1. 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 CNN Center
Atlanta, Georgia
“Staffing of Reuse Programs”
(Volunteers)

2. 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.

3. PROJECT MEND STAFFING

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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

8. 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?)

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

10. Thank You! Cathy Valdez Executive Director 210-223-6363