Updated: 07/13
1101 Purpose
To establish the mission, objectives and responsibilities of volunteer services within the Division of Rehabilitation Services, including at the Workforce & Technology Center (WTC), in field offices (Office of Field Services and Office for Blindness & Vision Services), at DORS Administrative Offices and at the Disability Determination Services (DDS).
Information about the DORS Volunteer Services program is available on the DORS website, including the **Application for Volunteer Services (RS-9f)**.
1102 Applicability
This section applies to all DORS Staff and Volunteers.
1103 Policy Statement
The Division of Rehabilitation Services will actively recruit volunteer groups, individuals and interested organizations to assist in carrying out the program goal and objectives of the agency, including WTC, OFS, OBVS, DORS Administrative Offices and DDS.
Post-secondary education students requesting to complete internships and on-site practical experiences (longer than a one-day visit or observation) at DORS locations are regarded as volunteers. They are required to complete the **Internship/Volunteer Application (RS-9d) (LARGE PRINT)**, in lieu of the **Application for Volunteer Services (RS-9f)**, and are required to complete volunteer orientation activities as described below. (See Section 700 for additional information on internships at DORS.)
1104 Procedures
The Staff Specialist for Volunteer Services of the DORS Office of Program & Community Support will recruit volunteers and coordinate all volunteer activities throughout the state.
All offices and organizational units will utilize the services of volunteers to the fullest extent possible in carrying out the agency’s mission.
The Staff Specialist for Volunteer Services will establish and maintain standards of qualifications to ensure that all volunteers are qualified for their assignment. When professional services are provided by volunteers, they will be required to meet the standards and qualifications applied to comparable staff positions.
The Staff Specialist for Volunteer Services will maintain records of volunteer service and complete an annual report.
The Staff Specialist for Volunteer Services shall assure that information about the DORS Volunteer Services Program on the agency website and other media is current.
Volunteer Orientation – The Staff Specialist for Volunteer Services is responsible for initial orientation of new volunteers, including the following:
Reviewing all **Application for Application for Volunteer Services (RS-9f)** forms that are forwarded to DORS.
Meeting with prospective volunteers and explaining the DORS program and volunteer opportunities, including a tour of the area, as appropriate.
Providing and reviewing a packet of information to new volunteers including DORS Employee Ethical Guidelines & Practices (RSM 1, Section 1000), **DORS Telecommunication Policy**, **DORS policy on confidentiality of consumer information**, and **WTC Rules & Regulations** (as appropriate).
Assuring that volunteers sign the **Statement of Responsibility Regarding DORS Ethical Guideline & Telecommunication Policy** and [DORS policy on consumer confidentiality**, confirming that they have read, understand and will abide by these guidelines and policy.
Arranging/facilitating a meeting between volunteers and the appropriate DORS manager before they are accepted and assigned duties within the agency.
Maintaining records of individual volunteers, including their **Application for Volunteer Services (RS-9f)** or **Internship/Volunteer Application (RS-9d) (LARGE PRINT)**, as applicable, signed **Statement of Responsibility**, services and number of hours completed.
Volunteers will be supervised by appropriate DORS staff in the performance of their assigned duties.
1105 Related Volunteer Office Activities
The Staff Specialist for Volunteer Services staff provide leadership in a number of DORS activities and events, including the following:
Serving on the committee for DORS annual training conference
Acting as liaison with the Friends of the Workforce & Technology Center
Coordinating annual blood drives
Coordinating an annual recognition event for DORS volunteers
Coordinating annual cancer awareness activities
Maintaining the Nearly New Shop for consumers at WTC
1106 Responsibility
The Staff Specialist for Volunteer Services is responsible for implementing this policy and monitoring compliance with its provisions.
DORS managers are responsible for selection, supervision, orientation and training of all volunteers assigned to their area of responsibility. They must also ensure that the performance of the volunteer is satisfactory.
Volunteers will meet the qualifications required for their assigned duties; accept the responsibilities for their area of assignment; coordinate work hours with their supervisor and the Volunteer Coordinator, and follow the Ethical Guidelines, telecommunication policy, confidentiality policy, and rules and regulations of WTC if assigned to WTC.
