Thank You for Your Interest in Becoming a Varha Volunteer!
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THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST IN BECOMING A VARHA VOLUNTEER! As a VARHA Volunteer, YOU will make a difference! VARHA Volunteer Coordinator: Brandi Straub Call or text: (814) 671- 6861 Email: [email protected] Should you have any questions, comments, and/or concerns while completing the packet, please call Brandi and she will assist you! The volunteer packet MUST be completed BEFORE you are able to assist in a class. If you are 18 or older, all required clearances MUST be completed and submitted to the Volunteer Coordinator BEFORE you are able to assist in a class. Completed packets may be submitted by email to [email protected] or mailed to the VARHA address listed below, “Attn: Volunteer Coordinator” VARHA, INC. 150 WAGNER DRIVE, Franklin, PA 16323 814-437-RIDE Volunteer Job Description VARHA Class Volunteer Qualifications 1. Minimum age of 14 2. Must be physically capable of performing assigned tasks--lessons are demanding and require walking 1 to 2 hours at a time 3. Willing to learn and follow VARHA procedures 4. Able to accept constructive feedback 5. Able to commit to a consistent volunteer schedule 6. Dress in appropriate manner (follow volunteer dress code) Responsibilities 1. Arrive when scheduled. Horse handlers are asked to arrive 30 minutes prior to the lesson start time and side-walkers are asked to arrive 15 minutes prior to the class start time. 2. Assist instructors with arena set up 3. Assist with classes, as requested 4. Assist with end of class activities 5. Perform miscellaneous tasks as assigned by staff 6. Attend continuing training opportunities 7. Contact the VARHA volunteer coordinator if you are not able to make a regularly scheduled lesson All potential volunteers who wish to become horse handlers must observe at least one full class session (approximately 3 hours) and have at least one year of horse experience. Volunteers who qualify to become horse handlers must then be trained and approved by our instructors. VARHA Non-Class Volunteer There are many opportunities for those who do not care to volunteer with classes, including but not limited to: Administrative assistance Facility upkeep Assisting with special events Fundraising Public relations If you have questions about VARHA or the volunteer opportunities available, please contact us at 814-437-7433 or email: [email protected] YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. CHALLENGE YOURSELF. DARE TO GO ABOVE AND BEYOND. VARHA Volunteer Application Name: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address: __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Email Address: ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Date of Birth: ____________________________ (minimum of 14 years old) Home Number: ___________________________ Cell Number: ____________________________ Specify preferred method of contact (email, home number, cell number, phone call, text, etc.) When is the best time to reach you? ___________________________________________________________________________ Do you have previous experience working with horses? Please Specify. Do you have any physical conditions that would impact your ability to help with a lesson (e.g. knee, back, or shoulder problems?) Please Specify. Do you have previous experience working with children and adults with disabilities? List any other skills or training you have which may be of benefit to our program: Check areas for which you are interested in volunteering: Program: Administration: Horse Handler (Must have at least one year of proven Public Relations horse experience) Fundraising Side walking with student Clerical Lesson Substitute Volunteer Recruitment Helping hand for lessons Computer Work/Website Special Events: Facilities: Planning/Coordinating events Stable assistance Attending events/ representing VARHA Facility Repairs/Maintenance – must be 18 Tractor Use/Mowing – must be 18 By signing below, I agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless VARHA and their respective employees, agents, and representatives, from and against all claims, demands, causes of action, losses, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) (collectively, “Losses”) arising in favor of any person on account of or as a result of my negligence or willful misconduct, or bodily injury and property damage resulting from or incident to my involvement with VARHA. Volunteer’s Signature Date Parent/Guardian’s Signature if Volunteer is under 18 Date VARHA, Inc. AUTHORIZATION FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL TREATMENT In the event emergency medical aid/treatment is required due to illness or injury during the process of receiving services, or while being on the property of the agency, I authorize VARHA, Inc to: 1. Secure and retain medical treatment and transportation if needed. 2. Release client/volunteer records upon request to the authorized individual or agency involved in the medical emergency treatment. Volunteer Name: _______________________________________________ Phone: _____________________________ Emergency contact #1: __________________________________________Phone: ____________________________ Emergency contact #2: __________________________________________Phone: ____________________________ Physician's Name: _______________________________________________Phone: ____________________________ Preferred Medical Facility: __________________________________________________________________________ Health insurance Company: __________________________________Policy #: ________________________________ CONSENT PLAN This authorization includes x-ray, hospitalization, medication, and any treatment procedure deemed "life saving" by the physician. This provision will only be invoked if the person listed below is unable to be reached. Consent Signature: ___________________________________________Date:_________________________________ Print Name: ____________________________________________Phone: ____________________________________ (Volunteer, Parent or Guardian) (if different from above) NON-CONSENT PLAN I do not give my permission for emergency medical treatment/aid in the case of illness or injury during the process of receiving services or while being on the property of the agency. In the event emergency treatment/aid is required, I wish the following procedures to take place: Non-Consent Signature: _________________________________________Date: _______________________________ Print Name: ____________________________________________Phone: ____________________________________ LIABILITY RELEASE ______________________________ (Volunteer’s Name) would like to assist participants in the Wagner Therapeutic Riding Center’s programs. I acknowledge the risks and potential risks of horseback riding programs. However, I feel that the possible benefits to myself/my son/ my daughter/ my ward are greater than the risks assumed. I hereby, intending to be legally bound, for myself, my heirs and assigns, executives or administrators, waive and release forever all claims for damages against VARHA, Inc., its Board of Directors, Instructors, Therapists, Aides, Volunteers, and/or Employees for any and all injuries and/or losses I/my son/ my daughter/ my ward may sustain while volunteering my time with the VARHA programs. Signature: ______________________________________________ Date: _______________________ (Volunteer-if over 18, Parent, or Guardian) PHOTO RELEASE (Optional) I hereby consent to and authorize the use and reproduction by VARHA, INC., of any and all photographs and any other audiovisual materials taken of me/my son/my daughter/my ward for promotional printed material, educational activities, exhibitions, or for any other use for the benefit of the program. Signature: _______________________________________________Date: _______________________ (Volunteer-if over 18, Parent, or Guardian) If you DO NOT consent, please draw an “x” through the topic. Venango Area Riding for the Handicapped Association’s CONFIDENTIALITY POLICY Please check all that apply… Volunteer Staff I. Venango Area Riding for the Handicapped Association (VARHA) shall preserve the right of confidentiality of all individuals in its programs. Riders and their families have a right to privacy that gives them control over the dissemination of their medical or other sensitive information. II. The staff of VARHA shall keep confidential all medical, social, referral, personal and financial information regarding a person and his/her family. III. Anyone who works, volunteers or provides services to VARHA shall be bound by this policy. This includes but is not limited to: Full and part-time staff Independent contractors Temporary employees Volunteers Board Members IV. As a general rule, infants and children under the age of 18 DO NOT have the legal authority to consent to disclosure of medical or sensitive information. Only parents, legal representatives or others defined by state stature generally have this authority. V. Penalties that can result from breaching confidentiality may include reprimand, loss of certain job responsibilities and/or termination. STATEMENT OF CONFIDENTIALITY I understand and will observe the confidentiality policy of Venango Area Riding for the Handicapped Association (VARHA). ____________________ Signature Date ____________________ Witnessed by VARHA Staff Member Date Form last updated October 2015 PENNSYLVANIA STATE LAW REQUIRED CLEARANCES AND TRAINING FOR VOLUNTEERS AT VARHA