National Conference on AT Reuse “Staffing of Reuse Programs” Project MEND National Conference on AT Reuse “Shaping a National Collaborative for Assistive Technology Reutilization” September 14-17, 2009 Omni Hotel @ CNN Center Atlanta, Georgia “Staffing of Reuse Programs” (Volunteers)

SERVICES WE PROVIDE Durable Medical Equipment (DME) – Through this service we provide DME to eligible clients. We receive donated DME then refurbish, repair and sanitize these items and distribute them to our clients. Fitted Mobility (FM) – This service allows us to provide financial assistance to eligible clients needing to purchase specialized or fitted devices, such as, orthotics; prostheses; cranial helmets; and other assistive devices necessary for rehabilitation.

PROJECT MEND STAFFING

STAFF RESPONSIBILITIES CASE MANAGEMENT STAFF Primary responsibility is to take care of clients and their service needs (Case Managers; Program Manager; Intake Specialist) Schedule clients Manage clients through entire process of receiving Project MEND services as well as other services they may need WAREHOUSE STAFF Primary responsibility is to prepare DME for distribution to clients (Warehouse Technicians; Bio-Medical Technician; Warehouse Manager) Sanitize/refurbish/repair DME Deliver DME to clients’ homes Pick up donated DME

VOLUNTEER RESPONSIBILITIES WAREHOUSE VOLUNTEERS – Hand-clean and hand-sanitize medical equipment items Complete minor repairs on medical equipment Keep warehouse clean and orderly Help to maintain grounds and office areas Clean out trucks and vans Store medical equipment items on racks (no heavy lifting) OFFICE VOLUNTEERS – Provide clerical support to staff Answer phones Assist clients with paperwork; answer questions

RECRUITING VOLUNTEERS We primarily recruit volunteers from: AARP Senior Employment Program – senior volunteers that are paid by AARP but work with a non-profit for 18 hours per week Local colleges & universities – student volunteers at least 18 years of age Advertising - our website; newspapers; etc. Local military installations Court-appointed community service volunteers – individuals required by the court to serve a specific number of community service hours with a non-profit agency Referrals from our Board – marketing; human resources; grant writing; etc.

REQUIREMENTS FOR VOLUNTEERS All volunteers are required to: Interview with the Project MEND Executive Director and appropriate department supervisor Provide a resume, if available Sign a Waiver and Release of Liability Form Sign a Media Release Form Sign the Project MEND HIPPA Confidentiality Agreement Complete an orientation about Project MEND’s services with their Project MEND supervisor Complete a training session on their job responsibilities and related policies and procedures with their Project MEND supervisor Review their job description Abide by all Project MEND policies and procedures Sign in and out each day they work for Project MEND

USING VOLUNTEERS: PROs & CONs Free Marketing: Volunteers spread the word about your agency to their friends Subsidized Employment: Working with local agencies like AARP can get you paid volunteers Potential for Great Employees: A great volunteer may have the potential to be hired as a full-time staff member Giving Back: Volunteers who understand your agency’s Mission and Goals may have a sense of fulfillment in their own personal lives CONs – Volunteers: Lets face it; volunteers may sometimes be unpredictable, undependable and unreliable Liability: Is your organization prepared to take on the responsibility of having a volunteer on site? Are there specific training modules in place for volunteers? Volunteer Limitations: Volunteers may have limitations when it comes to specific duties (Can they handle sensitive or private client information; lift heavy items; etc?)

VALUE OF OUR VOLUNTEERS 2008 $19,854 in volunteer service hours 2009 $30,000 estimated

Thank You! Cathy Valdez Executive Director 210-223-6363 cathy.valdez@projectmend.org www.projectmend.org