Volunteer Guidelines

We appreciate the knowledge, talent and skill contributed by caring volunteers. All volunteers between the ages of 14-17 must be accompanied by an adult. Volunteers will be assigned to positions based on interest, skills and FHS needs.

Timeliness and Scheduling

Volunteers must show up on time. You and your supervisor will schedule times that are convenient for you and support FHS needs. When these times and dates are agreed upon, it is your responsibility to fulfill the agreement. Please notify your team leader or supervisor of any changes in availability or contact information.

Timesheets

Documenting volunteer hours helps FHS receive grants and other support. Volunteers are responsible for completing their time sheet. If you need to document your volunteer time for school or any other agency, it is recommended you keep a duplicate timesheet for your records. If you need to obtain a letter of verification or other documentation of your volunteer work, please give the Volunteer Coordinator a minimum of one-week notice to process this request.

Dress Code

Volunteers must dress in an appropriate manner. You may elect to purchase a FHS Volunteer shirt at any time. You will receive a photo ID badge at no cost and one FHS shirt at no cost upon completing a 30-day period of volunteer work. You are encouraged to dress comfortably, neatly and appropriately for your particular work. For safety reasons, jeans or other long pants are recommended for animal handling positions inside FHS. Closed toed shoes are required for safety. Any position you come in direct contact with the public requires a neat and professional appearance. Torn jeans, tank tops, midriff-baring shirts, tight fitting, low cut, or mini outfits are not acceptable for any volunteer position at FHS.

Representation

Volunteer are expected to represent FHS in a positive and professional manner at all times. Please review www.flaglerhumanesociety.org in order to familiarize yourself with the mission, programs and services. Please be prepared to answer common questions from the public on topics such as non-profit status, pet overpopulation, spay/neuter efforts, adoption process, and other issues pertinent. All inquires from the media are to be directed to appropriate administrative personnel for response.

Volunteer Recognition

FHS will do our best to acknowledge all volunteers, as well as hold group meetings and events from time to time. If at any time you feel your efforts are not being recognized, please inform the FHS Volunteer Coordinator.

Right to Decline Services

FHS reserves the right to limit the use of volunteers, adjust hours or decline services. No employment or any other contractual right is created by these policies. FHS is grateful for all volunteers, but nothing is these policies should be interpreted as a right to participate in any program, or assume the continuation of any volunteer position. Grounds for declining services or discontinuing include but not limited too: unsatisfactory background checks, misconduct, insubordination, being under the influence or alcohol or drugs, theft, misuse of FHS equipment or materials, mistreatment of clients or co-workers, failure to abide by FHS policies or procedures, and/or failure to meet performance related functions of a particular volunteer position.

Infection Control

Animal shelter life is stressful and can make them more susceptible to illness. Cats especially are prone to upper respiratory infection, which is highly contagious and easily transmitted through the air (sneezing), by direct contact from one cat to another, or by a person’s hands after they have come into contact with an infected cat. Please wash or sanitize your hands thoroughly after handling each animal and follow the disinfection process guidelines at all times. If you have pets at home, you should not let them come into contact with your work clothes until they have been laundered. If it recommended that you use a solution or 10 parts water to 1 part bleach to clean the bottom of shoes after leaving FHS and wearing into your home.

Incident Reporting

Please report the following to your immediate supervisor immediately:

– Dog or cat fights

– Signs of animal illness (sneezing, coughing, runny nose/eyes, lethargy)

– Behavioral issues of animal (depression, aggression toward people/animals)

– Injuries you sustain during your volunteer shift (bites, scratches, sprains)

– Illness or physical discomfort you experience during your volunteer shift

Any incident witnessed you feel is inconsistent with FHS polices, procedures or professional standards)

General Support

While you are encouraged to communicate with the lead in your volunteer area, feel free to contact the FHS Volunteer Coordinators, at volunteer@flaglerhumanesociety.org or (386) 445-1814 ext. 506.
All suggestions intended to improve FHS are welcome. Thank you for your service, we can’t do this important work without your support!
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