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Project MEND. National Conference on AT Reuse “Shaping a National Collaborative for Assistive Technology Reutilization” September 14-17, 2009 Omni Hotel @ CNN Center Atlanta, Georgia “Staffing of Reuse Programs” (Volunteers). SERVICES WE PROVIDE.
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Project MEND National Conference on AT Reuse “Shaping a National Collaborative for Assistive Technology Reutilization” September 14-17, 2009 Omni Hotel @ CNN Center Atlanta, Georgia “Staffing of Reuse Programs” (Volunteers)
SERVICES WE PROVIDE Durable Medical Equipment (DME) – Through this service we provide DME to eligible clients. We receive donated DME then refurbish, repair and sanitize these items and distribute them to our clients. Fitted Mobility (FM) – This service allows us to provide financial assistance to eligible clients needing to purchase specialized or fitted devices, such as, orthotics; prostheses; cranial helmets; and other assistive devices necessary for rehabilitation.
STAFF RESPONSIBILITIES CASE MANAGEMENT STAFF • Primary responsibility is to take care of clients and their service needs (Case Managers; Program Manager; Intake Specialist) • Schedule clients • Manage clients through entire process of receiving Project MEND services as well as other services they may need WAREHOUSE STAFF • Primary responsibility is to prepare DME for distribution to clients (Warehouse Technicians; Bio-Medical Technician; Warehouse Manager) • Sanitize/refurbish/repair DME • Deliver DME to clients’ homes • Pick up donated DME
VOLUNTEER RESPONSIBILITIES WAREHOUSE VOLUNTEERS – • Hand-clean and hand-sanitize medical equipment items • Complete minor repairs on medical equipment • Keep warehouse clean and orderly • Help to maintain grounds and office areas • Clean out trucks and vans • Store medical equipment items on racks (no heavy lifting) OFFICE VOLUNTEERS – • Provide clerical support to staff • Answer phones • Assist clients with paperwork; answer questions
RECRUITING VOLUNTEERS We primarily recruit volunteers from: • AARP Senior Employment Program – senior volunteers that are paid by AARP but work with a non-profit for 18 hours per week • Local colleges & universities – student volunteers at least 18 years of age • Advertising - our website; newspapers; etc. • Local military installations • Court-appointed community service volunteers – individuals required by the court to serve a specific number of community service hours with a non-profit agency • Referrals from our Board – marketing; human resources; grant writing; etc.
REQUIREMENTS FOR VOLUNTEERS • All volunteers are required to: • Interview with the Project MEND Executive Director and appropriate department supervisor • Provide a resume, if available • Sign a Waiver and Release of Liability Form • Sign a Media Release Form • Sign the Project MEND HIPPA Confidentiality Agreement • Complete an orientation about Project MEND’s services with their Project MEND supervisor • Complete a training session on their job responsibilities and related policies and procedures with their Project MEND supervisor • Review their job description • Abide by all Project MEND policies and procedures • Sign in and out each day they work for Project MEND
USING VOLUNTEERS: PROs & CONs • PROs – • Free Marketing: Volunteers spread the word about your agency to their friends • Subsidized Employment: Working with local agencies like AARP can get you paid volunteers • Potential for Great Employees: A great volunteer may have the potential to be hired as a full-time staff member • Giving Back: Volunteers who understand your agency’s Mission and Goals may have a sense of fulfillment in their own personal lives • CONs – • Volunteers: Lets face it; volunteers may sometimes be unpredictable, undependable and unreliable • Liability: Is your organization prepared to take on the responsibility of having a volunteer on site? Are there specific training modules in place for volunteers? • Volunteer Limitations: Volunteers may have limitations when it comes to specific duties (Can they handle sensitive or private client information; lift heavy items; etc?)
VALUE OF OUR VOLUNTEERS 2008 $19,854 in volunteer service hours 2009 $30,000 estimated
Thank You! Cathy Valdez Executive Director 210-223-6363 cathy.valdez@projectmend.org www.projectmend.org