Volunteer Dismissal

PURPOSE/POLICY

Presbyterian Volunteer Services reserves the right to refuse volunteer service by any individual. It is never pleasant to contemplate dismissing a volunteer, but there are times when it is necessary. This process is in place to deal fairly and firmly with volunteers in these situations. It is important that all volunteers clearly understand the ground rules for dismissal. Each individual can then make a conscious decision to abide by PHS standards or choose not to volunteer in a PHS facility.

Your first 90 days are considered an orientation period. We will evaluate your placement during this period. Dismissal may occur at any time during the first 90 days if PHS feels the working relationship is unsatisfactory.

Causes for Dismissal:

1. Three absences without notice within the calendar year 2. Valid and documented complaint(s) from hospital staff 3. Valid and documented complaint(s) from patients 4. Documented breach of patient and hospitalconfidentiality 5. Criticisms of hospital administration, staff, policies, orprograms 6. Chronic and documented inability to conform to rules and regulations asset forth by the volunteer department in the volunteerhandbook 7. Failure to complete mandatory annual in-services/training by the end of the calendar year

PROCEDURE

A compilation of two documented incidents is considered grounds for dismissal. As incidents occur, the following steps will be taken: 1. First documented incident: The volunteer is to be counseled by the Director of

Volunteer Services or Volunteer Manager. The volunteer is to be informed that this constitutes the first step in a serious process and another incident will result in dismissal. The Director or site Volunteer Manager will document the counseling and keep it on file. 2. Second documented incident: The Volunteer Director or facility Volunteer Manager will meet with the volunteer. The volunteer will be asked to leave. A record of the dismissal will be kept on file in the volunteeroffice.

Immediate Dismissal

The Volunteer Director or site Volunteer Manager may act to dismiss the volunteer immediately if the gravity of such an incident would indicate that the best interests of PHS patients and staff and the volunteer department would be served by immediate dismissal. Several examples include, but are not limited to: 1. Refusal to be tested for drugs or alcohol 2. Theft 3. Flagrant disregard for departmental safety procedures 4. Insubordination