Brighter Days Policies and Procedures 11/7/2018 Brighter Days Policies and Procedures Ref. VM Supportive Living, Job Description Volunteer Training

SPECIAL FAVORS 11/7/2018 Providing or asking for special favors to/from Guests is prohibited. Word of special treatment provided to one guest spreads quickly and may become an expectation for other guests. Clients who perform favors for you may feel that you “owe them,” and vice versa. This includes but is not limited to: Curfew violations Special treatment of pets Possessions that exceed locker space allowance Transportation Allowing a guest to use your personal cell phone Asking a guest to run an errand for you Ref. VM Supportive Living, Job Description

GIFTS 11/7/2018 The exchange of gifts between volunteers and Guests under any circumstance is prohibited. Providing assistance through gifts is inappropriate and can be seen as favoritism, or a debt that must be repaid. Remember that donations to Brighter Days and your time as a volunteer are the most appropriate forms of help you can give. Examples of gifts: Cards Food that is not offered to all guests Books Money IMPORTANT: Guests may also try to give gifts to volunteers. While attempts at gift giving by guests may be an expression of gratitude, the behavior may be a subtle way to control the volunteer/guest relationship. There is a high correlation of gift giving and expecting special treatment. Ref. VM Supportive Living, Job Description

PHYSICAL BOUNDARIES 11/7/2018 Volunteers must maintain physical boundaries with guests, respect spaces designated for guest use only, and keep their relationship with guests within the physical space of Brighter Days. The following are prohibited: Front facing hugs with guests, sitting on guest beds, or using the guest restroom. Side hugs or shaking hands is a great way to show concern. Lingering - chumming with a guest while on loitering duty Spending private time with guests, unless clearly in a role that expects privacy (e.g. intake procedures) Spending time or communicating with guests outside of volunteer hours at Brighter Days Ref. VM Supportive Living, Job Description

FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS/PERSONAL GAIN 11/7/2018 Any exchange of money between volunteers and guests, whether for personal gain, on a lending-basis, or as a gift/favor, is strictly prohibited. This includes but is not limited to: Lending money to guests and vice versa Giving money to guests as a gift and vice versa Giving money to guests to perform a favor (ex. Sending them elsewhere to buy coffee) and vice versa Financial transactions between guests and volunteers in exchange for goods and/or services A volunteer’s primary relationship with guests is to support and care for them so they maximize the benefits provided by the social service agencies and Brighter Days staff. If a guest asks for money or requires financial assistance – no matter how small - they should be referred to their caseworker or another staff member. Ref. VM Supportive Living, Job Description

CONFIDENTIALITY 11/7/2018 Volunteers must respect the confidentiality of guests while also adhering to Brighter Days policy as to what they can share about themselves. To ensure guests and volunteers are protected, the following are prohibited: Taking photographs or videos of guests Sharing mobile phone number, home address, or names of family members under age 18 with guests Sharing the name of a guest with family, friends, church members, social service providers, or fellow volunteers when not working at Brighter Days Ref. VM Supportive Living, Job Description

CONFIDENTIALITY CONTINUED 11/7/2018 Crucial information, such as referrals for help or services, may be shared with Brighter Days staff or, if relevant, with other volunteers WHILE DURING YOUR SHIFT. Volunteers may share basic information with guests such as your name, the church you attend, and where you work. Ref. VM Supportive Living, Job Description

CONFIDENTIALITY AND DUAL RELATIONSHIPS 11/7/2018 Dual Relationships - Any other type of relationship with a guest outside of Brighter Days. This may include but is not limited to: Medical Provider Social Service Agency Church pastor or shared church membership Prior teacher Volunteers are responsible for ensuring that dual relationships do not result in favoritism or the appearance of favoritism. Ref. VM Supportive Living, Job Description

“SPLITTING” RELATIONSHIPS 11/7/2018 “Splitting” is defined as agreeing with a guest about other volunteers or staff being wrong or bad at their jobs. Doing so may unintentionally create an environment of favoritism at Brighter Days that erodes relationships with key stakeholders. Volunteers are prohibited from engaging in or agreeing with criticism of staff, volunteers, or other stakeholders with guests. Instead, volunteers are to ask the guest to share their concerns with a staff member. Ref. VM Supportive Living, Job Description

PASSING THE BATON 11/7/2018 Sometimes volunteers will encounter issues that they are not equipped to handle. In these situations, “passing the baton” to another stakeholder is not only perfectly acceptable, but also required. Examples of such situations are listed in the following slides. This is not an exhaustive list. Volunteers will be required to use judgement in regards to appropriate roles and boundaries in making such decisions. Ref. VM Supportive Living, Job Description

EXAMPLES OF PASSING THE BATON 11/7/2018 A guest says that they are depressed or considering suicide (refer to Staff) A guest says that they don’t have a bank account (refer to Staff) A guest says their dog needs shelter (refer to staff for referral for Bartholomew County Animal Shelter or Care) A guest says their bicycle was stolen (refer staff for referral and connection to Bicycle Co-op) A guest wants to go to hot meal site (refer to the bus route schedule) A guest threatens violence (refer to staff or police) A guest wants to sleep with partner (refer to staff – never allowed) Ref. VM Supportive Living, Job Description

EXAMPLES OF PASSING THE BATON 11/7/2018 A guest is complaining of a stomach ache (refer to staff) A guest needs new clothes (refer to staff) A guest has a birthday tomorrow (make note with Brighter Days staff) A guest does not have an ID (refer to staff) Etc.…. Ref. VM Supportive Living, Job Description