VOLUNTEER HANDBOOK
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 3
Mission Statement ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 3
Code of Ethics ………….………………………………………………………………………………………………………4
Background Information ………………………………………………………………………………………………..….. 6
Contact Information……………….………………………………………………………………………………………………6
Programs Provided ……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 6
The Referral Process ……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 7
Centre Closures ……………………………………………………………………….………………………………………. 7
Newsletter …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……… 7
Health & Safety ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….………. 8
Ø Fire drills
Ø Community Disasters
Ø First Aid
Ø Clean Air Environment
Ø Report of Injury
Volunteer Requirements …………………………………………………………………………………………… 9
Fundraising Events ……………………………………………………………………………………………………... 10
Vehicle Usage ………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…… 11
Confidentiality ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….……… 12
ORIENTATION
Introduction
This manual is intended to assist you in your orientation of the OSNS Child Development Centre. In addition to a review of the material in this handbook, your orientation will also include:
· Introduction to administrative staff and program staff
· A tour of the Centre
· An orientation to the program in which you will be working in.
If you have any questions about any of the materials contained in this handbook, please ask program staff or the Executive Director.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Okanagan Similkameen Neurological Society (OSNS) Child Development Centre is to promote the physical, psychological and emotional well-being of children in the South Okanagan and Similkameen Regions by providing:
Ø Assessment
Ø Education
Ø Rehabilitation
Ø Prevention
Ø Early Intervention
Ø Program Consultation
and services that are child-oriented, family-focussed and community based.
“Every Child Deserves the Opportunity to Reach Their Full Potential.”
CODE OF ETHICS
The Centre’s Code of Ethics provides general rules for maintaining high standards of service and conduct towards the clients and families being served by our employees, volunteers, students and Board members.
All persons providing service through our Centre are expected to conduct themselves in the following manner:
1. I will treat all persons with respect and value each person for capacities and contributions.
2. I will respect the rights and privacy of the people served while carrying out my duties.
3. I will respect the confidential nature of information regarding the people served and will release it only when authorized by the appropriate legal authorities.
4. I will not use my position of trust for personal advantage or profit.
5. I will not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, religion, socio-economics, gender, sexual orientation, political belief, ancestry, age, ability or martial status.
6. I will provide support and services to the best of my ability adhering to professional standards.
7. In cases of conflict, I will work openly will all parties to achieve resolution.
8. I will maintain professional boundaries and responsible relationships when representing the OSNS Child Development Centre.
9. I will refrain from making unauthorized representations to outside bodies in the name of the OSNS Child Development Centre.
10. I will strive for excellence in service delivery.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Background
The Okanagan Similkameen Neurological Society (OSNS) is a registered, not-for profit organization established in 1978 so that children in the South Okanagan and Similkameen could access services in their communities.
Our programs enhance the abilities of ALL children building on their strengths and that of their families to assist in continued development.
Funding for the Centre is provided by the Ministry for Children and Families as well as through community based fundraising activities. This community support forms a crucial partnership that enables the Child Development Centre to make a difference in the lives of children and their families.
The Centre is a not-for-profit organization and relies heavily on fundraising to support the operational needs required in providing the wide range of services offered. Volunteers at various fundraisers are always welcome.
Communities served by the Centre are Penticton, Summerland, Naramata, Kaleden, Okanagan Falls, Oliver, Osoyoos, Olalla, Keremeos, Cawston, Hedley, Princeton, Coalmont and Tulameen.
Contact Information
We are located at: #103 – 550 Carmi Ave.
Penticton, BC V2A 3G6
Telephone Number: (250) 492-0295
Or (Toll Free) 1-866-492-0295
Fax Number: (250) 492-2164
E-mail Address:
Website: www.osns.org
Office Hours
The Centre is open from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM Monday to Friday.
PROGRAMS PROVIDED
An introduction to the programs offered at the Centre follows. Therapy sessions are provided in the home and/or in the community as well as at the Centre. The programs, in alphabetical order, are:
Autism Treatment
A multidisciplinary team, which includes a Behaviour Coordinator, a Speech/Language Pathologist, an Occupational Therapist and Behaviour Assistants, offers a variety of individualized services primarily to children up to six years of age who are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders. However, some services are available for school-aged children.
Early Childhood Education (Kinderplace Preschool)
Kinderplace is an early intervention developmental preschool program that welcomes all children two and one-half years to kindergarten entry. Experienced Early Childhood Educators who are uniquely skilled provide an enhanced play-based program that meets the needs of children who are typical, gifted and those with special needs.
Occupational Therapy & Physiotherapy
The Occupational and Physiotherapy program focus on assessment and development of movement skills, daily living skills, visual motor skills, and sensory processing abilities.
Psychosocial Department
The Psychosocial program provides assessment, counselling and therapy to children and their social network to achieve positive development in cognition, emotion, health and behaviour. A referral to the Child Psychologist is made where there are concerns about a child’s intellectual and/or social/emotional development associated with health related issues.
Speech/Language Pathology
The Speech/Language program provides service to children who are referred for possible communication delays/disorders. Information is provided to caregivers concerning their child’s understanding and use of language, as well as speech sounds.
Summer Programs
The Centre offers two or more specialized groupings designed to address the specific needs of participants over the summer months. Information on these sessions can be obtained through the office staff, starting May 15th of each year.
THE REFERRAL PROCESS
All referrals, with parental or guardian consent, are accepted.
Referrals are accepted from medical offices, hospitals, Public Health Nurses, Ministry for Children & Family Development, the Infant Development Program, Preschool settings and Parents.
CENTRE CLOSURES
The Centre is closed for all recognized statutory holidays. The Centre may also close for various breaks corresponding to school closures.
The Kinderplace Preschool Program is closed for Christmas, Spring Break and the months of July and August.
NEWSLETTER
Quarterly newsletters provide clients, families and other interested parties with information on the activities and events of our Centre. Articles can be submitted for consideration to our staff and we encourage everyone to participate.
HEALTH & SAFETY
Fire Drills
The Centre conducts Fire Evacuation Drills semi-annually on a regular basis. Everyone is expected to participate. Fire safety and evacuation procedures are posted throughout the Centre. Volunteers will be informed of the procedure by their program coordinator/supervisor.
Community Disaster
In case of a community disaster, the building will be evacuated and everyone will meet at Carmi Elementary School.
First Aid
All accidents or injuries are to be reported to program coordinator/supervisor. First Aid kits are located throughout the Centre and first responders are the front office staff.
Clean Air Environment
The Centre is designated as a scent free/smoke free environment and all persons attending are asked to respect these conditions. You are expected to use unscented personal care products.
Report of Injury
If you are injured during a volunteer period/ or working on behalf of the Centre – inform program coordinator/supervisor as soon as possible. Appropriate documentation is required under the direction of your program coordinator/supervisor.
VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS
Ø All volunteers must be approved by the Executive Director.
Ø All volunteers working at the Centre during office hours must sign in and receive a visitor pass.
Ø All volunteers will report directly to the program coordinator/supervisor, upon arrival, for instruction of duties.
Ø All volunteers working directly with clients under the supervision of a program coordinator must have an up-to-date criminal record check and sign a confidentiality form.
Ø Volunteers will not have access to client files
Ø When an event requires a large number of volunteers, i.e. Telethon, Evergreen Ball, volunteers are to report directly to the coordinator of the event for instructions regarding their duties.
ANNUAL FUNDRAISING EVENTS
Share-A-Smile Telethon
Ø Last Sunday in October
Evergreen Ball
Ø Late November
Theo’s @ 10,000 Feet
Ø Ticket sales from June through August
Show “N” Shine Harley Raffle
Ø Spring of each year
Many other fundraising events occur throughout the year and information will be posted as they occur.
VEHICLE USAGE
All volunteers, needing to use the vehicle cars, must had a valid B.C. driver’s license. A copy of this license must be provided to the Office Manager.
When using the Centre vehicles, you are expected to abide by the following rules:
Ø When the gasoline level is at or below half full, the vehicles are to be fuelled at the Shell Lake City Service Station on Government Street. The purchase is automatically billed to the Centre’s Account. You will be issued a receipt which you MUST give to the Office Manager upon your return to the Centre.
Ø If you notice any unusual noises or handling, please notify office management so that it can be dealt with promptly.
Ø The vehicle must remain clean at all times – make sure to remove any garbage and personal belongings after each use.
Ø Do NOT roll the rear windows down, when Centre logos are present.
Ø In case of an emergency such as a car accident or mechanical difficulties while driving the company vehicle, call for Emergency Roadside Assistance and then contact office management to inform them of your situation. (The phone number for Roadside Assistance is located on the insurance documentation in the glove compartment).
Volunteers and staff are not allowed to transport children or families in vehicles due to liability and insurance issues.
Traffic Infractions
Traffic violations such as parking tickets or speeding tickets while on Centre business must be reported to the Executive Director and the driver will be responsible for paying any fine incurred.
Vehicle Parking
The Centre has designated parking available on “a first come, first served basis”. These stalls are located along the outside perimeter of the parking lot facing the school.
Confidentiality
All staff, students and volunteers must sign a Confidentiality Agreement with the OSNS.
All information with respect to clients, volunteers and staff members is kept strictly confidential, unless the appropriate authority expressly grants authorization for release of same.
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