Volunteer: Difference between revisions

<big>'''UNMC Volunteer Policy'''</big>  

This policy is designed to enable the University to accept volunteers while reducing risk and protecting the interests of the University, its volunteers and the community it serves.  It also provided a means to track volunteers for Risk Management purposes.<br />  

'''Hazardous Materials''' are solids, liquids, or gases that can harm people, other living organisms, property, or the environment.

'''Volunteers''' are uncompensated individuals.  Volunteers perform services related to the ongoing business of the University for their own benefit which may be to gain experience in specific endeavors or fulfill humanitarian, charitable or public service requirements. To qualify as a University volunteer, an individual must satisfy the requirements and be willing to provide service according to the procedures in this policy.  An individual who provides services to an entity other than the University that may be related to the University, such as the Alumni Association, will not be considered a University volunteer.  

University volunteers are expected to abide by the University policies and procedures and external regulations that govern their actions, including but not limited to those relating to ethical behavior, safety, confidentiality, protected health information, computer use, financial responsibility, and drug use.  Criminal background checks are required for all volunteer positions requiring a Volunteer Application Form. Departments wishing to engage volunteers must be responsible for all costs associated with these items:

* recruiting and screening (background checks)   

'''Exceptions:'''  The Munroe-Meyer Institutes Recreational Therapy Program volunteers must meet the requirements of that program and are exempt from the requirements of this policy. The Summer Medical and Dental Education Program (SMDEP), UNMC High School Alliance Program, UNMC Community Academy, UNMC Youth Learning Center Programs, UNMC Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) and the programs and courses offered through the UNMC Center for Continuing Education are all exempt from the requirements of this policy.  This exception covers activities that are part of the program/course requirements.  Volunteer activities outside of the program requirements are not exempt from the policy.   

Volunteers who work these events are exempt from the requirements of this policy except that the event sponsor must conduct the checks below for all Non-UNMC employed healthcare professionals volunteering:   

* Check the professional license http://www.nebraska.gov/LISSearch/search.cgi  

Volunteer healthcare professionals who do not satisfactorily pass these checks must not be allowed to volunteer and/or provide services at the event.   

Anyone, including retirees, students, alumni, or others may provide volunteer services to the University with the following restrictions:  

The types of one-time activities that do not involve access to confidential information or potentially hazardous areas, are generally considered low-risk, and do not require a completed Volunteer Application.  It includes but is not limited to the following:  

Visiting scientist and students who will be participating in laboratory activities using biohazardous agents do not need a volunteer application form but must comply with Institutional Biosafety Committee Biosafety Policies and Procedures SOP#UNMC-IBC036 - Visiting Scientist and Student for Access to Participate in Laboratory Activities Using Biohazardous Agents.  The prohibited activities list does not apply to visiting scientists but the principal investigator is responsible for making sure they are familiar with the hazards and utilize the appropriate safety protocol and personal protective equipment.   

University volunteers cannot replace employee positions or impair the employment of a University position. Volunteers’ services are generally limited to humanitarian, charitable or public services.   

University volunteers are also prohibited from performing the following activities:  

Contact the Department of Risk Management for guidance.

University volunteers must complete the following training modules prior to any volunteer activities:  

Please be aware that background checks usually take to up to 7 days but depending on the complexity it may take up to 8 weeks to complete the process.  The volunteer may not start until the process is completed so plan accordingly.     

When selecting and engaging a volunteer it is the department or unit’s responsibility to be certain the individual has adequate experience, qualifications, and training for the task he or she will be required to perform. The department must assign someone to directly supervise the volunteer.  A volunteer cannot be supervised by a family member.  A family member means an individual who is the spouse, child, parent, foster parent, guardian, brother, sister, grandchild, or grandparent, by blood, marriage, or adoption, of a University official or employee.  The following procedures are required to engage a volunteer or a guest:

# Determine if a University of Nebraska Medical Center Volunteer Application Form is necessary by reviewing the “Services Not Requiring a Volunteer Application” and the “Prohibited Activities” sections.   

# Each potential University volunteer (or their parent) must complete a University Of Nebraska Medical Center Volunteer Application Form.  

# Applicants over the age of nineteen must complete the University Of Nebraska Medical Center  Volunteer Application Form prior to beginning their service. Individuals under the age of nineteen must have their parents complete the Application Form prior to beginning their service.  

# A criminal background check and appropriate training must be completed for all prior to their beginning service at the University.  (See Volunteer – Guests Background Check Instructions)  

# Send the volunteer to obtain the appropriate campus identification (ID) badge after the individual and service are approved and the background check is completed. Approval consists of a volunteer position/application that has been approved by the department chair or department administrator and a clear background check.     

# Must have and provide proof of immunizations as required by other positions in the area in which the volunteer will be located (flu, Hepatitis B, tetanus, any immunizations specific to the lab).  Questions regarding immunization requirements should be directed to Risk Management.  

# Forward a the original copy of the completed Volunteer Application with a copy of the UNMC ID Badge to the UNMC Office of Risk Management and retain copies of all forms and documentation for a period of three years from the date of the volunteer’s separation.  

# Volunteers returning with a break in service greater than one year must complete a new application, undergo a new background check and complete the necessary training again.   

# Before a volunteer’s duties are changed an assessment must be made to see additional requirement or training is needed.   

A University Volunteer’s term of service may be terminated at any time and without prior notice.