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/
Thank you so much for all these wonderful activities and ideas. I used to spend hours compiling quizzes and looking for activities. You have made my job so much easier, keep up the good work!! :)
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/