To Get Started, All Volunteers Must

• Fill out a volunteer application form

• Sign the confidentiality agreement

• Fill out the background check request form

• Attend volunteer orientation and training

• Obtain driver’s training with Mobility Matters if you plan to be a transportation volunteer.

​

Volunteer Guidelines

• Respect the confidentiality of all members

• Respect all volunteers, members and staff

• Be a Mt. Diablo Village ambassador in the community
   

Volunteer Responsibilities

• Be on time.

• If you are unable to make your commitment, when possible, give 24-hour notice by calling or emailing the office.

• If, for any reason, you are uncomfortable with any situation, contact the office immediately.

 

Be an Effective Volunteer

• Know why you are volunteering. Do you want to give back to the community, meet new friends, advance your career, gain recognition, or just enjoy the personal satisfaction from helping others?

• Know your time commitment – Does it work for your schedule and/or lifestyle?

• Know your skills and put them to good use.

• Be willing to give and receive honest feedback in your volunteer job, and, when necessary, be an advocate for change.

• Respect confidentiality related to your volunteer placement in all settings in your life.

• Be willing to say No if you are unable to commit to an assignment. You will have other opportunities for something that better matches your schedule or talent.

• Most important: bring your heart and your sense of humor to your volunteer service, along with an enthusiastic spirit, which is in itself a priceless gift.
   

 Volunteer Policies

 

• Refrain from giving advice/assistance. 

• Refrain from sharing your personal wisdom with our members, because it could be damaging or cause harm if we don’t know all the circumstances.

• When someone asks your advice on what to do or asks you to help with health care or financial matters, you can tell them that Mt. Diablo Village can very likely find an “expert” to provide the advice/assistance requested, and that you will call the office on their behalf if they wish.

 

Home Safety

If you observe something in a member’s home that you feel is unsafe, there are two ways you can handle it. 
 

1. If you feel you can fulfill your assignment in a safe manner, complete it and then call the office as soon as possible to report what you have observed. 

2. If you feel it is unsafe to complete your task, explain this to the member and contact the office.
    

Medical Emergency

If the member has fallen and cannot get up without help, do not attempt to move the member. Call 911. You might say, “I don’t feel comfortable assessing your condition; the EMTs are the best ones to decide what should be done.” While waiting for help to arrive, you may sit down beside the member and talk reassuringly, e.g. “Let me sit with you until help arrives.” As soon as it is safe to do so, call the Village office to relay what has happened.
 

For all other medical or other emergencies, please call 911 and report to the office when safe to do so.
 

Health Care

Because of possible adverse consequences for members, under no circumstances should a volunteer attempt to perform any task that may be construed as health care, e.g. dispensing medication; changing dressings or band-aids; aiding a member to bathe or dress; moving a member from a wheelchair to bed, etc. You should share with the member that the Village has a list of companion and health care providers which members can contact.
 

Similarly, the policy of Mt. Diablo Village is that volunteers are to avoid inappropriate touch, although hand shaking is a gracious way of greeting. Gently guiding a frail older adult by the arm while walking or in transit is also fine.
 

Elder Abuse

If you witness an act of abuse, call the Police or 911. If you suspect a member is being abused, report your suspicions of abuse to the office. We will contact Adult Protective Services for them to follow up.
 

Handling Money

Mt. Diablo Village volunteers should not perform legal or financial work for members. For example, a volunteer should not handle a checkbook or pay bills. Instead, members may call the office for a referral. 
 

If you provide grocery shopping services, you will receive a separate guide on Grocery Shopping Procedures.
 

It is the policy of Mt. Diablo Village that volunteers do not accept gifts/tips. If a member offers you a tip, you might say something like, “Your membership fee includes all volunteer services. It has been my pleasure to help you. If you would like to make a contribution to Mt. Diablo Village, I know it would be greatly appreciated.”
 

Volunteer Assignments

If the member asks you to do something other than what you were scheduled to do and the request does not involve health-related, legal, or financial activities, you can decide if you have the time, interest, and are qualified to do what has been asked. Please inform the office of the additional service and time so we can record this properly.
 

Should a request require a bigger time commitment than you have available or a service for which you have little skill/interest, politely decline. Let the member know that he/she can contact the office with this new request. When in doubt, as with any of the policies, call the office for directions. 
 

Driver Requirements

Volunteers are required to be under 75, have a good driving record, insurance, and receive training from Mobility Matters.

 

Volunteer Recognition

From time to time, the Village holds volunteer appreciation events to honor and recognize our volunteers and to provide a time for volunteers to meet and share stories with each other. It is the Village way of expressing appreciation for the wonderful work that volunteers do.

 

IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION

The office phone is 925-283-3500 and daily office hours are 10:00 am – 3:00 pm. You may always leave a message if we are unable to answer in person. You can also email info@mtdiablovillage.org.
 

Should you encounter a medical or other serious emergency with a member, call 911. Once the situation is addressed, call the office to arrange completing an incident report.