BBBS Volunteer Application

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BBBS Mercer County Logo
Non-Discrimination Policy

Our participants come to us with a wide range of personal characteristics. We believe that participant eligibility shall be determined without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or disability. 

Filling Out This Application

If you need help or clarification when filling out this application, please contact jmolnar@mercerbbbs.org. If at any point you have technical difficulties, please contact development@mercerbbbs.org. You may also call the office at 609-656-1000.

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Program Preference
Please select the program which you are applying to. We have included brief descriptions about each program we offer, but if you have questions, please contact jmolnar@mercerbbbs.org or call 609-656-1000.

Community Based:
Please select this option for our general community based program.

In our traditional community based program, Bigs provide Littles with one-on-one time and attention, for 3-6 hours per month. Bigs provide the opportunity for Littles to enjoy the companionship of a caring adult outside of the home and school in various community, sporting, cultural and educational activities. 

Site Based:
Please select this option for our Lunch Program and Afterschool Program.

Site-based mentoring is a way for busy individuals to volunteer, including college students and local employees. Visits take place once per week at schools close to college campuses and workplaces. Volunteers meet individually with the same child for the full school year and receive built-in support from School Counselors on site. College students are strongly encouraged to sign up for this program due to flexible meeting times during the school day.  Local companies typically allow their employees to volunteer one hour per week during the academic school year.
 
Note: If you are a High School Big at one of our partner schools, please contact you guidance counselor for an application. 

Site Based Facilitated: 
Please select this option for Workplace Mentoring, or our Sports Buddies or Art Buddies programs.

For Workplace Mentoring, you must be at a company location that currently has a program with our orginization.

Our Sports Buddies program features adult volunteers from local colleges who have a love of sports and volunteer with children ages 8-11 from The Boys and Girls Club. The program meets on site two Wednesdays per month from 4:00-5:00 PM and matches participate in different sports and games while building valuable skills like teamwork and good sportsmanship.

 



Basic Information





























Background Information




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Contact Information




Employer Information










Additional Information







References

Previous Experience










Volunteer Experience
If you have experience working with or volunteering with children, please include a person at that organization whom we could contact:















Please provide at least three references below including:
  • Your spouse or domestic partner OR a family member if you do not have a spouse, partner, or significant other.
  • Current or former employee or co-worker you have known for at least one year or someone from your school if you are a student. (For Workplace Mentoring Programs, this must be your employer/supervisor)
  • A friend or neighbor you have known for at least two years
Spousal/Familial Reference







Professional Reference







Minimum 1 year
Personal Reference







Minimum 2 years
I consent to and understand that:
  1. The references and youth-serving organization(s) I listed may be contacted by mail, telephone, email, or in person;
  2. The information I provided may be used to conduct a background check, to include a search of public domain records, driving records check, juvenile and adult criminal history check (see attached authorization), military records, and other records where required by local, state, or federal law for volunteers working with youth;
  3. I am in no way obligated to perform any volunteer services;
  4. The BBBS agency is not obligated to match me with a youth and may deny my application or close my match at any time, and to protect all participants’ confidentiality, BBBS is not required to disclose reasons for doing so; 
  5. Other BBBS agencies and youth organizations where I have worked or volunteered may be contacted as references;
  6. As part of the enrollment processes, I will be required to provide additional personal information, including completion of an in-person interview;
  7. I understand that the information I provide in the enrollment process will be kept confidential, unless disclosure is required by law.  
  8. I understand that detailed accounts of child abuse or neglect, past or present, will be reported to proper authorities;
  9. I understand that certain relevant information about me will be discussed with the parent/guardian of a child who is a prospective match (this might include demographic information, information relevant to parent/child preferences, and any information relevant to a child’s safety or well-being);  
  10. It is my responsibility to update the agency if any of the information I provide on this application, in my interview, or any other information provided during the enrollment process changes (i.e. address, phone number, auto-insurance, new criminal charges, etc.)
  11. I agree to complete questionnaires throughout my time in the program to evaluate and improve program services;
  12. I agree to timely communication and follow-up with all agency staff as required by the agency.

Release of Information Authorization for Background Check

DISCLOSURE: A CONSUMER REPORT MAY BE PROCURED FOR VOLUNTEER PURPOSES. 


In accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act, a consumer report or investigative consumer report including information about your general reputation, character, or personal characteristics may be obtained. Upon written request, you will be provided with information regarding the nature and scope of the report, should it include information about your general reputation, character, or personal characteristics, and a summary of your rights. 


RELEASE AND AUTHORIZE 

I voluntarily and knowingly, for volunteer purposes only give permission to institution of learning, law enforcement agency, state agency, federal agency, consumer reporting agency, employer, military branch, personal reference and/or other persons to give records or information they have concerning my criminal history, motor vehicle history, general reputation, character, or any other information requested by Big Brothers Big Sisters. I voluntarily and knowingly unconditionally release any named or unnamed informant from any and all liability resulting from the furnishing of this information. This authorization shall be valid one year from the date signed. An e-mailed, photographic, or faxed copy of the authorization shall be valid as the original. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mercer County, Inc. reserves the right to conduct annual reviews as deemed necessary. I also give permission for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mercer County and BBBSNJ to use my name in news articles and for my photo to be taken and used for publicity purposes and/or for submission to funders. 


*Date of Birth Used Exclusively For Background Verification Purposes Specific to Assist the Criminal and Driving History Verifications. 














File can be a screenshot, PDF, or picture





File can be a screenshot, PDF, or picture











Please provide the name, age, and relationship to you for anyone else residing in your home.



Confidentiality Policy

In order for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mercer County to provide a responsible and professional service to clients it is necessary for volunteers, clients & parents or guardians of clients to be asked to divulge extensive personal information about themselves and their families. This information is collected during an interview and is used to create a profile of the applicant. This profile will be used by the agency to best match you with a Little Brother/Little Sister. A similar profile of a child and child’s family will be discussed with you to insure that your desires will be respected. 


Relevant information shall be provided to the parties involved, however, the name or names of the parties described shall be kept confidential before a match is made. Any party has a right to refuse to enter into the match based upon the information so communicated, and the agency is not obligated to assign or actively seek to assign, him/her a Little Brother/Little Sister. In the event of denial to participate in the program the reason for denial need not be given. 


All records (including written, video, file, picture or use of prospective client or prospective volunteer’s name in agency publications) are considered the property of the agency and not the agency workers or clients or volunteers themselves. In order to provide a service which is in the best interest of the children served by the program, information from outside sources, including confidential references, must be assessed along with information gained from the clients or volunteers themselves. Records are not available for review by the clients or volunteers. Records are kept at the Big Brothers Big Sisters agency in areas that are only accessible to the agency’s staff and aren’t available for review by the clients, parents and/or volunteers. 


The agency respects the confidentiality of clients & volunteer records and shares information about clients and volunteers only among the agency professional staff with the exception of situations listed below: 

1. Information will be released to other individuals or organizations only upon request (written or oral) of the parent or volunteer. 

2. Identifying information regarding clients and volunteers may be used in agency publications or promotional materialsif the client or volunteer has given permission. 

3. For purposes of program evaluation, audit, or accreditation, and with the prior approval of the Board of Directors, certain outside bodies such as Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America may have access to client and volunteer records. These outside organizations shall be required to respect the agency policy on confidentiality. Outside parties shall be required to use information only for the purpose(s) stated in the approval action of the Board of Directors. Known violations of agency confidentiality policy will be reported to the supervisor of the individual involved and appropriate disciplinary action shall be requested. 

4. Members of the Board of Directors have access to client files only upon authorization by formal motion of the Boardof Directors. The motion shall state who shall be authorized to review records, the specific purpose for such review and the period of time during which access shall be granted. Members shall be required to comply with the agency policies on confidentiality and may use the information only for purposes stated by the approved action of the Board of Directors. Known violation of the agency’s confidentiality policy by a Board Member shall constitute adequate cause for removal from office. 

5. Information shall only be provided to law enforcement officials or the courts pursuant to a valid and enforceable subpoena. 

6. Information shall be provided to an agency’s legal counsel in the event of litigation or potential litigation involving the agency. Such information is considered privileged information, and law protects its confidentiality. 

7. New Jersey State Law mandates that suspected child abuse be reported to the appropriate authorities (Division of Youth and Family Services). All workers are responsible for staying abreast of such reporting requirements and shall always comply with mandated procedures. 

8. If an agency worker receives information indicating that a client or volunteer may be dangerous to him or herself or to others, necessary steps may be taken to protect the appropriate party. This may include a medical referral or report to the local law enforcement authorities. 

Media Consent and Release

I irrevocably consent to any and all uses and displays of my name, image, likeness, appearance, basic biographical information, audio/video recordings, writings, artwork, and the like, in original form or in modified form, in whole or in part, in, on, or in connection with merchandise, advertising, publicity, marketing, fundraising, and the like, in printed or electronic media, of any type, throughout the world at any time by Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and [BBBSA affiliate] in their sole discretion, and by any of their affiliates, successors, partners, sponsors, donors, any entities or persons with whom they conduct any public relations, marketing, or fund raising of any type, and any other authorized third parties, without further consent from me, without any royalty, payment, or other compensation to me, and with the release and waiver of any claims, actions, damages, losses, costs, expenses and liability of any kind arising from any such use (the “Released Material”).

In consideration of the mutual promises made herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which I hereby acknowledge, I hereby grant to BBBSA and its affiliates the right to use the Released Material as BBBSA and/or its affiliates may desire, in all media now existing or hereafter created and in all variations and forms including, but not limited to, internal or external publications or productions, informational or recruitment materials, marketing materials, fundraising materials, televised photography and/or recordings, advertisements, Public Service Announcements, and/or online and social media sites. The use of this information shall be at the sole discretion of BBBSA and/or its affiliates.

I further grant to BBBSA and its affiliates the absolute right to use the Released Material in whole or in part, alone or in conjunction with any other image, name, writings or reproduction, in color or otherwise, for art, advertising, business, trade, or any other lawful purpose whatsoever, in perpetuity throughout the world.

I understand and agree that all materials created by BBBSA and/or its affiliates that use the Released Materials are the property of and are owned by BBBSA, and that I cannot authorize their use by any other party.  I further understand that BBBSA may authorize their use by a third party. I hereby irrevocably transfer and assign to BBBSA my entire right, title and interest, if any, in and to the Released Materials and all copyrights in the Released Materials arising in any jurisdiction throughout the world, including the right to register and sue to enforce such copyrights against infringers.

I acknowledge and agree that I have no right to review or approve the Released Materials before they are used by BBBSA and/or its affiliates, and that BBBSA has no liability to me for any editing or alteration of the Released Materials or for any distortion or other effects resulting from BBBSA’s and/or its affiliates’ editing, alteration or use of the Released Materials.  BBBSA has no obligation to use the Released Materials or to exercise any rights given by this Consent and Release Form.

I hereby release BBBSA and its affiliates, employees, and agents, as well as any partner companies, from all claims, demands or liabilities and related financial costs that I may now or hereafter have arising in connection with BBBSA’s exercise of the rights hereby granted, and/or with the appearance or the Released Materials in any publication or production. These include, without limitation, claims for compensation, defamation, or invasion of privacy, or other infringements or violations of personal or property rights of any sort whatsoever.


Child Safety Guidelines and Ground Rules for Community Based Volunteers                                                                      

Ground rules for the big brother/sister
  1. 1. understand that I have made a commitment to remain as a big brother/sister for a minimum of one year. We ask that you keep this commitment unless there is a major life change/emergency or other unforeseen reason. You must take time to build the match relationship.
  2. I will be consistent and dependable. If I cannot keep an appointment, I will make every effort to inform my little brother/sister and their parent as soon as possible. Please discuss with parent best way to reach out to little and to pick up/drop off little for activities.
  3. I will maintain weekly contact with my little either by visit, phone, email or virtually.
  4. I will always try to be supportive of the parent even when I disagree. I will correct the child's misbehavior only within the context of the relationship and leave the parenting to the parent. I will not become overly involved with the family thereby exceeding the role of a big brother or big sister.
  5. I will limit contact with others during visits for the first two months of the match. I know my little brother/sister needs time to get to know me and build a relationship. Siblings of the little and friends not in the program are not allowed to attend outings with the match. Our liability does not cover children outside the program.
  6. I understand that sleepovers and overnight activities are not permitted. I also understand that participating in an overnight with my little will immediately close the match.
  7. I understand that home visits are not allowed within the first 3 months of the match. After 3 months when the SOR survey has been filled out and reviewed by the case manager, and there has been at least 9 hours of time spent together, permission may be granted along with parent permission (verbal or written parent permission to case manager)
  8. I understand that it is the intent of BBBS community-based program for volunteers to spend between 3-6 hours per month with a little. Spending more than 6 hours a month is discouraged. If some months activities exceed 6 hours due to BBBS outings or otherwise, it is up to the discretion of the case manager to determine if there is over involvement on the part of the big and it will be addressed in a timely manner.
  9. I will let my little brother/sister participate in planning the activities. I will encourage him/her to make decisions so that they feel important and are more enthusiastic. If our plans change and we do an unplanned activity, i will let the parent know in advance if possible, or after an attempt has been made to contact parent/guardian immediately.
  10. Big brothers/big sisters are not to give costly gifts to their littles nor take them to expensive places. The relationship is based on friendship and role modeling, not on material goods. Any need for material items that the big becomes aware of, should be brought to the attention of the case manager (food, coats, school supplies) and BBBS will refer the family to additional resources where those needs can be met. Gifts for birthdays, holidays etc. Should not exceed $100 and big should have prior approval from the parent/guardian to purchase.
  11. The big, the parent/guardian and the little must stay in routine contact with BBBS staff. This is essential for both the development and quality of the match and for the safety of the child, (our major concern). We cannot provide liability insurance unless we are in touch with all 3 parties. Non-compliance of this rule will result in closure of the match. To ensure that this rule is carried out, big will 1. ) respond in a timely manner to phone calls, emails, or letters from the staff and 2. ) advise staff of changes in phone number, email, or home address. 3) provide case manager with detailed information regarding activities, child development and any problems or concerns with the match relationship.
  12. The big, parent/guardian and the little must complete surveys provided by BBBS at the 3-month, 6-month and 1-year anniversaries. These surveys are used to measure match satisfaction, strength of relationship and youth developmental outcomes. Failure to complete these surveys in a timely manner may result in closure of the match. Surveys can be completed verbally, over email or via paper survey in the mail.
  13. Only the big has approval by BBBS to drive/transport the little to an activity. All driving safety rules must be adhered to, including seating of the child and seatbelt laws. Please consult with parent/guardian regarding where child needs to be seated and if a car seat needs to be used.
  14. Social media policy:
    1. do not participate in any online communication with/about your little unless you have discussed this with the parent/guardian and have received their approval.
    2. Never post any pictures of your little online unless you have the consent of the child's parent/guardian.
    3. Never post the last name of your little, their parent/guardian or BBBSMC staff.
    4. Never post any contact information for your little.
    5. Never post any identifying information about your little (i. e. : child's home address, school the child attends, where the parent works, etc. ).
    6. Never post anything that could be perceived as judgmental or offensive to your little or their parent/guardian.
    7. Make sure that your page settings are set to private, so that only people you approve can view your online content.
    8. Honor confidentiality guidelines within your match; be cautious when posting detailed information about conversations with your little, their parent/guardian or with BBBS staff. Posting generalized information or status updates is typically appropriate, but lengthier postings or blogs containing in-depth information should be approved by the parent/guardian and by BBBS of mercer county prior to posting.
    9. Be aware of other postings on your page that are not BBBSMC related or are inappropriate for minors. Know that as a BBBS volunteer you are always a role model. Please ensure that all contents are appropriate and kid-friendly, in case your little or their family were to read your social networking page. If the social networking site allows, create a separate group for your little, their parent/guardian and BBBS staff that limits your littles access to your general or universal postings.
    10. When in doubt about whether something is appropriate to post, consult with your case manager prior to posting.
    11. Most social media platforms have requirements that minors be age 13 before using the service therefore, Bigs should not connect with youth under the age of 13 on social media.

Child Safety Guidelines and Ground Rules for Site Based Volunteers                                                                      

1) By becoming a Mentor, you are agreeing to a commitment of one academic school

year with a weekly one hour visit to your Mentee’s school. Please allot enough time

within your schedule to accommodate this commitment. If your other responsibilities

begin to prevent you from serving as an effective Mentor, please inform your Case

Manager immediately.


2) Please be consistent in your visits with your Mentee, as consistency helps to build

trust in the friendship. Many of the children in our program have faced rejection in

their lives; therefore, the BBBS goal is to provide them with a consistent, supportive

role model whom they can depend on and look forward to seeing at school.


3) Call the school in advance if you cannot be there on a scheduled day. Please explain

to your Mentee that emergencies arise and that you may sometimes have to miss a

scheduled visit.


4) Call the school prior to visiting to ensure that your Mentee is present. School

attendance records are usually available by 10 AM.


5) Let your Mentee know that you enjoy spending time with him/her and give him/her positive feedback for jobs well done. Children love being encouraged, and a kind word could lift anyone’s spirits!


6) Spend at least 15 minutes with your Mentee assisting with school work. The

remaining time can be used for playing board games, reading a book, talking,

learning a new hobby, etc. Ask your Mentee for input on what he/she would

like to do.


7) Please do not take gifts to your Mentee. Your role is to be a friend and role model,

not a gift giver. The focus of your match should be on creating and sustaining a

friendship, not on material things.


8) Meetings between you and your Mentee should be one-to-one in order to help your

Mentee get the most out of the mentoring relationship. Although other children may

want to tag along, please do not make it a habit to include them in your meetings. If

this begins to be a problem, please speak with the guidance counselor.


9) Talk with your Mentee’s teacher, guidance counselor, and your Case Manager to get

feedback about your impact as a Mentor in the child’s life.


10) Do not get upset if your Mentee does not respond or communicate openly right

away. Some children take time to feel comfortable with a newcomer.


11) BBBS Mercer respects the privacy of all clients. The information we share with you

about your Mentee is confidential and has been approved by the parent/guardian. As

you get to know your Mentee, you may learn more about his/her family and personal

situation. Please do not share your Mentee’s information with your friends, family, or

colleagues.


12) Please contact your Case Manager if you are unsure about how to handle an issue.

Your Case Manager is available to provide support and guidance for any situations

that may arise between you and your Mentee.


13) If you are ever made aware of any dangerous or harmful information in regard to

your Mentee, please contact your Case Manager immediately.


14) The School-Based program restricts contact with the Mentee to the school compound. Out of school visits require the parent’s written approval. If you would like to see your Mentee outside of school, please inform your Case Manager. Your Case

Manager will then contact the parent in order to have the necessary paperwork

signed. A completed copy will be sent to you for your records.


15) College-Based Mentors are not allowed to take their Mentees to any of the

dormitories on campus.


16) Please observe a respectable dress code when visiting your Mentee. Tight clothing,

low cut blouses, revealing clothing, short skirts, shorts, etc. are considered

inappropriate by school administration standards.


17) Please respond to emails and phone calls from your Case Manager. Communication between Mentor and Case Manager is required in order for BBBS Mercer to maintain liability coverage for your match. Failure to respond to your Case

Manager’s attempts at reaching you within 2 consecutive months will result in your

match being closed.


18) Please promptly complete and return surveys/questionnaires requested by your Case Manager. These surveys/questionnaires are critical reporting tools used by BBBS

Mercer for several purposes: to evaluate our matches and identify areas that

require our intervention; to submit to our National office for data analysis towards

the improvement of the nationwide Big Brothers Big Sisters program; and to provide

supporting evidence to funders about the benefits of our program.


Thank you for your attention to these guidelines and for your cooperation in implementing them. BBBS Mercer encourages you to contact your Case Manager if you have any questions or require further explanation. Our office hours are Monday-Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM

Child Safety Guidelines and Ground Rules for Workplace Mentoring Volunteers                                                                      

1. Safety:

1. Bigs and Littles must stay in open site where group meets.

2. Children needing to go the bathroom must alert the Case Manager.

3. Fire Safety Evacuation procedures at the Workplace Mentoring Site should be covered with group.

2. Safety is a priority for BBBS and we check with the child and monitor visits to make sure neither party is in a difficult situation.

3. Match Support: in-person for workplace mentoring- reporting on match development to BBBS Case Manager. Keeping in touch with CM about issues, alerting him/her of expected absences, etc.

4. All meetings with child are on-site. Out of site visits require written permission from parent. Check with CM if you would like to see child out of school.

5. Do not add child to social networking sites you are on: BBBS cannot effectively monitor this and it becomes a safety concern.

6. Physical contact with child should not involve tickling, rough playing, prolonged embraces. See section on Safety in training packet.

7. If child asks for money, let them know you cannot provide money to them. The focus of the match is on friendship, role modeling, encouragement to do well in school.

8. Surveys for match are mandatory and are done twice per year- 3 month mark and at the end of the school year. Surveys are mandatory since they report on your individual match relationship which helps BBBS to garner match support info, program strength info, and gives CM the opportunity to address issues of concern.

9. Keep information about child confidential- do not share identifying info with your family members or friends.

10. If child discloses something troubling to you, inform Case Manager.

11. Contact CM if you have questions about anything. You will receive full ground rules and guidelines at the time you are matched and a packet of info on how to effectively interact with your Little. You will also have full contact information for the CM and your Little’s name.

Application Acknowledgement

I understand that this is an application for a volunteer opportunity and is not a promise or commitment by Big Brothers Big Sisters.

I certify that all information I have provided or will provide to Big Brothers Big Sisters, including this application, is true, accurate, and complete to the best of my knowledge. I certify that I have and will answer all questions to the best of my ability and that I have not and will not withhold any information that would affect my application for a volunteer position. I understand that information contained in my application will be verified by Big Brothers Big Sisters. I understand that misrepresentations or omissions may be cause for my immediate rejection as an applicant or my termination as a volunteer.

At any time while involved with the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, I agree to immediately inform my Big Brothers Big Sisters contact person of any and all infractions, violations, charges, and convictions related to any civil, domestic, or criminal matters.  I understand that BBBS staff needs to be fully informed to provide the best guidance or support possible.  

By typing my name below, I am signing this document.


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