How to Screen Volunteer Workers
How great it is that people are able to volunteer their time and work with people and organizations that need assistance. Volunteers play an integral part in helping people and organizations achieve their goals. But any person or organization that works with volunteers should always screen all of their volunteers. Screening a volunteer worker cannot only confirm their true identity, but find out information about their background that may prove beneficial to know. To screen a volunteer worker, follow these steps.
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Instructions
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Have a standard application for all volunteers. Have sections for their personal information and references as well as for previous experience and qualifications for working in their area of interest.
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Conduct an in-depth interview with all potential volunteers. Be sure to ask why they wish to volunteer. It can be helpful to know the motives of your volunteer workers.
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Contact all of the references provided. References should include other organizations for which the applicant has volunteered. Ask open ended questions like "Can you tell me about John's work with children?" "What are his strengths and weaknesses?" Also ask if they'd be willing to accept help again from the volunteer.
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Contact the criminal history board for your state and ask if they have a form that allows you to check a potential volunteer's state criminal record. Massachusetts, for example, has the CORI report which allows potential employers and volunteer directors to access, with permission from the applicant, their Massachusetts criminal record.
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Perform an Internet search using the name of the potential volunteer. Look at their profiles from social networking sites as well.
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Check your state's sex offender registry to see if the applicant is on there.
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Tips & Warnings
Be sure to have a trial period with your volunteer and check up on her periodically to observe her work.
Pay attention to the unspoken communication from the reference. If the person doesn't seem willing to answer all of your questions it could be a red flag.
