Guidelines to Volunteering at the Lorraine Gleick Nordgren Senior Center

Volunteer Commitment

Volunteering requires a firm time commitment. Every volunteer should be willing to dedicate their efforts for at least 25 hours per year. Volunteers are individuals of high moral character who are able to address solutions for the empowerment and betterment of the Seniors of Auburn.

Attendance & Leave

In the event that you are unable to fulfill your volunteer commitment (for any reason), please give as much notice as possible to the Senior Center. You may do so by calling the Center at 508-832-7799. Please do this as early as possible so that a substitute can be found to fill your shift.

Volunteer Hours

Volunteers are expected to keep track of their hours on a monthly basis and to submit a monthly time sheet to the Assistant Director in a timely manner. Volunteer sign-in sheets are provided inside the entrance door for your signature and why you are there. Any volunteer away from the center will be given a volunteer hours’ record sheet to record the number of house volunteered.

Inactive Status

If you need to change your volunteer status to “inactive,” please contact the Director or Assistant Director at the Center. If you are an inactive volunteer, you will not be called to volunteer at the Senior Center. To change your status from inactive to active, you must again notify the Director or Assistance Director.

Accident / Injury / Incident

If an unusual accident, injury, or incident occurs during your volunteer shift, please fill out an Accident report at once. Incidents related to health, injury, accident or other events all require a report. If you are injured while volunteering, please notify the Director or Assistant Director immediately. As a department of the Town of Auburn, the Senior Centers’ management are required to document and report all incidents and injuries as soon as possible. Please see the Director or Assistant Director to obtain this report and return the form upon completion.

Personal Health & Safety

The Senior Center is concerned for your personal health and safety while you are performing your volunteer duties. It is in your best interest not to over-exert yourself while volunteering at the Senior Center. Examples of going beyond your physical abilities include (but are not limited to) lifting heavy items that present a challenge for you, assisting a client who has fallen or requires assistance while in a wheelchair, not taking a break when you feel tired, and volunteering when you are ill. If you are unable to perform an activity or feel uncomfortable performing a task at any time, please inform the Director or Assistant Director.

Volunteer Rule of Conduct

A Volunteer shall not address a public gathering, appear on radio or television, prepare any article for publication, act as correspondent to a newspaper or periodical or release or divulge information or any other matters pertaining to the Council on Aging, either in an official or unofficial capacity, unless he or she had been directly authorized to do so by the Council on Aging or Senior Center Director.

Improper conduct is not acceptable for Council on Aging Volunteers. Unacceptable behavior includes, but is not limited to:

•     Breach of confidentiality
•     Chronic absence or lateness in reporting to your volunteer assignment
•     Disregard of Council on Aging policies and/or procedures
•     Insubordination
•     Neglectful, willful abuse or destruction of Council on Aging property
•     Practice, or toleration of, discrimination or harassment
•     Unauthorized use of Council on Aging equipment or supplies
•     Willful neglect and/or physical or verbal abuse of a client or staff member
•     Working while under the influence of, or suffering from, the effects of alcohol, non-prescribed drugs or other intoxicants

Basic Considerations for Volunteer Services

•     Carefully choose the area in which you want to volunteer your time to assist senior citizens, as assignments suited to your own interests and abilities are likely to be the most rewarding.
•     When estimating the amount of time you want to give and making that commitment of your time, it is important for everyone that you keep it.
•     Arriving at your assignment on time is extremely important.
•     Know the job requirements in advance. Understand what is expected of you, and expect guidance and direction.
•     Maintaining “strict” client confidentiality is extremely important in maintaining the Center’s high ethical standards.
•     Approach your volunteer experience with an open mind and enjoy your commitment.
•     Volunteers do not receive compensation, but are acknowledged or recognized for their service.

Benefits of Volunteering

The volunteers at the Senior Center bring a unique set of skills that contribute to the Senior Center Volunteer Department. Volunteering is a way for people to become integrated into their community, and it has been well established that social integration yields positive mental health effects. Volunteering is a way of providing help to others, which can be a self-validating experience. Helping others, fulfilling a need, socialization, meeting new people, making new friends, and learning new skills are a few reasons why people volunteer their time at the Auburn Senior Center. In addition, the volunteers who offer 25 hours or more of their time per year are invited to attend the Annual Volunteer Dinner in December. Volunteers should feel free to make suggestions and help in the planning of new programs.

Volunteers’ Expectations from the Senior Center Staff

•     Staff needs to know what the role and expectations of the volunteer are.
•     Staff will treat volunteer as a respected team member.
•     Staff will provide adequate orientation and training to prepare the volunteer for a successful service experience.
•     Staff will be prepared for the volunteer’s start date which includes supervision and supplies.
•     Staff will keep volunteer informed of any changes in current policies and/or procedures and programs via newsletters and training.
•     Staff will maintain accurate records of volunteer’s hours and service (after serving three hours in a voluntary shift, volunteer must personally record additional hours per month).
•     Staff will provide recognition and acknowledgement of service and/or contributions to all volunteers on an ongoing basis.
•     Staff needs to provide a supportive environment (work space, climate, tools, etc.).