenders Registry

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Acceptance After ScreeningApplicant invited to complete agreementApplicant denied UME Volunteer StatusApplicant on short-term or probationary status

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Appointment AgreementSimilar to an employment contract Responsibilities accepted by volunteerTraining and supervision provided by UMEConflict of Interest StatementConfidentiality StatementAgreement renewal/terminationNo employer/employee relationship

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Orientation and TrainingWelcome to UME, UMCP & UMESPolicies and Procedures

Maryland Tort Claims Act UME History, Mission & StructureSexual HarassmentDrug & Alcohol AbuseTobacco & Smoking PolicyChild Protection & Abuse ReportingHIV/AIDS & Universal Health Care PrecautionsAffirmative Action and ADA PoliciesProgram Forms & Risk Management

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Support and SupervisionSupport

TrainingResources

SupervisionExtension Educator/StaffMiddle Management Volunteer

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EvaluationContinual Constructive Feedback

Periodic meetings with teamConversations with recipientsActivity/event evaluation

Self EvaluationPerformance ReviewLetter of Recognition for Renewal

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Conflict ResolutionAddressed by volunteer’s supervising

faculty/staff memberIf not resolved the conflict will be addressed by

the county extension director/coordinator, State Specialist and Regional Extension Director, or other administrators as needed

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TerminationContracts are terminated on date specifiedContracts are for no longer than 1 year - must

be updated annuallyExtension faculty can terminate contract at

any timeUME Volunteer can terminate agreement at

any time

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RecognitionIntrinsic

Satisfaction of a job well donePride in helping others

ExtrinsicCertificatesPlaquesHonorsRecognition

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Agreement RenewalMutually Beneficial ExperienceReview & Update Position DescriptionRenewal Agreement

Specific TasksSpecific Time PeriodAdditional Training

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Quick ReviewPurpose of UME Volunteer PolicyMajor ComponentsTasks and Steps InvolvedApplication, Screening and AgreementOrientation, Training and SupervisionEvaluation and RecognitionAgreement Renewal/Termination

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Questions?

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This presentation was originally created by Dan Tabler. It was revised by Dr. Lisa Dennis, 4-H Youth and Adult Leadership Specialist, as well as Amy Rhodes, Sharon Pahlman, and David

Gordon 2010.