VOLUNTEERS

Wanted, Needed and Rewarded

Wanted: Christian men and women who desire to assist those in need in tangible, life-giving ways

Needed: Volunteers for one morning a month (M-W-F) from 9:00-Noon

Rewards: An even bigger heart, a deeper understanding of poverty and its roots, and the incredible, inspiring experience of meeting Jesus in each client

Why Volunteer?

Glance through the New Testament and observe Jesus’ consistent concern and compassion for the poor and oppressed. It’s all over the Old Testament as well. The blueprint for us is obvious – what we have in our pockets is ours to give.

The Details

 Office volunteers shall be recruited from DOC-UP member churches

 Before serving in the DOC-UP office, each volunteer shall be given orientation and specific training which shall include knowledge of the DOC-UP Statement of Purpose, an understanding of the DOC-UP Policies and Procedures, forms, and records to be kept.

 Each volunteer is asked to work one 3-hour shift each month (personal emergencies may cause exception) and some volunteers may be willing to give more than one shift per month.

 Newly-trained volunteers shall be scheduled to work with experienced volunteers for the first few months.

 Duties include:

          Greeting and registering clients – clients are interviewed in the order registered;

          Checking office files and computer files for any records of previous help given client;

          Answering telephone inquiries.

No arrangements or promises of assistance shall be given by phone. The following information may be given: location of the office, hours and days of operation, eligibility requirements, and documentation which may beneeded.       

Interviewing clients: (1) determining the nature of needs presented; (2) verifying information given -- identification, eligibility, and needed documentation; (3) determining if  the need is one DOC-UP helps and if the request is     reasonable; (4) insuring the client meets eligibility    requirements; (5) insuring the required documentation is presented and verified

Deciding on the disposition: Is the appropriate response direct aid or referral? If the decision is financial help, how much is needed, appropriate, or possible within set limits?  If the decision not to help financially has been reached, what referral(s) are appropriate?

Record keeping which includes:

The application shall be completed with all information   indicated filled in, including the applicant’s signature and     the initials of the volunteers. Any other information gleaned during the interview which might be helpful to another volunteer should the client return, or any   information which affected the decision made, should be noted and made a part of the record.

Copies of required documentation are made for office files.

When financial help is given, a voucher is written, copies made for files, and a copy given to the client with instructions to take the voucher to provider of goods or services.

 If a referral is made, the client is given any necessary paperwork requested by the church or agency to which the client is referred.

 Disposition of the case is noted on the Summary Sheet and  the application.

 Working with a Partner

 An agreement on the division of responsibilities during a shift has proven to be an efficient way to handle the several  tasks to be done. The following suggestions for an informal arrangement are made:         

 One volunteer might act as receptionist, registering clients,  giving instructions for completing the application, and checking the files for information of prior visits to DOC- UP or assistance received. This person could also be  responsible for any copying that is needed, and entering                   pertinent information on the summary sheet. Answering  the phone and calling to verify information are tasks that might be shared.

The second volunteer would conduct the interview and share any of the above responsibilities as time allows.