UME Volunteer Policy Part I - Overview University of Maryland Extension programs are open to all citizens without regard to race, color, gender, disability, religion, age, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, or national origin. UM College Park • UM Eastern Shore 1 Introduction University of Maryland Extension Volunteer Policy Required of all UME Volunteers Provides authorization enabling volunteers to perform services on behalf of UME Provides liability protection Does not create an employer/employee relationship UM College Park • UM Eastern Shore 2 The UME Volunteer Policy 4-H Volunteers Impact UME…. Multiply efforts of the 4-H Program Expand the organization’s creativity UM College Park • UM Eastern Shore 3 4-H Volunteers… Are screened and trained Are appointed and authorized Sign an agreement Complete an application Are reappointed annually Are covered by MD Tort Claims Act UM College Park • UM Eastern Shore 4 Maryland Tort Claims Act (MTCA) Immunity from Suit for UME Volunteers Negligence, Ordinary Care & Tort Scope of Duties (Position Description) Appointment & Training Procedures Gross Negligence Intentional Misconduct or Malice Invasion of Privacy Legal Representation UM College Park • UM Eastern Shore 5 Purpose of the Policy Provides important safeguards for both volunteers and UME/UMCP/UMES Clarifies roles and expectations of volunteers and UME Provides a process to match a volunteer’s skills with duties of the position Defines training opportunities, benefits and recognition UM College Park • UM Eastern Shore 6 Seven Steps to becoming a UME Volunteer 1. Position Description 2. Application 3. Screening 4. Appointment 5. Orientation and Training 6. Support and Supervision 7. Evaluation and Recognition UM College Park • UM Eastern Shore 7 Fitting all of the Pieces Together Volunteer Policy Objectives… Creating the Position Description Matching volunteer skills with tasks Appointment Recognition UM College Park • UM Eastern Shore 8 Documentation Position Description Application Screening Agreement Evaluation Re-Appointment UM College Park • UM Eastern Shore 9 Position Description Position Title Purpose of Position Major Duties Qualifications Location and Tenure Training Supervision UM College Park • UM Eastern Shore 10 Application Name, address, phone Title of position Volunteer and work experience Interests, hobbies and organizations References UM College Park • UM Eastern Shore 11 Screening Interview Three References Can not be related to applicant Can not be UME employees Verifies Character and Skills Criminal Background Check If Required On-line Sexual Offenders Registry UM College Park • UM Eastern Shore 12 Acceptance After Screening Applicant invited to complete agreement Applicant denied UME Volunteer Status Applicant on short-term or probationary status UM College Park • UM Eastern Shore 13 Appointment Agreement Similar to an employment contract Responsibilities accepted by volunteer Training and supervision provided by UME Conflict of Interest Statement Confidentiality Statement Agreement renewal/termination No employer/employee relationship UM College Park • UM Eastern Shore 14 Orientation and Training Welcome to UME, UMCP & UMES Policies and Procedures Maryland Tort Claims Act UME History, Mission & Structure Sexual Harassment Drug & Alcohol Abuse Tobacco & Smoking Policy Child Protection & Abuse Reporting HIV/AIDS & Universal Health Care Precautions Affirmative Action and ADA Policies Program Forms & Risk Management UM College Park • UM Eastern Shore 15 Support and Supervision Support Training Resources Supervision Extension Educator/Staff Middle Management Volunteer UM College Park • UM Eastern Shore 16 Evaluation Continual Constructive Feedback Periodic meetings with team Conversations with recipients Activity/event evaluation Self Evaluation Performance Review Letter of Recognition for Renewal UM College Park • UM Eastern Shore 17 Conflict Resolution Addressed by volunteer’s supervising faculty/staff member If not resolved the conflict will be addressed by the county extension director/coordinator, State Specialist and Regional Extension Director, or other administrators as needed UM College Park • UM Eastern Shore 18 Termination Contracts are terminated on date specified Contracts are for no longer than 1 year - must be updated annually Extension faculty can terminate contract at any time UME Volunteer can terminate agreement at any time UM College Park • UM Eastern Shore 19 Recognition Intrinsic Satisfaction of a job well done Pride in helping others Extrinsic Certificates Plaques Honors Recognition UM College Park • UM Eastern Shore 20 Agreement Renewal Mutually Beneficial Experience Review & Update Position Description Renewal Agreement Specific Tasks Specific Time Period Additional Training UM College Park • UM Eastern Shore 21 Quick Review Purpose of UME Volunteer Policy Major Components Tasks and Steps Involved Application, Screening and Agreement Orientation, Training and Supervision Evaluation and Recognition Agreement Renewal/Termination UM College Park • UM Eastern Shore 22 Questions? This presentation was originally created by Dan Tabler. It was revised by Dr. Lisa Dennis, 4-H Youth and Adult Leadership Specialist, as well as Amy Rhodes, Sharon Pahlman, and David Gordon 2010. UM College Park • UM Eastern Shore 23