BBBS Volunteer Application

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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. 

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Contact Information

























Employer Information











Additional Information







References and Background Check

Previous Experience










Volunteer Experience











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
  • 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.

Pre-Interview Questionnaire

Prior to your in-person interview, please answer the questions below. The information you provide will also help us make a better match for you and assure we can support you during your involvement with our program. Please note that you will have an opportunity to discuss these questions and your responses more thoroughly during your in-person interview.  





Agency Weapons Policy

Standard 9-H

Weapons and Firearms Policy


A Volunteer who owns firearms and stores them at his/her residence or any other location will lock the weapons or install trigger locks whenever a Little is at or near the storage area. Ammunition will also be stored separately and inaccessible to the Little.

 

If firearms are used for any activity:

 

• The Little shall have completed a gun safety course or equivalent and provide

documentation to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Beaver County.

 

• The firearm will be transported to and from any activity in compliance with state and

federal laws and in a manner in which the Little cannot gain access to the firearm.

 

• Volunteers will closely supervise their Little at any time the Little is handling a firearm.

Both the volunteer and Little will observe all safety precautions during the activity.

 

• Volunteers will not carry a firearm while participating in any activity which does not

involve using the firearm, regardless of whether the volunteer has a “Permit to Carry” a

firearm

 

Volunteers will sign a copy of this policy at the time of enrollment, acknowledging that they have read, understand, and agree to its stipulations.






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


Release of Information Authorization for Background Check

I understand that in order to become a Big, I must agree to a Child Abuse History Clearance, and a Criminal Record Background Check. Additionally, BBBS will complete a local background check, DMV check, and a search on the State and National Sex Offender Registries. 

The information I provided may be used to conduct a background check, to include a search of public domain records, driving records checks, juvenile and adult criminal history check (see attached authorization), military records, and other records required by local, state, or federal law for volunteers working with youth.

Confidentiality Policy

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Beaver County respects the confidentiality of clients and volunteer records and, with the exception of situations listed below, shares information about clients and volunteers only among agency staff.

All records are considered the property of the agency and not the agency workers or clients or volunteers themselves. Records are not available for review by clients or volunteers. Information will not be released except in the following circumstances:

1. Information will be released to other individuals or non-BBBS organizations only with the client or volunteers written consent.

2. Identifying information regarding clients and volunteers may be used in agency publications or promotional materials unless the client or volunteer requests otherwise.

3. For the purpose of program evaluation, audit, or accreditation, and with 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.

4. Members of the Board of Directors or evaluators appointed by the Board have access to client files upon authorization of the Board of Directors.

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

6. Information shall be provided to funders, fiscal agents, and/or partners.

7. Information shall be provided to an agency’s legal counsel in the event of litigation or potential litigation involving the agency.

8. State law mandates that suspected child abuse be reported to the appropriate authorities.

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

10. At the time the child or volunteer is considered as a match candidate, information is shared between the prospective match parties. The information about the volunteer may include items such as: age, sex, race, religion, interest, hobbies, marriage, family status, sexual orientation, living situation, etc. Information about a client may include such items as age, sex, race, religion, interest, hobbies, family situations, etc. 


At BBBS of Beaver County, we recognize that online platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, LinkedIn, and blogs are widely used for communication and community engagement. We understand that many of our Bigs and Littles are active on these platforms. While social media can help foster friendships, we remind all volunteers that the primary nature of the Big-Little relationship is a mentoring one.

Because not all social media platforms are designed with youth mentoring in mind, we ask that volunteers approach digital interactions with caution and respect for boundaries. When in doubt, consult your Match Support Specialist before proceeding.

 

If you choose to engage with your Little or share content related to your match on social media, you must adhere to the following rules:

 

Consent and Communication

·       Always discuss digital interaction with the Little's parent/guardian before initiating or responding to messages or friend/follow requests.

·       Provide the parent/guardian with your social media handle and inform them of any interaction.

·       When possible, link your profile to BBBS of Beaver County's official page (especially on Facebook) so staff can remain aware of public posts involving BBBS.

Privacy and Safety

·       Do NOT post photos of your Little under any circumstances.

·       Do NOT share your Little’s last name, their parent/guardian’s name, or any contact or identifying information (e.g., address, school, workplace, etc.).

·       Do NOT tag your Little or their family in any posts.

Content and Conduct

·       Avoid sharing any content that could be perceived as judgmental, inappropriate, or offensive to your Little or their family.

·       Maintain confidentiality. Refrain from sharing private conversations or sensitive details about your match. General updates like “Excited for my outing with my Little this weekend!” are typically okay.

·       Act as a role model at all times. Avoid sharing posts, comments, memes, or photos that depict violence, drug/alcohol use, profanity, or other adult content.

When in Doubt

·       Always consult your Match Support Coordinator before posting anything that could fall into a gray area. If you're unsure, wait until you receive approval.


Noncompliance

Failure to follow this policy may result in disciplinary action, including termination of your match.


We encourage thoughtful and respectful use of social media to support healthy, safe mentoring relationships and uphold the mission and values of BBBS of Beaver County.


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 Volunteers                                                                      

The safety of children is our number one priority – no exceptions. Our staff carefully screens each volunteer Big, board member, staff and others who work directly with the children in our programs. As a volunteer Big, it will be your role to make sure the relationship is healthy and that you are making good judgments about the child’s safety on outings.  Here’s how you can further promote safety:

·       Follow all agency policies, procedures and ground rules at all times – no exceptions.

·       Spending too much time with your Little too early in the match can set an unhealthy precedent for the relationship. Discuss plans and expected time during Match Support.

·       Obtain parent/guardian permission for all activities. Be aware that some parents may not be comfortable with your suggestions, so we expect that you will comply with parent decisions. Talk to your BBBS match support staff when you have questions.

·       Always stay with your Little; do not leave them alone or with someone else.

·       Do not use alcohol or other drugs before or during activities.

·       Do not use physical discipline or yell at your Little. 

·       Don’t take others, including your family or friends or the Little’s siblings or friends, on any match outings unless otherwise approved by Match Support Specialist.

·       If an activity involves changing clothes (for example, swimming), there must be separate changing and showering places.  If you go on an approved overnight, you and your Little must sleep in separate beds.

·       Never ask the Little to keep a secret.  

·       Gift giving is discouraged, although you might want to buy an occasional gift for your Little.  Seek parental advice about this first.

·       Do not engage in tickling, wrestling, giving backrubs, or ask your Little to sit on your lap.

·       Seatbelts should always be worn.

·       Bigs should never drop off a child at a home where no approved adults are present or at a location other than where the parent specified.

·       Showing age-inappropriate videos, misusing social media, pornography or sexual material is not acceptable and is grounds for match termination. 


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.  

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