Illinois Valley P.A.D.S.

(Public Action to Deliver Shelter)

 

 

 

October 1 – April 30

7:00 pm – 7:00 am

 

 

 

 

Volunteer Handbook

 

 

Volunteer Motto:

 

 

Extend hospitality to each guest.

Provide a caring and compassionate encounter.

Be aware of needs and be willing to listen.

Share the gift of oneself.

Impart blessings to all.

Have fun!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expectations Overview

 

ADMISSIONS & REGISTRATION: Help Staff as requested.

 

ARRIVAL:  Arrive 15 minutes before shift assignment and sign in on sheet at kitchen desk. Review any notes, previous shift details, attendance, ect. before starting shift. All personal items, coats, purses, wallets, boots, ect., are to be hung or left in the pantry at the rack. No items should be placed in a guest area.

 

EMERGENCIES:  DIAL 911, and contact Staff on duty.

 

FOOD SERVICE:  Heat and serve food cafeteria style. Note serving temperatures

on log.

 

LAUNDRY:  ÒHouse LaundryÓ has priority. Assist guest to prevent damage to machines.

 

MEDICAL:  Do NOT dispense any medications. If a guest needs attention, call 911.

 

MONEY:  Do not give money to guests or hold their money or other possessions. Guests are not to solicit any volunteers for money or services. If anyone solicits you, please note it in the log.

 

PAPERWORK:  Record happenings, even everyday things, in the daily log at the desk in the kitchen. This is necessary for tracking activities that may need follow-up by Staff.

Please help.

 

PERSONAL INFORMATION:  Do not give ANY personal information about yourself or other volunteers and/or staff. (Names, phone numbers, addresses, etc.) This is extremely important.

 

SAFETY & SECURITY:  Monitor activities to provide a peaceful and safe environment for our guests and volunteers. Be sure men and women stay in their own sleeping areas. Doors are to be locked at 9:00 p.m. and in the morning at 7 a.m.

 

SCHEDULE CONFLICTS:  Call Program Director if you cannot make it for your shift. If your relief does not show up, please call the Staff-member on duty. Do NOT leave shelter unattended.

 

SMOKING:  Permitted ONLY outside, in the designated area.

 

VOLUNTEER INFORMATION NOTEBOOK:  PLEASE READ! Contains important information and procedures.

 

 

PADS Shelter Policies

 

AGE RESTRICTIONS:  No one under the age of 18 years will be admitted for services. Call the Peru Police or the Youth Service Bureau.

 

ALCOHOL, DRUGS, WEAPONS, PORNOGRAPHY:  Possession and/or use of any of these items is strictly forbidden on PADS property, and the Guest is subject to disciplinary action.

 

DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR:  Disruptive behavior, physical and/or verbal abuse of anyone, and damage to PADS property is not allowed, and subject to disciplinary action.

 

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE:  PADS is not a safe house. Anyone attempting to register here to escape a domestic violence situation must be immediately referred to the police.

CALL 911. The police will handle the situation and take the victim to the proper Domestic Violence Shelter.

 

FEES:  No fees of any kind are asked, required, or expected of our Guests.

 

KITCHEN:  Guests are never allowed in the kitchen or pantry for ANY reason.

 

MEDIA:  Media will occasionally have access to the shelter, but only when guests are not present. All communications and publicity with the media must be approved by the Executive Director, who is the only person authorized to speak for PADS.

 

NO ADMIT LIST:  Individuals who are NOT allowed on the premises (includes the parking lot) is at the registration desk and is frequently updated. The Executive Director determines the makeup of this list.

 

PETS:  Pets are not allowed on the premises. If a guest has a pet, you must call IVAR to arrange for the boarding of the animal during the guestÕs stay at PADS. Animals may not be left in cars.

 

RELATIONSHIPS:  Friendships between guests and volunteers may develop with the understanding that a professional relationship must be maintained. Fraternization is strictly prohibited.

 

SEXUAL HARASSMENT:  PADS provides an employment environment free of unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct, or communications constituting sexual harassment as defined and prohibited by State and Federal Laws. Sexual activities between guests and guests, or between volunteers and guests, or between staff and volunteers are prohibited.

 

SEX OFFENDERS:  Illinois Valley PADS will make every reasonable effort to prohibit any known sex offender from registering as a guest, or from providing services as a volunteer in our facilities.

 

SHELTER SERVICES:  Attendance at, or solicitation of membership in, or counseling on beliefs, of any organization (church, union, political entity, fraternal organizations, etc.) will not be required for receipt of shelter and/or services.

 

TRANSPORTATION:  GUESTS:  Officially, PADS does not provide transportation for guests. No volunteer is ever obliged to transport a guest anywhere. If a volunteer chooses to transport a guest, he or she assumes complete responsibility.

OTHER: Volunteers who use their own vehicles to deliver food or other supplies for PADS must have a valid driverÕs license and have motor vehicle liability insurance in amounts requires by the DMV Code.

 

DONATIONS:

 

 When ANY donation is brought, please have the donor complete the Donation Form and ask if they would like a receipt. Donations Forms and receipts are on the clipboard in the kitchen. Even if they do not want a receipt, please make note of the donation on the Donation Form.

 

EMERGENCIES:

 

In case of an emergency, DIAL 911. For an altercation or medical emergency, call 911.

Be ready to give dispatcher all the necessary information. Meet the police at the door to direct them to the situation. BE SURE TO RECORD THIS INCIDENT IN THE ACTIVITY LOG. If a guest has a serious, but non-life-threatening condition, they may be taken to the emergency room by ambulance.

 

FIRST AID CAUTION:  If blood is present, USE LATEX GLOVES, located in the kitchen. When cleaning up blood or any other bodily fluids, use gloves along with bleach or disinfectant as required. Be careful to dispose of ALL SOILED RAGS OR BEDDING so as to not pose a danger to anyone.

 

ALCHOL, DRUGS, WEAPONS, and PORNOGRAPHY:  Possession of, and/or, use of alcohol, drugs, weapons or pornography is strictly forbidden on PADS property. Strict disciplinary action will be taken.

 

ANNUAL BUDGET:  The Board of Directors shall review and approve an annual budget prior to the start of the agencyÕs fiscal year.

 

FOOD SERVICE:  Prepare and serve food that is provided. Please wash hands and wear gloves when handling food. Heat food according to Temperature Chart Guidelines, using a Temperature Thermometer provided. Food is to be served cafeteria style.

 

 

LEFTOVER FOOD must be put away within one hour after serving time. If there is

NOT ENOUGH for another meal throw it away. All food containers must be labeled with the contents-name and the date it is being frozen, or put into the fridge for prompt use.

            Wash and put away all serving tools and containers. Clean counters, tables and microwave ovens and sweep and/or mop kitchen floor. ALL food service activities are performed by volunteers.

            Guests are not allowed to participate in food preparation ands should not be in the kitchen.

 

MEDICATIONS:  ALL medications must be turned into the office. Meds need to be taken IN THE PRESENCE of staff/volunteer, so guests should bring water when they need to take medication.

DO NOT DISTRIBUTE ANY MEDICATION DOSE TO A GUEST, (whether prescription or non-prescription.) INSTEAD, place the bottle or container on the counter and allow the guest to take the appropriate dosage while you watch. (encourage guest to read all instructions before taking any prescribed medications.)

Parents are responsible for ANY medications given to a minor child in their care.

DO NOT DISPENSE ANY MEDICATION TO ANYONE TO WHOM IT DOES NOT BELONG! Be sure to check the name on the bag/container/bottle.

 

SECURITY & SAFETY:

 

KNOW the location and operation of fire extinguishers, emergency exits, first aid materials and telephones. Be alert so everyone will be protected and safe. Do not argue with a guest or another volunteer. Promote a peaceful and friendly atmosphere by avoiding any confrontational, anger-provoking conversations and situations.

 

Lock doors at 9:00 PM and at 7 AM.

 

SHIFT CHANGES:

 

Communicate important information to incoming staff. If your relief does not arrive, telephone the Staff on Duty. (Phone # on Volunteer Sign-In Sheet.)

Do not leave shelter unattended.

 

SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS:  Men and women sleep in separate areas. This rule applies to married couples. A child under 13 years of age may sleep in the area of the same-sex parent or guardian.

 

Please be as quiet as possible while guests are sleeping.

 

 

SMOKING POLICY:  Smoking is allowed in the designated smoking area outside, at the south end of the building. (See Shelter rules & Guidelines.)

 

TELEPHONE:

 

INCOMING CALLS:  Answer the phone, ÒGood evening/morning. PADS. May I help you?Ó Ask who is calling, if they ask to speak to a guest, and then, find from the guest if they wish to accept the call. Guests who do NOT wish to accept any calls will be posted on the board above the phone in the kitchen. Please be alert to these requests.

 

            Guest Usage: Calls may be made between 7:00 PM and 10:00 PM, and between 5:00 AM and 6:30 AM. ONE CALL is allowed per night/day. Complete the Telephone Log Form before YOU dial their call. Calls are LOCAL ONLY and limited

 to 3 minutes.

 

Do not give out any information about a guest, or about a volunteer over the phone.

 

TOILETRIES & CLOTHING:

 

May be dispensed as needed. Personal toiletries are not allowed to be left in the bathroom. Razors will be held and dispensed on request.

Guests who need clothing items will have to request them from staff or volunteers, and will wait until the items needed are brought out to them from the supply room. Guests are not to enter the supply room without permission and escort.

 

TELEVSION & ENTERTAINMENT:

 

Television, Radio, Videos, DVDs may be used between 7:00 PM & 10:30 PM, and between 6:00 AM & 7:00 AM. Programs are subject to monitoring by Staff and what is deemed to be objectionable will not be permitted. Inform Staff on duty if there is a problem with programming.

All Videos, DVDs and books/reading materials, must be approved by the Site Director before they are allowed. Unacceptable materials will be taken and stored in the office until the guest bringing them in leaves the shelter, at which time, they may take them.

 

WAKE-UP CALLS:

 

General WAKE-UP time is 6:00 AM. Guests who need OTHER wake-up times can arrange them from the Site Director. A note will be posted on the Daily Admission form with the time of the call needed and the guestÕs bunk number. PLEASE BE ALERT TO THESE CALLS.

When waking a guest, never touch them. Call them, shine the flashlight on them, push the bed, but do not touch the guest. This is for YOUR protection.

 

PARKING:

 

GUEST cars are to be parked on the west side of the parking lot, on the gravel. All volunteer cars should be parked in the lined spots next to the building. It is a good practice for you to lock your car while here.