Interviewing and Screening Volunteers

Each Correctional Center should ensure the most effective selection and retention of volunteers. Prospective volunteers will be screened and interviewed to determine their suitability.

Note: It is important to have the ability to turn down

volunteers who are found to be unsuitable.

Interviewing

All perspective volunteers will undergo a personal interview to determine suitability as a Correctional Volunteer, and to discuss volunteer opportunities.

Appendix A provides some questions/topics that may be useful when interviewing a potential volunteer. These materials may be used as interview questions, if needed. The Volunteer Coordinator will be responsible for providing sufficient information to applicants and conveying the expectations of the institution. The Coordinator will provide applicants with the necessary applications and forms to be processed. At the interview, applicants should provide the following information:

1. Personal resume, outlining education and experience.
2. Names of three references.
3. Type of volunteer work preferred.

All applicants must complete an application. (See Appendix C: Volunteer Application Form.)

Screening

Volunteers must be 19 years of age and deemed to be mature and responsible to handle the responsibilities of working in a Correctional setting. Volunteers will have to meet the previously outlined criteria to be considered for volunteer placements.

Applicants must provide a recent Certificate of Conduct from the RCMP.

Confidentiality

The importance of confidentiality must be stressed to all volunteers. A Confidentiality Agreement should be read and signed by each new volunteer to ensure confidential information is properly managed. (See Appendix D.)