SDC Cu criey Definition A volunteer is one who gives skills, knowledge, and services to ana without any provision or consideration of getting remuneration from ithe agency. Tasks and Activities The specific tasks and activities assigned to volunteers differ from agency to agency. In general, however, these may be classified as follows: 1. Identifying human conditions or problems requiring social welfare services 2. Initiating and making policy in agencies created to prevent, control, or treat social conditions 3. Contributing service based on knowledge, skills, and interest 4. Soliciting public and voluntary support 5. Acting as spokespersons and interpreters of agency programs and problems to which they are directed Reporting community reaction, critical and positive to the agency's program Collaborating in community planning activities for the purpose of modifying or designing services to meet changing social conditions Types of Services Volunteer work, in general, can be categorized in relation to three levels of functioning: Executive and policy making, such as the level of the board of trustees or directors 2. Administration 3. Direct service i . ‘ . ‘ ‘ contac’ This section deals with direct service volunteers who come 11 close with the agency's clients.supervisory Process Volunteers, though not remunerated for ti servi ie expected to give their best. toe heir services to the agency, nsure that agenc sifectively carried ct a to the satisfaction of ‘oe il volunteers themselves. Hence, the Crucial role of the s i os '€ supervisors has to be Just like the paraprofessionals, the tasks of the volunteers have to be specified. 1. The supervisors in their administrative role, first and foremost, have to delineate the functions of the volunte ; ers from the paraprofessionals’. 2. They have to help the volunteers get “placed” in the agency. This is done by introducing the volunteers to the professional and clerical staff of the agency. 3. They have to acquaint the volunteers with the programs, and services of the agency. They have to assign tasks along the capacity and expectation of the volunteers. Tasks assigned should not be too overwhelming for the volunteers. Policies, procedures, 4. Educational Supervision 1. Volunteers may also need to be supported in professionalizing their relationship with some clients out of self-protection. 2. Conflicts encountered in meeting organizational demands at the expense of clients’ needs may generate feelings in volunteers of betraying the interests of the clients. Volunteers may then feel a sense of being marginalized both by the agency staff and the client group. These are morale problems calling for supportive supervision. Volunteers may also need support and protection from their own high expectations and consequent disappointment. Who is a volunteer? Explain his/her situation in the organization. 2. What are the types of volunteers? Give examples of task description for each. Discuss how and why volunteers need support.