Volunteer Handbook

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Welcome

2. Contact Information

3. Volunteer Policies

4. Safety Procedures

5. Volunteer Benefits

6. Appendices

A: Abused and neglected child reporting

B: Volunteer application and waiver

1. WELCOME

Thank you for volunteering at the Naperville Park District!

Volunteers are vital to the success of many of our programs and events at the Naperville Park District.

Without your help, we could not meet the need for athletic programs, arts programs, and special events

for all ages. Some individuals are able to give many hours each year and others may join us for a few

hours to help with a specific need. Regardless, each contribution of time is important and appreciated.

In addition to making a difference in your community, we hope that you enjoy your volunteer experience.

To that end, we want to give you the tools and information you may need as a park district volunteer. This

handbook gives you contact information, first aid tips, and background information about the park district

and the volunteer program.

Interesting facts about the Naperville Park District

The Naperville Park District became official by means of referendum in 1966 as a unit of

government separate from the City.

The Naperville Park District is governed by a seven-member Board of Commissioners

elected for 4-year terms.

The Naperville Park District manages over 135 parks and owns or leases over 2,500 acres of

land.

The Naperville Park District offers approximately 900 recreational programs each year.

Centennial Beach, owned and operated by the Naperville Park District, was dedicated in 1931

to celebrate Naperville’s 100th birthday and holds 6.2 million gallons of chlorinated water.

The Naperville Park District has one of the lowest tax rates of any park district in the western

suburbs. The average Naperville household pays about $270 in taxes annually to the park

district. Taxes support nearly 50% of the park district’s budget, with the balance funded by

user fees and other non-tax revenue.

The Riverwalk is 3.2 miles long and is the most frequently visited park in Naperville.

The Naperville Park District has approximately 100 regular staff, over 1,000 seasonal staff,

and approximately 1,500 volunteers.

Some of the new recreational amenities added to our parks include a cricket pitch, fitness

stations, and a fishing pier at Commissioners Park and bocce courts at Frontier Park.

The new South Maintenance Facility is located on the east side of Frontier Park on Book

Road. This building will increase energy savings through energy efficient design features and

by reducing driving time for park staff.

2. CONTACT INFORMATION

Emergency (police, fire, first aid) call 911

Other Public Safety Contacts

City of Naperville Police (non-emergency) 630-420-6666

City of Naperville Fire (non-emergency) 630-420-6142

Park Police (non-emergency, cell) 630-601-0925

Park Watch Line (Voice Mail) 630-848-5050

Naperville Park District 630-848-5000

Naperville Park District Staff Contacts for Volunteers

Non-sport volunteers/general questions

Lynnette Hoole 630-848-3606

Youth Sports Coordinators:

Soccer Office 630-848-3538

Coach-Pitch/T-Ball 630-848-3537

Girls Softball 630-848-3601

Program Manager – Soccer, Coach-Pitch, T-Ball

Brock Atwell 630-848-3534

Program Manager – Girls Softball

Gary Foiles 630-848-3536

Program Manager – Senior Adults

Lorraine Ouellette 630-848-3620

Program Manager – Arts

Betty Roth 630-848-3619

Program Manager – Youth, Teens

Beth Johnson 630-848-3539

Director of Recreation

Brad Wilson 630-848-3532

Director of Parks

Kevin Finnegan 630-848-5037

Safety & HR Coordinator

Jennifer Herrmann 630-848-2139

Human Resources Manager

Katie Sepe 630-848-3508

3. VOLUNTEER POLICIES

Volunteers represent the Naperville Park District and assist in fulfilling its mission and vision, guided by

a common set of values.

Naperville Park District Mission: The Naperville Park District provides leisure experiences that

enhance the quality of life for our community.

Naperville Park District Vision: To be a best in class parks and recreation service provider creating

unity and focus in the community.

Naperville Park District Values:

Customer Focus: Deliver customer driven excellence. Commitment to the spirit of genuine

service

Integrity: Commit to high ethical standards by performing our work with compassion, fairness,

respect, diligence, effectiveness, and above all, honesty. Entrusted with the stewardship of

community resources.

Continuous Improvement: Implement meaningful change through best practices to improve

programs, services, and processes. Think innovation.

Communication: Commitment to listen and speak openly, honestly, and effectively, encouraging

an open exchange of ideas within a framework of respect and understanding.

Personnel Policies and procedures that apply to volunteers include the following:

Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment. Park district volunteers and employees are

expected to treat everyone with respect and dignity and are encouraged to report incidents of

discrimination, harassment, or retaliation

Drug-Free Workplace. Volunteers must not use or be under the influence of alcohol or drugs

while acting on behalf of the park district.

Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act. Volunteers who oversee children as a part of their

volunteer service may be considered by law to be mandated reporters, and thus are required to

report any suspected child abuse or neglect. Please see Appendix A for more information.

Tobacco Use. Tobacco use is prohibited in and within 15 feet of any park district building or

vehicle.

Attendance, Punctuality, and Dependability. Park district staff relies on volunteers to help run

successful programs. Please be on time for your volunteer duties. Call the appropriate program

manager if you are going to be late or absent.

Proper Dress and Appearance. Volunteers represent the Naperville Park District and therefore

are expected to dress appropriately.

Volunteer records. The park district will keep the following information on file for recognition,

recruiting, safety, and accounting purposes:

Volunteer Application

Volunteer Agreement

Background Check (if applicable)

Logging of volunteer hours

Training roster (if applicable)

Letter documenting volunteer service

Other paperwork that may be required by the volunteer’s position

4. SAFETY PROCEDURES

In an emergency, call 911. As soon as possible, call the appropriate program manager.

In the event a participant is injured or is affected by an illness during a program or on park district

property, volunteers may provide first aid consistent with their comfort level and training. However,

please contact 911 immediately in the following situations:

The injury or illness requires care greater than you are able to provide

You feel uncomfortable with the situation. If any doubt exists, it is recommended to err on the

side of caution and contact the local paramedics who can use their advanced medical training to

determine what treatment is needed.

A head injury has occurred. Many people suffering from head injuries are not capable of making

sound decisions regarding their own medical treatment.

If the injured or ill person is unable to drive themselves and a relative or friend cannot be reached.

Under no circumstances do park district volunteers transport participants or patrons to a medical

facility, to their home, or any other location.

Volunteer Medical Accident Coverage

If a volunteer is injured while performing their volunteer duties, the Naperville Park District provides up

to $5,000 of supplemental medical insurance coverage for expenses not covered by the volunteer’s

personal health insurance. This coverage is managed and administered by the Park District Risk

Management Agency (PDRMA).

Following an injury, the volunteer should promptly complete an accident report and submit it to the

appropriate program manager. The program manager will forward the report to Human Resources for

processing. If you need to pursue the volunteer medial accident coverage, please contact the safety and

human resources coordinator for assistance in filing a claim with PDRMA.

5. VOLUNTEER BENEFITS

The Naperville Park District values each of our volunteers and we want to recognize you for your efforts.

In the spirit of continuous improvement, we are always looking for new and better ways to recognize and

reward our volunteers. We welcome your suggestions and feedback.

Parents who assist with Naperville Park District youth soccer, t-ball, coach-pitch, and youth softball

programs are eligible for priority registration for their children in the relevant youth athletic programs.

Adults who volunteer at the Alfred Rubin Riverwalk Community Center programs for active older adults

are invited to a special outing each spring in appreciation of their service to the park district.

Students who need proof of service hours receive a letter documenting their hours upon completion of

their volunteer commitment.

All volunteers are invited to a volunteer appreciation event each year to honor their service and provide

an evening of fun, food, and socializing.

APPENDIX A:

Naperville Park District Personnel Policy

ABUSED & NEGLECTED CHILD REPORTING ACT

The Park District is committed to compliance with the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act (325

ILCS 5/4). Pursuant to this Act, all employees are required to report or cause a report to be made to the

child abuse hotline number (800-25A-BUSE) whenever they have reasonable cause to believe that a

child may be neglected or abused.

Failure to report suspected abuse or neglect may result in criminal penalties under the Act and

disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

Volunteers with expected patron contact are required to sign the Acknowledgement of Mandated

Reporters Status. The acknowledgement form will be kept on file.

For more information about mandated reporters under the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act,

contact a program manager or the human resources manager.

OUR RESPONSIBILITIES AS MANDATED REPORTERS

Who are Mandated Reporters?

Professionals, in our case recreation program or facility personnel, who may work with children in the

course of their professional duties. Please note, anyone has the right to report his or her suspicions

of child abuse.

What is required of mandated reporters?

Mandated reporters are required by law to report suspected child maltreatment immediately. If a

professional has reasonable cause to believe that a child in their program may be an abused or

neglected child, it has to be reported to the right organization.

Again if a mandated reporter has reasonable cause to believe that a child is being mistreated, they

have to call the DCSF hotline at 1-800-252-2873 or 1-800-25ABUSE to make a report.

What is abuse?

Physical Abuse as defined by ANCRA (Sec.3) occurs when a parent or a person responsible for

the child’s welfare:

1. “Inflicts, causes to be inflicted or allows to be inflicted upon such child physical injury,

by other than accidental means, which causes death, disfigurement, impairment of

physical or emotional health, or loss or impairment of any bodily function.” Such as,

bruises, human bites, bone fractures and burns.

2. “Creates a substantial risk of physical injury.” Such as, choking or smothering a child,

shaking or throwing a small child, and violently pushing or shoving a child into

fixed objects.

3. “Acts of torture… Deliberately and/or systematically inflicting cruel or unusual treatment

which results in physical or mental suffering.”

4. “Inflicts excessive corporal punishment.”

5. “Commits or allows to be committed the offense of female genital mutilation.”

How do I know when I have reasonable cause to believe that a child may be mistreated?

1. Did you observe evidence that some damage was done to the child?

2. What communication has the child provided?

3. If the explanation comes from someone other than the child, how credible and/or complete is the

information?

4. Have there been past incidents that, in retrospect, may have been suspicious?

When can DCFS become involved in suspected cases of child abuse or neglect?

DCFS can investigate and intervene when abuse or neglect of a child is suspected. Four

conditions must be present:

1. The victim must be under the age of 18

2. The alleged perpetrator (the person alleged to have committed the abuse / neglect) must be a

parent, step-parent, paramour of natural parent, guardian, foster parent, immediate family

member (siblings and grandparents), any person living in the home of the child, a person who

came to know the child through an official capacity or position of trust (such as a teacher,

health care professional, or a person who is responsible for the welfare of the child (such as a

babysitter, day care facility or residential facility)

3. There must be a specific incident of abuse or neglect or a specific set of circumstances

involving suspected abuse or neglect

4. There must be either demonstrated harms or substantial risk of physical or sexual injury to the

child.

If the case does not contain all of these elements the Department has no jurisdiction and cannot

investigate the allegation.

Helpful terms when you call the DCSF hotline

Allegation of harm – The content of the reporter’s concern about a child is coded by the Hotline

worker into one or more allegations, which define the nature of the harm or the risk of harm to the

child.

Report – If the Hotline worker concludes that the allegation is one the Department is legally

empowered to investigate, a report will be taken. This means that DCFS will initiate an investigation

of the allegation. Every call to the Hotline does not necessarily result in a report.

Credible Evidence – Means that the available facts when viewed in light of surrounding

circumstances would cause a reasonable person to believe that a child may have been abused or

neglected.

Indicated – Cases are called “indicated” when an investigation has determined that credible evidence

of the alleged abuse or neglect can be documented.

Unfounded – Cases are called “unfounded” when an investigation has determined that credible

evidence of the alleged abuse of neglect cannot be documented. Reports made by the general public

that are unfounded are expunged from the State Central Register computer files, unless the subject of

the report believed the report was falsely failed and requested it be retained. Reports alleging sexual

abuse or serious physical abuse made by mandated reporters are kept by SCR for a period of three

years. In addition, mandated reporters may request a review of an unfound report within 10 days of

notification if they have concerns about the adequacy of the investigation or if the feel that specific

information has been over looked.

Definitions:

Cut (Laceration)

An opening, incision or break in the skin made by some external agent.

Bruise

An injury which results in bleeding under the skin, where the shin is discolored but not broken. Also

referred to as a contusion.

Welt

An elevation on the shin produced by a lash, blow of allergic stimulus. The skin is not broken and the

mark is reversible.

Abrasion

A scraping away of the skin

Oral Injuries

Injuries to the child’s mouth including broken teeth

Volunteer Consent Form

Volunteer Informed Consent and Release I offer to volunteer my services to the Naperville Park District ("Park District"), and recognize that I will not be paid in any way. As a volunteer, I recognize and acknowledge that there are certain risks of physical injury associated with volunteering in this activity and I agree to assume the full risk of injury, including death, physical injury, property damage, or any other loss, regardless of severity, which I may sustain as a result of volunteering in these activities. I understand that not all hazards and dangers can be foreseen. Depending on the particular activity, certain risks, dangers and injuries due to inclement weather, slipping, falling, carelessness, horseplay, premises defects, inadequate or defective equipment, and other circumstances inherent to recreational activities exist. In consideration of the Park District allowing me to volunteer, I knowingly, freely and voluntarily release, remise, and discharge the Park District, its officers, agents, representatives, employees, volunteers, and independent contractors from any and all liability claims, causes of action, and damages from any personal injury including death, personal loss or damages, or property loss or damage claims I may have or that may accrue to me as a result of volunteering in this activity. In the event that volunteering in this activity requires certain physical acts, I am capable of performing those acts and have not notified the Park District or the other individuals released herein of any reason why I should not be able to perform those physical acts. Additionally, I hereby give consent for the Park District to use photos or video coverage of me and/or my minor child/ward in future publications and promotions and acknowledge that these photos/videos remain the property of the Park District. I have read and fully understand this waiver and release.

You may be volunteering in a park in which there is a pond, river, or stream. Please do not enter any body of water while volunteering for the Naperville Park District. Your clean-up activities may include picking up litter along ponds or stream banks, but you are advised NOT to enter the water nor reach into the water.

All children under age 14 must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult. Signature of adult volunteer (age 18 and up) or parent/guardian of volunteer (age 14 -17):

Signed: Date: ___________________________

Name of volunteer:___________________________ Address: ________________________________________

City: _____________________ Zip Code ____________ Name of volunteer group: ________________________ (if applicable)

Phone:_____________________________ Names of children (under age 14) under my supervision for this

Volunteer project: _____________________________________________________________________________

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Would you like to receive an e-mail message to inform you about additional volunteer opportunities at the Naperville Park District?

___ Yes! Here is my e-mail address: ______________________________________________________

___ No, not at this time