Volunteer Orientation

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

ABOUT OUR ORGANIZATION

Welcome from our Executive Director

Mission of Council on Rural ServicesWe 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.

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

Our Programs• Achievement Center 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

A.C.E.S.Serves students grades 9 – 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

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

HandsOn West Central OhioHandsOn 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).

Kids Learning PlaceEvery Day 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.

Contact Information• Main office…– (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

Because of volunteers like 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.

Our volunteer positions Include…• Board of Trustees Members• Classroom assistants• Bus riders• Fundraising committee members• Tutors• Speakers• Clerical assistants• Special maintenance projects• And many other positions!

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Why are policies important?• 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.

Importance of Great Customer 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.

Reporting to Your Shift• 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.

HolidaysOur organization celebrates a variety of holidays throughout the year:

New Year’s Day MLK DayPresident’s Day Memorial DayFourth of July Labor DayVeteran’s Day ThanksgivingDay 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.

Dress Code and Behavior• 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.

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.

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!

Review of Agency-Wide Policies• Non-discrimination• Harassment• Disabilities Accommodation• Drug Free Workplace• Smoke Free Workplace• Workplace Violence and Firearms • Computer and Internet• Confidentiality• Standards of Conduct

Review of Child Care Policies *• Child Care ADA• Child Abuse and Neglect• Child Abuse Prevention• Child Guidance & Management • Child Safety Policy

* For volunteers serving in classrooms only

Review Your Position DescriptionPlease take a moment to review your position description with your supervisor and ask him/her any questions you may have.

Ending Your Volunteer Service• 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.

Separation from ServiceWhen possible, 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.

Separation from ServiceYou will 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)

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.

Volunteer Coordinator Contact Information

• 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

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.

Benefits• Annual recognition event held in April during

National Volunteer Week• Letters of recommendation from your

supervisor (upon request)• Opportunities for advancement • Training opportunities• Networking opportunities

Questions• Please take this opportunity to ask your

supervisor any questions you may have.• Feel free to contact your volunteer

coordinator with additional questions.

Your supervisor will now…• 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

Welcome aboard!Thank you for taking action to

change your community!

We appreciate your interest in making a difference, and we look forward to partnering

with you!