VOLUNTEER TRAINING SCREENING, ORIENTATION, IMPLEMENTATION OF PROJECT, AND EVALUATION

REVIEW: 10 STEPS TO DESIGNING A VOLUNTEER PROGRAM STEP 1Complete a needs assessment STEP 2Gain buy-in from the agency you serve STEP 3Create written position description STEP 4Design a recruitment strategy STEP 5Start recruiting STEP 6Volunteer Screening and Orientation STEP 7Volunteer Training STEP 8Run your project, implement your volunteers STEP 9Evaluate your volunteer program STEP 10Report your results in OnCorps & spreadsheet

VOLUNTEER SCREENING Application Interview Reference check Special Requirements TB tests, Background checks, etc. STEP 6 Is the project long-term? Does the project require specific skills? Does the organization require specific screening? Deciding who is a good fit:

ORIENTATION Orientation should include: Introduction to organization Program policies Code of conduct Position description Completion of necessary documents Benefits Volunteers understand organization, mission, their duties Reduces anxiety Volunteers feel valued Limits risk

Long-term Projects Handbook/welcome packets Intro on AmeriCorps, CTEH, host site, and causes of homelessness Tour of facility Introduction to staff Volunteer Intake form Additional required paperwork (photo release) Formal Training Short-term Projects Info sheet/brochure Intro on causes of homelessness at least Tour of event set-up/ bathrooms Introduction to volunteer/project manager Volunteer Intake form Additional required paperwork (photo release) Informal Training Tailoring Orientation to Type of Project

VOLUNTEER TRAINING STEP 7 [VS] FORMAL INFORMAL

FORMAL TRAINING Usually used for long-term volunteers Identify Program Needs and standards for performance Identify skills volunteers already have Inform volunteers of important information Different methods to utilize trainings

INFORMAL TRAINING Most common for short-term Explain and demonstrate activity On-the-job training Shadow you during the task Ask volunteer if they can do it Be available to answer questions

RUN YOUR PROJECT & IMPLEMENT VOLUNTEERS Supervision Volunteer Retention Recognition STEP 8

SUPERVISION STRUCTURED ONE-TIME [VS]

STRUCTURED SUPERVISION Long-term projects Occurs on a regular basis Allows a working relationship to develop Checks on volunteers’ understanding of responsibilities Increases volunteer satisfaction and retention

ONE-TIME SUPERVISION Short-term projects Happens simultaneously during the service project Prepare to adapt and be flexible to different circumstances Touch base with volunteers throughout the service project

RETENTION Formula of how many volunteers you retain over a period of time Maintain volunteer interest in your causes and programs Factors contributing to increased retention: Meeting/exceeding volunteer expectations Providing helpful training Being active, involved, & accessible Recognizing volunteer impact

RECOGNITION Should begin from initial orientation to end of volunteer’s service term Ways to recognize volunteers Certificates Thank you cards/ s “Promote” volunteers to leadership Reimburse volunteers for their costs Benefits (like free parking, coffee/soda, snacks) Personnel file and letters of recommendation Base recognition on volunteer’s motivations Public recognition vs. private recognition

PROGRAM EVALUATION Provides way to strengthen program by making it more accountable, sustainable, effective and focused Formal evaluations Surveys (online) Implement suggestions from survey STEP 9

ANY QUESTIONS?

IMPORTANT REMINDERS Complete survey Next webinar: Volunteer Motivation- Feb. 18 You all are awesome, keep up the great service!