Finding quality volunteers

Volunteers are a key resource for many local governments. Managed well, the liability risks associated with volunteers can be minimized. Read these tips to make sure you’re protecting your entity and recruiting quality volunteers and find more details in our RMSA Volunteer Manual.

• Develop a volunteer policy outlining procedures for personnel policies, selection and disqualifying criteria, background checks, driving records, and position descriptions. (page 2 of volunteer manual)
• Entities must exercise reasonable care when making hiring decisions, including volunteers, especially for positions more in contact with the public and extensive screening is needed when working with vulnerable groups. (page 2 of volunteer manual)
• If a volunteer must drive, pull driver records, have the volunteer complete a defensive driving course through RMSA-U, and verify proof of personal auto insurance and valid driver’s license. (page 3 of Volunteer Manual)
• Looking for info on volunteers under 18 years of age? Be sure to check out the RMSA Volunteer Manual. (page 8 of Volunteer Manual)
• A good rule of thumb is volunteers should be subjected to the same background checks and records review that an employee would for the same type of work.
• Need a background check policy? RMSA members have free access to Zywave for many HR policies and resources, including a sample background check policy.