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.

Solange

Diversional Therapist

9 years ago

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/

I hope this helps. This is a great question to ask on our Facebook Group page too:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/ActivitiesForSeniors/