Recruitment, Performance Evaluation, Retirement /Termination

Recruitment:
Volunteers come to the Newton Senior Center from many sources. The Program Coordinator advertises the need for volunteers with specific interests or skills (ie. Bridge Teacher, Lunch Server, etc.) in the monthly newsletter, local newspaper, local cable TV and Craig’s List. Links with other volunteer resources are also employed- SOAR (Service Opportunities After Retirement and the city volunteer clearing house. Many volunteers seek out the center on their own.
Each potential volunteer is interviewed by the Program Coordinator to determine what job he/she will be assigned. The interview includes collection of pertinent personal information and screening for appropriate job placement. If volunteer is unfamiliar with the center, a tour is included. A CORI check is done through the Department of Human Resources. The volunteer is then scheduled to begin training and work.

Performance Evaluation
The Program Coordinator  and/or the immediate supervisor will review the volunteer’s job performance as needed. If job performance issues arise, every effort will be made to address the issue: additional training, support or reasonable accommodations conducive to the volunteer position. If this need arises there will ongoing job review until problem is resolved, a new more suitable position found or retirement/ termination.

Retirement
The decision to retire may be one made solely by the volunteer or by the volunteer and the Program Coordinator, together. Sometimes the volunteer task becomes too taxing or complex for the volunteer and sometimes the job is eliminated due to changes in the center’s operations or programs. The volunteer is encouraged to discuss this decision with the Program Coordinator in a confidential manner.

Volunteers who have given their time for one year or more are considered “volunteers emeritus” upon retirement. This is our way of saying thank you for your time and efforts. This entitles the volunteer to attend the annual Volunteer Appreciation Brunch and any other benefits open to volunteers.

Grievance
If a volunteer should have a grievance about anything pertaining to their volunteer service, they are encouraged to speak with the Program Coordinator and/ or immediate supervisor. If they prefer they can speak with the Director of the Department of Senior Services.
The Mayor’s Office, through the Citizen’s Assistance Officer, is always open to hear citizens grievances, as well.

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