Confidentiality
Staff and volunteers convey information about their work at the agency with the utmost respect for the clients’ rights to privacy and confidentiality. All work at HomeFirst is confidential. Staff and volunteers are provided with confidential information on a need-to-know basis. This information is not shared within or outside of the organization. No photographs or filming of clients are allowed without prior consent of management and specific release forms signed by the client, a family member or conservator.
Check-In & Time Sheets
Upon your arrival for your shift at HomeFirst, check sign in and note the date and time of your arrival. Please remember to sign out and note the time of your departure at the end of your shift.
Name Badge
Volunteers must wear a name badge at all times when volunteering at HomeFirst
Attire
Based on the assigned tasks, your supervisor will identify appropriate attire. Attire must be properly fitting and not include words or images that could be considered offensive. In shelter locations, sturdy, closed toe shoes, long pants/skirt and shirts with sleeves (no tank top, strapless) are required at all times.
Client/Guest/Tenant Interactions
HomeFirst prohibits volunteers from engaging in business activities or socializing with HomeFirst clients/ guests/tenants outside of HomeFirst business. This includes, but is not limited to, loaning money, providing transportation, providing shelter, renting space, engaging or recruiting clients in work opportunities, social activities, offering or accepting meals, gifts, clothing, etc. Any uncertainties should be discussed with your supervisor.
Behavior
While in any of our facilities, you are identified with HomeFirst, please conduct yourself accordingly. If behavior proves unsatisfactory, you may be asked to change assignments or site placement, or be dismissed as a volunteer.
- Respect HomeFirst employees, volunteers, guests, clients, tenants, visitors and property at all times
- Be dependable and responsible. Notify staff as soon as possible if unable to report for a volunteer shift. Follow through and complete assigned tasks.
- Report emergencies, hazards or unsafe conditions to a staff member. Do not attempt to assist a guest/client who is ill or has an accident; alert a HomeFirst staff member immediately.
- Keep personal and/or political opinions and actions separate from those made as a representative of the organization.
- Do not share any personal information with HomeFirst guests, clients, tenants.
- Do not be under the influence of any alcohol, tobacco or illegal substance while on HomeFirst sites or at a HomeFirst event.
- Do not give statements representing HomeFirst to the media.
Volunteer Corrective Action and Dismissal Policy
Corrective action may be taken if a volunteer’s work is unsatisfactory.Volunteers who do not adhere to the rules and procedures of the agency or who fail to satisfactorily perform their volunteer assignment are subject to dismissal. No volunteer will be terminated until the volunteer has had an opportunity to discuss the reasons for possible dismissal with supervisory staff.
