Volunteer Management

Coordinator

The Volunteer Coordinator will administer the volunteer program with the support and cooperation of institutional staff. The Volunteer Coordinator will be responsible for the recruitment, training, placement and supervision of volunteers. The position will depend on availability of staff and resources at each site.

Supervision

Volunteers are immediately responsible to the Correctional Staff on duty, when reporting for work, when in need of advice, or when they are unable to work their scheduled time.

Correctional Officers will provide supervision of volunteers and will have the most contact with them.

Institutional Access

The extent of institutional access will be determined by the Officer-In-Charge, taking into consideration the security classification of the institution and other related factors.

Volunteers do not have unrestricted access to all sections of the facility. They will be permitted to areas in which they perform their duties i.e. classroom, study rooms, library.

Access will depend on the security classification of the building, the character of the inmate population, and the availability of supervision by staff.

Volunteers will be escorted by staff to and from their assigned program location.

There will be times when security will require that volunteer activities be cancelled. It is important that volunteers be contacted, when possible, to inform them of such changes.

Security

The institution has the discretionary authority to deny access to volunteers who are considered to be unsuitable.

Volunteers may be denied access to the institution for any of the following violations:

1. Breach of confidentially.
2. Unlawful conduct.
3. Breach of rules.
4. Any activities which threaten the security of the institution.

Any problems arising with volunteers should be directed to the Volunteer Coordinator.

Termination of Volunteer Services

Volunteers who wish to resign from their volunteer position are asked to forward a letter of resignation to the Volunteer Coordinator. It is asked that a minimum of two weeks notice be given, in order to find a suitable replacement.

Recognition

Volunteers in the institution will be identified through name tags so that staff and inmates may know who they are and why they are there. Volunteers are part of the agency.

It is important for volunteers to be told, in some way, that their efforts are appreciated. This can be achieved in a variety of ways such as informally and personally, or in some formal and public way. Volunteer achievements should be recognized and rewarded. Don't forget to say "Thank you".

Evaluation

Volunteers will be required to keep records of their time and the nature of their contacts with inmates. Volunteer hours can be determined by routine calls to volunteers, or by simply checking the institution's log. Accurate records of volunteer hours and inmate participation are essential to measure the success of the program.

Volunteers require regular feedback of their performance. Performance reports and volunteer input will certainly help the volunteer and the program to grow and improve.

The Volunteer Coordinator shall conduct periodic checks with volunteers in order to reinforce their efforts, identify training needs and/or to preclude potential difficulties.