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
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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
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The UME Volunteer Policy
4-H Volunteers Impact UME….
 Multiply efforts of the 4-H Program
 Expand the organization’s creativity
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Fitting all of the Pieces Together
Volunteer Policy Objectives…
 Creating the Position Description
 Matching volunteer skills with tasks
Appointment
Recognition
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Documentation
 Position Description
 Application
 Screening
 Agreement
 Evaluation
 Re-Appointment
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Position Description
 Position Title
 Purpose of Position
 Major Duties
 Qualifications
 Location and Tenure
 Training
 Supervision
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Application
 Name, address, phone
 Title of position
 Volunteer and work experience
 Interests, hobbies and organizations
 References
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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
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Acceptance After Screening
 Applicant invited to complete agreement
 Applicant denied UME Volunteer Status
 Applicant on short-term or probationary status
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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
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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
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Support and Supervision
 Support
 Training
 Resources
 Supervision
 Extension Educator/Staff
 Middle Management Volunteer
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Evaluation
 Continual Constructive Feedback
 Periodic meetings with team
 Conversations with recipients
 Activity/event evaluation
 Self Evaluation
 Performance Review
 Letter of Recognition for Renewal
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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
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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
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Recognition
 Intrinsic
 Satisfaction of a job well done
 Pride in helping others
 Extrinsic
 Certificates
 Plaques
 Honors
 Recognition
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Agreement Renewal
 Mutually Beneficial Experience
 Review & Update Position Description
 Renewal Agreement
 Specific Tasks
 Specific Time Period
 Additional Training
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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
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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.
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