Volunteer Handbook - Greater Jackson Habitat for Humanity
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Last updated on 2/26/2018
Orientation Date__________ Background Check______________ Database________________
Volunteer
Handbook
Greater Jackson Habitat for Humanity
251 W. Prospect St.
Jackson, MI 49203
Office Hours: Monday- Friday 9am-4:30pm
ReStore Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10:00 am-5:00 pm
Fax: (517)784-3890
Office: (517) 784-6620
ReStore: (517) 784-7640
Since 1989, the Greater Jackson Habitat for Humanity affiliate has helped many families through the use
of volunteers and covenant partners.
1
To date, we have built 59 homes and did major home repair projects, providing housing for over 200 men, women and
children in Jackson County. We have great plans for helping the Jackson County community for years to come.
Greater Jackson Habitat for Humanity’s volunteer program consists of a very active group of men, women, and teens
working in every area of the ReStore and Construction sites. Our volunteers come from all walks of life … retirees,
husband and wife teams, students, and people currently employed with full-time or part-time jobs.
You may join them in a one-time special event or for ongoing projects. You will find camaraderie within the volunteers
and the staff; have opportunities to interact with interesting people and be a vital part of giving a family a home.
Vision Statement
All people in Jackson County will be able to live in simple, decent and affordable housing.
Mission Statement
To provide simple, decent, affordable housing to those in need, matching the time, talent and resources of the community
with God’s people who could not otherwise afford home ownership, strengthening families and society.
Value Statement
GJHFH is an organization which serves to build communities by helping those families who are willing to be partners
with us in a caring, honest and responsible relationship to achieve the goal of home ownership.
Volunteer Opportunities (Job Descriptions)
RESTORE: INTAKE WORKER
The Warehouse Worker is a volunteer position responsible for the processing of donated materials for sale at the Habitat for
Humanity Restore and assisting customers as needed. The intake worker must be able to lift over 30 lbs., be flexible with different
tasks, and work well with others.
RESTORE: CASHIER
The Cashier is a volunteer position responsible for the processing and accepting of payments for purchase of items, answering
general questions about the store and merchandise, welcoming customers to the store and assisting customers.
The cashier must be able to lift over 30 lbs., be flexible with different tasks, and work well with others.
RESTORE: DELIVERY DRIVER
The delivery driver goes on donation pick-up and deliveries in our pick-up truck and non-CDL box truck in Jackson County and
surrounding communities.
The ReStore truck driver must be able to provide a good driving record, lift more than 40 lbs., be able to represent Habitat in the
community well, be able to answer questions in regards to Habitat and also be able to work well with others.
RESTORE: SALES ASSOCIATE
A sales associate is an organized, efficient, flexible, energetic and personable individual. Qualified candidates will have a background
in scheduling and logistics, experience with construction or home improvement related retail sales, have a “customer first” mindset,
and have the desire to work in a nonstandard retail environment. This is an opportunity for a retail professional who wants to apply
his/her skills to raise funds to support a successful non-profit organization.
The sales associate must be able to lift more than 40 lbs., be able to represent Habitat in the community well, be able to answer
questions in regards to Habitat and also be able to work well with others.
2|PageLUNCH VOLUNTEER
Not interested in swinging a hammer, or not able to work at the ReStore, but want to help impact your community? Do not worry!
We are in need for special individuals who are able to donate lunch for the volunteers. The construction and restore crews are 15 in
size, and welcoming of any food support. We have available opening on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
COMMITTEES
Habitat has various committees that volunteers may join. Please contact Jamie Potts for further information at Jpotts@jackson
habitat.org.
Policies and Procedures:
Drug Free Workplace
As part of GJHFH’s ongoing commitment to a safe and healthy workplace, a drug-free workplace policy is maintained. Any volunteer
who reports to work while under the influence of drugs or alcohol runs the risks of substandard work performance, endangering his
or her safety and the safety of others, destruction of or damage to personal or agency property, and a loss of productivity and
workplace morale.
All employees and volunteers of GJHFH are required to understand and comply with the drug-free workplace policy. Any failure to
comply with the guidelines of this policy can result in volunteer termination.
Smoking
Smoking is prohibited on GJHFH grounds. Please smoke inside your vehicle or off grounds.
Security
GJHFH strives to provide a secure work environment for its volunteers, clients and visitors. Volunteers are encouraged to be prudent
about bringing personal items to work. GJHFH is not responsible for losses resulting from theft of or damage to personal
property.
Personal Use of Phone
Although occasional personal phone calls are to be expected, any personal use of the office phones are limited.
Attire and Personal & Hygiene
It is expected that volunteers will maintain a clean and neat appearance and will project a professional and businesslike image in
dealing with clients, and other volunteers. GJHFH reserves the right to define appropriate standards of appearance for the
workplace.
Confidentiality
GJHFH volunteers may have access to personal information of donors and volunteers, and must adhere to keeping such
information private.
Harassment
It is the policy of GJHFH that there shall be no harassment of any employee, volunteer, client or by any supervisor on
account of race, sex, national origin, religion, physical handicap, or sexual orientation (or on account of any other
projected status). There is a zero tolerance for allowing individuals who have committed a sexual crime, volunteer at any
Greater Jackson Habitat for Humanity site. Greater Jackson Habitat for Humanity will perform a sex offender’s check on
each volunteer, staff member, and board member.
Termination
It is the hope that no volunteer will need to be given disciplinary actions, yet with the occasional circumstance; here are
the steps shall this issue arise:
3|PageThere will be an initial coaching experience to sit down with the volunteer, explaining the reasons in which we have the
policy in place and the reason we hold accountability to it. If the action is corrected, no further correction is needed.
If policy is still not followed, there will be a formal corrective conversation with the volunteer, explaining that this is the
second conversation had, and if another conversation must happen, there will be further actions taken. At this time a
shift in responsibility may take place, if the volunteer coordinator and volunteer feel as though another area may be a
better fit.
If a policy again is not held, the volunteer and volunteer coordinator will sit down formally, and the volunteer
coordinator will then explain the at will volunteering agreement, and that at this time the affiliate would ask the
volunteer to take a break from their duties. If in the future the volunteer agrees to abide by the policy and would like to
return, they will have to complete the application process, being placed in another area of service.
All coaching and corrective action at all levels will be recorded and kept on file.
CODE OF CONDUCT
VOLUNTEER RESPONSIBILITIES: I agree to be courteous and respectful of all staff, visitors, and other
volunteers. I agree to show respect for GJHFH property and personal property of others.
VOLUNTEER BEHAVIOR:
• If you become aware of any potentially dangerous and/or illegal situations regarding weapons, drugs,
alcohol, fights, property damage, theft, etc., or have information regarding such, you are requested to report it
to the Volunteer Coordinator or other staff person you are working with.
• You are to maintain professional behaviors including refraining from profanity or vulgar language.
• Damaging any GJHFH property will not be tolerated. Depending upon circumstances, a police report may be
made. Parent or guardians will be liable to pay for damages for youth under age 18.
• You are subject to immediate dismissal for possession of any firearm, knife, explosive or other dangerous
object while on GJHFH property.
• You are to treat everyone you encounter fairly and with respect, regardless of gender, size, race, age, religion,
political beliefs, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, and disability, or economic status.
Volunteer Agreement Signature Form
To be read, signed, and returned to the Volunteer Coordinator before beginning any volunteer activities.
I, _____________________________________ , (Please print your name) have received a copy of the GJHFH Volunteer
Handbook and agree to follow the policies and procedures as listed in the handbook. This is an at will
partnership, allowing both parties to terminate the agreement at any point.
_____________________________________________________ Date __________________
Signature
4|PageCommunity Service Rules and Guidelines
• Arrive on time, dressed properly in casual work clothes and closed-toe shoes.
• Sign the Volunteer Log when arriving and sign out when leaving for lunch or at the end of your shift.
• Notify a staff member when leaving the store for any reason
• Upon arriving check in with a staff member for assignment of duties and continue to check in with staff
when assignments are completed.
• NO cell phone use while working. Personal calls can be made on your break in the break area. NOT in
in public areas.
• Loud, abusive or foul language will not be tolerated. Racism, sexism, fighting, rudeness to customers
etc. will also NOT be tolerated.
• NO music players while working- you must be able to hear for your own safety.
• Do NOT give prices to customers unless you have been authorized by a staff member.
• Smoking is permitted only in designated smoking area. Do not smoke or take breaks when assistance is
needed.
• The office and behind the cash register is off limits unless authorized by a staff member. You may enter
the office when you need to find a staff member, get water or use the microwave.
• Once you have signed up on the schedule to work, you will need to notify the store 24 hours in
advance if you cannot work. If you do not notify the store you will not be allowed to return.
• Assist customers with finding items, loading purchased items or unloading donations.
• Place donations in proper locations once received.
• Be aware of your surroundings and take responsibility for your own safety.
• Use equipment and safety gear properly.
The following behaviors and actions are grounds for dismissal from the ReStore:
Falsifying hours on the sign in sheet, hiding to get out of work, excessive breaks or cell phone use, violent or
aggressive behavior, inappropriate language or clothing, failure to complete assigned duties when asked,
inappropriate attitude with staff, customer, donor or other volunteers.
Your signature below indicated your acknowledgement and acceptance of these rules. Thank You!
_________________________________________________________________ _____________________
Signature Here Date
Greater Jackson Habitat for Humanity
5|PageAppendix C
Important: Each volunteer must read and sign the “Release and Waiver of Liability” before volunteering on a Habitat for Humanity site. Please complete this form and hand it in
to Greater Jackson Habitat for Humanity staff members before you volunteer.
Waiver of Liability (18 & older)
This Waiver of Liability (the “Waiver”) executed on this ____day of ____________, 20__, by ________________ (the
“Volunteer”) in favor of GREATER JACKSON HABITAT FOR HUMANITY of Michigan, a nonprofit corporation
organized and a partner with Habitat for Humanity International, Inc. in Americus, GA.
I hereby freely and voluntarily, without duress, execute this Waiver under the following terms:
1. Waiver and Release. I, the Volunteer, release and forever discharge and hold harmless Habitat and its successors and assigns from any and all liability,
claims, and demands of whatever kind or nature, either in law or in equity, which arise or may hereafter arise from my volunteer work with Habitat.
I understand and acknowledge that this Waiver discharges Habitat from any liability or claim that I, the Volunteer, may have against Habitat with respect to
bodily injury, personal injury, illness, death, or property damage that may result from my participation on the Habitat work site. I also understand that Habitat
does not assume any responsibility for or obligation to provide financial assistance or other assistance, including but not limited to medical, health or
disability insurance, in the event of injury, illness, death or property damage.
2. Insurance. I, the Volunteer, understand that I expressly waive any such claim for compensation or liability on the part of Habitat beyond what may be
offered freely by the representative of Habitat in the event of such injury or medical expense.
3. Medical Treatment. I hereby release and forever discharge Habitat from any claim whatsoever which arises or may hereafter arise on account of any first-
aid treatment or other medical services rendered in connection with an emergency during my time with Habitat.
4. Assumption of the Risk. I understand that my time with Habitat may include activities that may be hazardous to me, including, but not limited to,
construction activities, loading and unloading of heavy equipment and materials, and local transportation to and from the work sites. I hereby expressly and
specifically assume the risk of injury or harm in these activities and release Habitat from all liability for injury, illness, death, or property damage resulting
from the activities of my time with Habitat. In addition, I understand this is not a peanut free environment and that persons with allergies must provide their
own food and medical supplies as needed.
.
5. Photographic and Media Release. I grant and convey unto Habitat all right, title, and interest in any and all photographic images and video or audio
recordings made by Habitat during my work for Habitat, including, but not limited to, any royalties, proceeds, or other benefits derived from such
photographs or recordings for affiliate needs and media releases.
.
6. Other. I understand that Greater Jackson Habitat for Humanity screens all potential staff (whether paid or unpaid), board members and applicant families
on the sex offender registry, and that by completing this application, I am submitting myself to such an inquiry. I further understand that by completing this
application, I am submitting to a criminal background check.
I expressly agree that this Waiver is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by the laws of the State of Michigan in the United States of America,
and that this Waiver shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Michigan. I agree that in the event that any clause or
provision of this Waiver shall be held to be invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, the invalidity of such clause or provision shall not otherwise affect
the remaining provisions of this Release which shall continue to be enforceable.
_________________________________________________ ______________
Volunteer’s Signature Date
________________________________________ _______________________________________
Print Volunteer’s Name and Organization (if applicable)
__________________________________________________________________________________
Street Address, City, State, Zip code
Emergency Contact Name_________________________________ Phone number_____________________________________
6|PageMinor Policy
Habitat for Humanity requires it’s National Organizations and its Affiliates to comply with the CHILD LABOR standards
listed below.
Light work (See description below) General Construction Dangerous work (See
description below)
13 years and below 14 years or more 18 years
For purposes of these standards, light work is defined as: lot clearing, meal preparation, painting, landscaping,
transporting supplies, babysitting, and other similar work.
It would also include any other activities (i) which are not likely to be harmful to the health or development of children
and (ii) which is not such as to prejudice their attendance at school or their capacity to benefit from the instruction
received. It should include: simple and well defined tasks, lack of physical or mental effort that could endanger the child’s
health or development, the limited number of daily and weekly hours of work, regular breaks and weekly rest of at least 48
hours and no night work.
Light work would not include general construction, or working on a site where general construction is taking place.
Dangerous work would include working from a height of greater than six feet or 180 cm, roofing, using power tools or
electrically or gas powered equipment, the use of powder actuated tools, demolition or excavation.
General construction would include all other construction work, not considered light work or dangerous work, including
carpentry, siding, plastering, flooring, laying foundations, masonry work, brick making, and finishing work. The use of hand
tools would be part of general construction work.
Parental permission is required for any child under the Age of Legal Majority to work at a Habitat for Humanity
construction site. In situations where a home partner’s children under the age of 13 are with their parent or
guardian at the construction site, these children should do not work or where unavoidable, only the lightest
assistance of volunteer support or site preparation under parental/guardian supervision.
These standards apply to employees, volunteers and homeowner children. These standards are designed not only to
prevent the economic exploitation of children, but also to protect their health, safety and morals.
Staff Information:
Wendy Clow: Executive Director
Priscila Gochanour: ReStore Manager
Jamie Potts: Volunteer Coordinator & Office Manager
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