What questions do you ask when you are checking a volunteers reference? I am not happy with the current form used at my facility and I'm looking for better questions to ask to get a good idea about a volunteer.
Hi Jennifer, you may wish to explore why the applicant wants to be a volunteer. Motivations worth taking notice of include:
- They want to give 'something back' to the community - Desire to gain experience in a field they hope to be able to work in one day - Need to meet people / need to feel needed - Have skills from previous paid position that may be useful - A desire to keep active (if person is older)
If the applicant is unemployed, try to find out why.
Also make sure to prepare a 'Position Description' describing a small list of tasks available for volunteers, so the applicant can compare them with their own skills and expectations. You will find relevant material in this link: https://www.goldencarers.com/volunteers-handbook/3252/
The activities on this site are truly amazing. It is great as well that you have the option to make your own activities and share these with others. This website has been tremendously helpful. Our residents especially love the bingo's and hangman. It has also allowed us to complete activities that we may not have thought about before. Thank you so much love this website!
Motivations worth taking notice of include:
- They want to give 'something back' to the community
- Desire to gain experience in a field they hope to be able to work in one day
- Need to meet people / need to feel needed
- Have skills from previous paid position that may be useful
- A desire to keep active (if person is older)
If the applicant is unemployed, try to find out why.
Also make sure to prepare a 'Position Description' describing a small list of tasks available for volunteers, so the applicant can compare them with their own skills and expectations. You will find relevant material in this link: https://www.goldencarers.com/volunteers-handbook/3252/
I hope this helps. This is a great question to ask on our Facebook Group page too:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ActivitiesForSeniors/