project mend national conference on at reuse “shaping a national collaborative for assistive...
TRANSCRIPT
Project MEND
National Conference on AT Reuse“Shaping a National Collaborative for Assistive Technology
Reutilization”September 14-17, 2009
Omni Hotel @ CNN CenterAtlanta, Georgia
“Staffing of Reuse Programs” (Volunteers)
SERVICES WE PROVIDE
Durable Medical Equipment (DME) – Through this service we provide DME to eligible clients. We receive donated DME then refurbish, repair and sanitize these items and distribute them to our clients.
Fitted Mobility (FM) – This service allows us to provide financial assistance to eligible clients needing to purchase specialized or fitted devices, such as, orthotics; prostheses; cranial helmets; and other assistive devices necessary for rehabilitation.
PROJECT MEND STAFFING
ExecutiveDirector
Warehouse Manager Program Manager
Warehouse Technician I
Warehouse Technician II
Case Manager I
Intake Specialist
Accountant
Case Manager II
Bio Medical Technician
DevelopmentCoordinator
Office VolunteersWarehouse Volunteers
STAFF RESPONSIBILITIES
CASE MANAGEMENT STAFF Primary responsibility is to take care of clients and their service
needs (Case Managers; Program Manager; Intake Specialist) Schedule clients Manage clients through entire process of receiving Project MEND
services as well as other services they may need
WAREHOUSE STAFF Primary responsibility is to prepare DME for distribution to clients
(Warehouse Technicians; Bio-Medical Technician; Warehouse Manager)
Sanitize/refurbish/repair DME Deliver DME to clients’ homes Pick up donated DME
VOLUNTEER RESPONSIBILITIES
WAREHOUSE VOLUNTEERS – Hand-clean and hand-sanitize medical equipment items Complete minor repairs on medical equipment Keep warehouse clean and orderly Help to maintain grounds and office areas Clean out trucks and vans Store medical equipment items on racks (no heavy lifting)
OFFICE VOLUNTEERS – Provide clerical support to staff Answer phones Assist clients with paperwork; answer questions
RECRUITING VOLUNTEERSWe primarily recruit volunteers from:AARP Senior Employment Program – senior volunteers that are paid by AARP but work with a non-profit for 18 hours per weekLocal colleges & universities – student volunteers at least 18 years of ageAdvertising - our website; newspapers; etc.Local military installationsCourt-appointed community service volunteers – individuals required by the court to serve a specific number of community service hours with a non-profit agencyReferrals from our Board – marketing; human resources; grant writing; etc.
REQUIREMENTS FOR VOLUNTEERSAll volunteers are required to:Interview with the Project MEND Executive Director and appropriate department supervisorProvide a resume, if availableSign a Waiver and Release of Liability FormSign a Media Release FormSign the Project MEND HIPPA Confidentiality AgreementComplete an orientation about Project MEND’s services with their Project MEND supervisorComplete a training session on their job responsibilities and related policies and procedures with their Project MEND supervisorReview their job descriptionAbide by all Project MEND policies and proceduresSign in and out each day they work for Project MEND
USING VOLUNTEERS: PROs & CONsPROs –Free Marketing: Volunteers spread the word about your agency to their friendsSubsidized Employment: Working with local agencies like AARP can get you paid volunteersPotential for Great Employees: A great volunteer may have the potential to be hired as a full-time staff memberGiving Back: Volunteers who understand your agency’s Mission and Goals may have a sense of fulfillment in their own personal lives
CONs –Volunteers: Lets face it; volunteers may sometimes be unpredictable, undependable and unreliableLiability: Is your organization prepared to take on the responsibility of having a volunteer on site? Are there specific training modules in place for volunteers? Volunteer Limitations: Volunteers may have limitations when it comes to specific duties (Can they handle sensitive or private client information; lift heavy items; etc?)
VALUE OF OUR VOLUNTEERS
2008 $19,854 in volunteer service hours
2009$30,000 estimated
