Service
Risk Management Tips
Adapted from the George Mason
University Center for Leadership and Community Engagement (http://clce.gmu.edu/service-learning/sl_tips.html)
These guidelines will help
you have a safer and more effective experience as a volunteer.
Be aware of your environment:
Remember you are a helper,
a learner, and a visitor. The organization with which you are working
has specific ways of interacting and getting things done. Be aware of
these expectations and act appropriately. Do not assume you know how
to do things or know more than the people who are there everyday.
Find out about the agency's
history:
The more you know about what
the organization does and the clientele it serves, the more effective
your efforts will be.
Establish a contact person
and/or site supervisor:
Know who will be working on
the project with you and a phone number to reach them. If they are expecting
you at a certain time, be prompt and ready to work. This person should
also be available to answer any questions you may have about your experience.
Follow a work ethic:
Remember your agreement to
serve is a commitment to the community partner. You will establish relationships
with the community partner’s clients and they will look forward to
seeing you. Community partner staff will value the service you provide
and count on your help. If you are going to be late or are unable to
attend please call your contact person as soon as possible. Consider
carefully the reason you might have for missing your meeting. Always
use appropriate language.
Follow the organizations
policies and procedures:
Be familiar with the specifics
of your job. Gain a clear understanding of any rules you need to follow
and take any training you might receive seriously. Also ask about any
liability of which you need to be aware.
Understand the need for
confidentiality:
Becoming personally involved
with the agency clientele is a rewarding experience, but remember that
you may be dealing with sensitive information that is not to leave the
agency. If there is any question as to whether you should share information...
DO NOT!
Speak with your site supervisor
about their confidentiality policy. Additionally do not feel pressured
to share personal information with clients.
Dress appropriately and
sensibly:
Blending in with the community
doesn't mean dressing poorly, it implies dressing neatly, cleanly and
safely. Wear clothing that affords you comfort, flexibility and is appropriate
for the conditions you will be working under. When in doubt, ask your
site supervisor.
Avoid carrying personal
items that may identify you as an outsider:
Items such as expensive electronics,
flashy jewelry and designed clothing can cause you to be identified
as an outsider. There also may not be any place for you to keep your
personal items at your site.
Above all, use common sense!
- Give the phone number
of your agency and a schedule of your hours to a roommate, friend, or
relative.
- Familiarize yourself
with local police or security
- Be aware of your
instincts. Trust your gut feeling!
- Don't leave visible
items in your car's interior or unattended while you are volunteering.
- Work in pairs, if
possible.
- Stay informed of
issues affecting the area in which you serve.
- Do not borrow from
or lend money to clients or staff of the agency.
- Do not give out
your home address or telephone number.
- Take extra special
precautions when going to sites at night.
- Never use alcohol
or drugs on site. Please respect the smoking policy of the agency.
- Be sensitive to
your own needs and limitations. Maintain an appropriate level of interaction
with the staff and clients at the site and don't counsel clients unless
you are trained to do so.
- Don't expect to
know all the answers. It is okay to admit that you don't know something.
If faced with a question you are not familiar with try to get the answers
or direct someone to the proper person that can provide an answer.
- Don't hesitate to
report an incident to your site supervisor and the Office of Community
Service that makes you uncomfortable.
- Be aware of sexual
harassment policies and what forms sexual harassment can take. It is
unsolicited and unwelcome sexual advances, either verbal or physical.
It refers to behavior which is not welcome, personally offensive, and
which debilitates morale. Be clear about what is and is not considered
appropriate behavior.
In the
event of an emergency in transit:
1)
Call 911
2) Call UPD: 202-994-6111
3) Call Timothy Kane, OCS
Dir.: 202-994-5492
4) Call OCS Program Coordinator
5) Contact Site Representative
In the event of an emergency
On-site:
1) Contact Site Rep. & follow site protocol
2)
Call UPD: 202-994-6111
3) Call Timothy Kane, OCS Dir.: 202-994-5492
4) Call OCS Program Coordinator
