BHW Volunteer Handbook - 2023

WELCOME

Dear Volunteer,

Welcome to Black Hills Works! On behalf of our employees and the people we support, I want to tell you how pleased we are that you’ve decided to join us! As a volunteer, you will play an important role in our mission of creating a community where everyone participates to achieve a life full of potential!

Since its inception in 1958, Black Hills Works has benefitted greatly from the work of volunteers like YOU. Volunteers have assisted with everything from Special Olympics and other recreational activities, to fundraising and special events. Today, ever tightening budgets combined with the desire of those we serve to live increasingly more active lives make volunteers like YOU absolutely essential to our mission. We would not be able to do what we do without your help.

As you build relationships with the people we serve and our dedicated employees, we hope you find volunteering at Black Hills Works a rewarding and fulfilling experience. Please know we appreciate immeasurably your willingness to share your time and talents. You will make a difference in someone’s life!

Sincerely,

Brad Saathoff Chief Executive Officer BH Services, Inc. Black Hills Works

ABOUT BLACK HILLS WORKS

Established in 1958, Black Hills Works (BHW) is a nonprofit organization that provides person-centered services and supports to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We meet certification and licensing requirements by numerous state and federal agencies and are accredited by the Council on Quality and Leadership.

We provide services to over 600 individuals with various disabilities including learning and developmental disabilities, visual and hearing impairments, head trauma, chronic mental illness, physical impairments, and others. We provide supports to people so they can live, work, and play. We believe everyone has the ABILITY to be a good neighbor, valued friend, productive worker, caring volunteer, and active community member.

MISSION

Black Hills Works exists to create a community where everyone participates to achieve a life full of potential.

VISION

The vision of Black Hills Works is a community where all people are good neighbors, valued friends, productive workers, respected leaders, and caring volunteers.

VALUES

As part of our agency, volunteers will commit to:

Be My Best

• Provide excellent care to the people we support

• Demonstrate a positive attitude

• Be a positive role model

• Be honest

Be Respectful of Others

• Be compassionate

• Treat everyone with fairness, honesty, and courtesy

• Eliminate negativity and back biting

• Recognize the value of others

Be Supportive

• Be involved

• Ask questions with a willingness to learn

• Encourage and celebrate others to be their best

• Be a team member- “We” instead of “Me”

Be Accountable

• Eliminate avoidance

• Be on time

• Say what I mean, meaning what I say

• Accept consequences of personal decisions

PURPOSE OF THE VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

“The way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” - Ghandi

Our volunteer program exists to enhance the programs within Black Hills Works and enrich the lives of those we support. It provides more interaction with community members, creates more opportunities to be active and engaged, and offers additional support needed to help accomplish their goals and live a life full of potential. Our volunteer program also exists to enrich the lives of our volunteers and community.

There is a reason you are right here, right now, in this specific period of time. What is your purpose? You have specific gifts that are unique! We all do. You just have to choose whether you use those gifts only for yourself, or to positively impact others as well. When you focus on others and invest your gifts, YOU create smiles and meaningful days.

If you can paint, sing, teach, coach, cook, fix cars, care, inspire, dance, smile, type, play an instrument, drive, mentor, play video games, design, sew, workout, play board games, teach yoga, or laugh, we provide an outlet for you to share those gifts. And you don’t have to be the absolute very best at those things. Remember, it’s not about you! Clicking, liking, sharing, re-posting and commenting don’t change the world. Instead, you can actually DO something.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM BHW

Your service provides us with help we greatly need, but this isn’t just about us. We want you to grow during our partnership as well. Did you know volunteering can benefit you in many ways? You will:

• Learn and develop skills

• Enhance your resume

• Gain work experience

• Build self-esteem and self-confidence

COMMUNICATION

• Improve your health

• Meet new people

• Feel needed and valued

• Make a difference in someone’s life!

Never be afraid to contact a staff member or ask them a question. They are there to help you. The same goes for the Director of Engagement. If you have questions or concerns about your service, contact your direct supervisor or the Director of Engagement to resolve any issues.

SUPERVISION AND SUPPORT

We want this experience to be as enriching and rewarding for you as for the people we support. Your happiness is extremely important to us, and we will do anything in our power to assist your needs. As a volunteer, if you know of a way that your service area or BHW could be improved, connect with your direct supervisor or the Director of Engagement; we are open to suggestions.

TRAINING

You will receive training prior to entering your service area. Training includes an introduction to Black Hills Works and an overview of all volunteer policies. After the agency training, you will report to your service area to be given area-specific training by your supervising staff.

WHAT CAN YOU DO AS A VOLUNTEER?

We provide multiple opportunities for you to invest your talents and gifts throughout our locations in the Rapid City area. Some opportunities include, but are not limited to:

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Our agency is led by a dynamic volunteer group of local professionals, community business owners, and advocates who believe in our mission and aspire to give of their time and energy to make a direct impact on what we do and who we are. Three boards support the operations of Black Hills Works and its sister agencies of BH Services and BHW Foundation.

DAY SERVICES

Opportunities abound for you to share your gifts in a classroom or community setting. The Learning Center is also home to our fitness center, gymnasium, and recreational room. Whether you want to give back by teaching a class, reading books, yoga, playing games, karaoke, art projects, or shooting hoops, our day service facilities have multiple outlets for you to share your gifts.

FLUTTER PRODUCTIONS

We challenge the perception of people with disabilities and create a new creative community in which performers with or without disabilities come together to create works that celebrate the human spirit. Flutter Productions produces original, world premier productions for the stage, based in theater and contemporary dance. Volunteers are needed to dance, act, assist with practices, event logistics, costume design, set building, makeup, and many other opportunities that surround the theater.

OUT AND ABOUT

This program connects people to our community and activities catered to their interests. Out and About will explore the outdoors, go to concerts, sporting events, movies, dinner, and other awesome events in the Black Hills region. The most rewarding part of the Out and About program is assisting others in our activities while encouraging everyone to live a life full of potential.

PERSON-CENTERED

If your gifts include just hanging out and spending one-on-one time, this is the opportunity for you. A person-centered volunteer develops a friendship through activities such as fishing, walking, putting a puzzle together, going to a movie, reading a book, or other activities that encourage friendship. Sometimes just

listening is all that is needed. If laughing, smiling, and creating a meaningful day for someone sounds rewarding, this program is meant for you.

SPECIAL EVENT SUPPORT

Offer the gift of time by volunteering for the BHW Foundation fundraising events. Our fundraising events typically include our Annual Recognition Gala and Putt-N-Pub, along with other fun and exciting events designed to support our community. Volunteering can range from helping to plan the event, assisting with registration, setting up chairs, etc. All talent levels are encouraged to get involved and make an impact.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS

“Enriching athletes’ lives through teamwork and competition.” That is the motto and creed of the Rapid City Storm. BHW has an active and progressive athletic program which participates in Special Olympics. Our local delegation, the Rapid City Storm, competes in year-round sporting events including softball, bocce ball, track and field, swimming, volleyball, bowling, powerlifting, equestrian, and basketball. Athletes compete in regional, state, and even national events.

The Storm also competes with Unified Teams. Becoming a Unified Partner allows you to compete on the same field/court with our athletes, competing against other Unified teams from across South Dakota. If your passion is playing or coaching sports, the Storm wants you to join our team and inspire athletes through encouragement, instruction, and developing a strong sense of team.

SUZIE CAPPA ART CENTER

Assist our amazing artists as they build their inner creativity. As a volunteer you share ideas, promote their independence, and encourage the artists. Volunteers are needed to share and teach new techniques and art mediums to artists. Volunteers are also needed to assist with keeping the studio organized and prepped for classes. Artistic experience is not a requirement.

THESE ARE NOT YOUR ONLY OPTIONS!

Your interests and creativity are important to your volunteer work. And when you begin working closely with another person, the number of possibilities increases exponentially.

WHAT BHW EXPECTS FROM YOU

AS A VOLUNTEER, YOU HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY TO:

• Be punctual, reliable, and responsible;

• Communicate any issues or concerns which are likely to affect your volunteer duties;

• Do your duties as assigned and directed;

• Accept guidance from your direct supervisor;

• Be willing to learn and participate in orientation, training programs, and meetings;

• Understand the role of the paid staff, maintain a smooth working relationship with them, and stay within the bounds of the volunteer role;

• Keep sensitive organizational information confidential;

• Comply with the policies and procedures of the organization.

ATTENDANCE

You will be expected to show up for all scheduled times. Being timely is important and imperative to keep a smooth-running schedule. However, please recognize that schedules are subject to change. If there is an influx of volunteers, or a certain schedule that does not work, your direct supervisor or the Director of Engagement will update the schedule as needed.

CONFIDENTIALITY

If you can’t make it in when you are scheduled: Please let your direct supervisor know immediately.

Confidentiality has two elements: 1) that of trust, and 2) that of sharing information with the feeling of security that it will remain with the other person. We expect all members of the agency to uphold the highest levels of confidentiality when it comes to both our staff and the people we support. This includes written and electronic records, emails, face to face and phone conversations, social media, need to know basis for information, HIPAA, etc. This guarantee of privacy to an applicant or person supported is intended to free him/ her from embarrassment or exploitation. We need to refrain from talking about a person served or their circumstances in public areas of homes, work, or offices where others may overhear. We also need to ensure that private information is not left on printers or desks where someone may inadvertently access it.

Picture taking is okay. Make sure you ask the person first. Do not share photos on any social media sites without clearing the photo through the Foundation office first, as the people we support have signed confidentiality waivers saying whether or not they want their photos shared. Once the photo is shared on BHW website or social media, you are welcome to share the information.

Volunteers are expected to read the agency policies on Confidentiality and sign the Confidentiality and Ethical Practices Agreement Forms annually. When your time with BHW ends, you are expected to continue to respect the privacy and confidentiality of the people supported at the agency. Names, circumstances, and events are never to be shared with anyone outside the agency or anyone in the agency who does not have a need to know.

DRESS CODE

You are expected to follow the same dress code as the staff members in your work area. In the residential and day services settings, you must follow OSHA/BHW Guidelines:

• Close toed shoes at all times

• No clothing that is too short, revealing, ripped or with holes

• No yoga pants or leggings (unless fully covered by a dress or long tunic)

• Avoid dangling jewelry

• No hats or headbands while insid

ENDING YOUR SERVICE

Rule of thumb: Dress appropriately for your work area or activity.

You are not required to provide notice prior to ending your service with BHW. We hope, however, that you will provide any available notice in the form of email or phone call to your direct supervisor or the Director of Engagement of when your service will end. We understand that unforeseen events occur and respect your right to end service at any time you see fit.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Volunteers are not covered by the agency’s worker compensation. However, the general liability policy does cover volunteers.

We are a drug-free workplace. Using alcohol or illegal drugs is not allowed. Staff may have access to prescription drugs, controlled substances, and medical supplies as part of their job and you may come in contact with these substances during your service. We have a legal and ethical responsibility to maintain strict control over these items. Report any problems to your immediate supervisor.

You are prohibited from ingesting, possessing, trafficking, manufacturing, dispensing, or distributing any amount of legal or illegal mood-altering, controlled substances at all times. This includes but is not limited to all forms of narcotics, depressants, amphetamines, hallucinogens, and marijuana. Violation will result in your immediate removal from the worksite and termination of services, and the violation will be reported to the Rapid City Police Department.

MANDATORY REPORTING OF ABUSE, NEGLECT, MISTREATMENT, EXPLOITATION, HARASSMENT, AND DISCRIMINATION

BHW serves adults with disabilities who may be vulnerable to potential abuse. As a volunteer, you, along with staff, are mandatory reporters if you suspect that a person is being abused, neglected, mistreated, or exploited. Concerns should be reported to your direct supervisor or the Director of Engagement. We expect you to support an environment that recognizes the value and worth of all individuals, treat others with respect and courtesy, and comply with our zero-tolerance policy for acts of harassment, discrimination, and/or intimidation.

Definitions:

• Harassment: Severe and/or persistent communication or actions related to a person’s age, race, ethnicity, gender, religion, or other non-merit factors

• Discrimination: Treating someone differently because of a difference. Again, these are nonmerit-based differences such as age, race, gender, ethnicity, citizenship, ancestry, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other factors protected by federal, state, and local law.

If you feel you or someone else is being harassed or subject to discrimination, please contact your direct supervisor or the Director of Engagement.

UNQUALIFIED TASKS

Volunteers should not:

• Partake in direct care (i.e. brushing teeth, dressing, hairbrushing, etc.)

• Attempt to feed a person supported

• Lift a person served from their chair, wheel chair, from the sitting position, etc., on your own. You must be accompanied by a trained staff person. Please allow staff to do this task or ask for assistance before you attempt to help.

• Assist in the restroom. You are allowed to escort a person served to the restroom, but please ask a staff person to help the person supported.

PERSON-FIRST THINKING

Remember to speak to the people we serve like adults. Communication and language are extremely important with anyone, but be aware of what you are saying about and to the people we support. We serve adults at BHW. Every person is 21 years of age or older. We ask that you use “person supported” or “person served” instead of “clients.” Use “people who need more/less support” vs. “high/low functioning.” Treat the people we support as your equal.

THINGS TO REMEMBER WHEN INTERACTING WITH PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

• A person with a disability is a person; someone to meet and get to know. Remember that individuals with disabilities are more similar to you than dissimilar.

• Be respectful, always.

• Sometimes the individual may not understand boundaries. Offering a handshake, fist bump, or high five are good alternatives.

• It is important to remember that nonverbal communication, such as eye contact, facial expressions, and the tone of your voice sometimes speaks louder than words.

• If you have a question about how to interact with someone receiving ser vices, it is important to ask support staff for help.

• Relax. Don’t worry about what to say.

Please ask a staff member.

• Appreciate what the person is able to do. Only help if asked, or if the need seems obvious.

• Respect the individual’s right to indicate the kind of help needed.

• Speak directly to the person rather than through a companion or sign language interpreter.

• Offer to shake hands when introduced.

• Always identify yourself when meeting someone with a visual disability.

• Never patronize people in wheelchairs by patting them on the head or shoulder; they are adults.

• Do not lean against or hang on someone’s wheelchair or cart.

• Listen attentively when talking with people who have difficulty speaking and wait for them to finish. Never pretend to understand; rather, repeat what you heard and wait for them to respond.

• Place yourself at eye level when speaking to a person using a wheelchair

• Tap a person who has a hearing disability on the shoulder or wave your hand to get his/ her attention. Speak in a normal tone of voice.

• Be yourself.

YOUR WORDS, OUR IMAGE, 9TH EDITION

You are in a unique position to shape the public image of people with disabilities. By putting the person first and using these suggested words, you can convey a positive, objective view of an individual instead of a negative, insensitive image. www.rtcil.org/guidelines

DO SAY DON’T SAY

Disability Differently abled, challenged

People with disabilities, disabled Handicapped

Person with spinal cord injury Cripple

Person with autism, Autistic

On the Autism Spectrum, atypica Abnormal

Person with Down syndrome Mongoloid

Person of short stature, little person Midget, dwarf

Uses a wheelchair, wheelchair user

Slow learner

Person with a learning disability Slow learner, retard

Person with mental illness, psychiatric disability

Crazy Person, psycho

Person with a brain injury Brain damaged

DO SAY DON’T SAY

Blind, low vision blind as a bat, visually disabled

Deaf, hard of hearing Deaf-mute, deaf and dumb

Intellectual disability Retarded, mental retardation

Amputee, has limb loss Gimp, lame

Congenital disability

Birth defect

Survivor Victim, suffers from

Person with post-polio syndrome Suffers from polio

Service animal or dog

Nondisabled, person without a disability

How should I describe you or your disability?

Accessible parking or restroom

Seeing eye dog

Normal, able-bodied, healthy

What happened to you?

Handicapped parking, disabled restroom

If you have any questions about how to appropriately interact with individuals: