8505 Corryton Luttrell Rd. faith@faithnfriends.org 865-236-0607

Volunteer Packet

Faith N Friends Horse Rescue 
Volunteer Information 

 

ORIENTATION AND TRAINING

ORIENTATION
Every volunteer will receive a general orientation concerning Faith N Friends Horse Rescue (hereafter referred to as FNF). This orientation may be presented to the volunteer individually or in a group setting, orally or in print or by any other method appropriate to the activity. The orientation  will include the history, mission, purpose, values, and structure of FNF, as well as policies related to volunteer service. 

The volunteer also will receive a specific orientation concerning the purpose and goals of the requirements, procedures, and working relationships of the activity the volunteer is performing.

TRAINING
Every volunteer will be given the training necessary for the performance of an assignment and will be expected to participate in the training specified in his or her position description. It is necessary for all volunteers to request permission from the management staff before attempting
new activities.

RESOURCES
Volunteers will have timely access to resources, equipment, and supplies that are needed, available, and within budgetary constraints. The need for such access will be determined jointly by the volunteer and his or her supervisor and approved by the supervisor. FNF property and materials will be used only as authorized by a volunteer’s supervisor as will be returned to FNF upon request or termination of service.

OPPORTUNITIES
FNF volunteer supervisors will encourage and if the volunteers so desire, assist them to develop their skills and give them opportunities to undertake additional and more challenging responsibilities.

RECORDS
Volunteers will be required to sign in and out each day in the logbook. 

INSURANCE
General liability insurance is provided for directors, officers and appointed volunteers engaged in FNF business. This liability coverage is available in the event a personal injury claim is made by a third party and only for actions that occur while the volunteer is performing within the scope of his or her FNF volunteer responsibilities.

VOLUNTEER EXPECTATIONS

The Board of Directors has always been committed to volunteer development and recognizes the need for a clear statement regarding the rights and responsibilities of an FNF volunteer. Responding to the boar’s leadership, FNF developed the following statement of expectations.

An FNF VOLUNTEER MAY EXPECT:

  • Equal opportunity and consideration throughout the recruitment, appointment training, and service. 
  • Information concerning volunteer opportunities based on the volunteer’s interests and capabilities. 
  • A written position description to be used for subsequent planning.
  • An orientation to FNF and the training needed to carry out the responsibilities of the position.
  • Encouragement, guidance and the resources necessary for successful productivity.
  • Consideration and responses to questions, suggestions, and concerns.
  • Assistance in resolving problems or conflicts.
  • Respect, recognition, and appreciation for the volunteer’s efforts and contributions.

 

An FNF VOLUNTEER IS EXPECTED:

  • To be supportive of FNF, it’s mission and goals.
  • To encourage others to contribute to the work of FNF.
  • To participate in orientation and training required for the volunteer position.
  • To perform assignments to the best of the volunteer’s abilities.
  • To participate in the planning relevant to the volunteer’s position.
  • To communicate ideas, opinions, questions, and concerns to appropriate persons within FNF.
  • To contribute constructively in the resolution of problems and conflicts.
  • To value and express appreciation for the efforts and achievements of others.
  • To accord all others respect, equal opportunity, and fair treatment.
  • To understand that the farm has varying needs and volunteers present on any given day may expect to adjust activities and expectations accordingly.

COMMITMENT TO VOLUNTEER INVOLVEMENT
FNF recognizes the valuable contributions it receives from its volunteers. The attainment of FNF’s purposes is best achieved by the active involvement of volunteers in the management and implementation of its many programs and activities.

PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF THE VOLUNTEER POLICIES
The purpose of these policies is to provide overall guidelines for FNF. The policies apply to all FNF volunteers working throughout FNF.

IMPLEMENTATION
These policies are designed to be governing principles, broadly describing what a volunteer may expect of FNF and what FNF expects of its volunteers. To implement and ensure the intent of these policies, volunteers will establish procedures appropriate to their particular function.

AMENDMENT OF THE POLICIES

These policies may be amended at any time by FNF’s Board of Directors. Suggestions for amendment may be submitted in writing to FNF’s President or Board of Directors.

DEFINITION OF TERMS
FNF Volunteer

An FNF volunteer is someone who, without monetary compensation or expectation of monetary compensation, performs a task at the direction of and on behalf of FNF. FNF volunteers fulfill a number of roles, which include, but are not limited to, the following categories: governance, advisory positions, management, advocacy, education, direct services, and support services, FNF Supervisor of Volunteers.

An FNF supervisor of volunteers is responsible for assisting volunteers in carrying out the work of FNF within his or her particular activity. The responsibilities of a supervisor may include the following:

  • Needs assessment
  • Recruitment
  • Appointments and assignments
  • Orientation and training
  • Support (information and resources)
  • Planning
  • Direction, guidance, coaching, and coordination
  • Recognition
  • Record keeping

FREEDOM FROM DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT
All FNF volunteers will receive equal opportunity and treatment throughout the recruitment, appointment, training, and service. There will be no discrimination based on age, disabilities, gender, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, economic status or sexual orientation.

Sexual harassment (verbal or physical) by any volunteer in relationship to any other volunteer is a form of sexual discrimination and will not be tolerated. 

Any problems within these areas involving volunteers should be referred to the Executive Director.

POSITION DESCRIPTIONS

Prior to any recruitment effort, a written position description was developed for each volunteer position. Position descriptions include, but are not limited to:

  • Title
  • Purpose of Position
  • Responsibilities
  • Qualifications
  • Time Required
  • Training Required
  • Supervisor
  • Scope of Authority
  • Working Relationships
  • Available Resources

Future planning for volunteer recruitment includes: The position description will be given to each prospective volunteer prior to the volunteer’s start time and will be used for subsequent planning.

Position descriptions will be reviewed periodically by the volunteers and their supervisors.

Necessary changes will be recommended to the president and/or Board of Directors, and the position descriptions will be changed as approved.

INTERVIEWING
Prior to beginning, each volunteer will be provided a tour of the facility and briefed concerning volunteer expectations and FNF goas and objectives. The volunteer will be provided with information concerning the many diverse volunteer opportunities FNF offers in order that the volunteer may make an informed commitment. The interview will clarify the expectations of the volunteer, the activity, and FNF. It will further determine the volunteer’s interest in the activity and the particular position as well as the volunteer’s suitability and qualifications for that activity.

APPOINTMENT
Throughout the recruitment and appointment process, efforts will be made to meet the needs of the volunteer, the particular activity and FNF.
Service as an FNF volunteer begins on the date stated when the appointment is confirmed by either the appointing authority or the volunteer’s supervisor.

MULTIPLE POSITIONS
A volunteer may serve concurrently in more than one FNF volunteer activity if none of the relevant position descriptions contain restrictions to such service and the volunteer is qualified for that activity.

 

FNF Volunteer Position Description

Title: Farm Technician I
Purpose of Position: To keep the farm buildings, pastures, horse tack, and water troughs free of
debris and clean for the horse’s safety and health

Responsibilities:

  • Muck Stalls
  • Clean pastures
  • Clean water troughs
  • Sweep barn floors
  • Cleans tack
  • Keeps tack room, feed barn and medications area in a neat and orderly fashion
  • Must check in with the manager before beginning work each day. Must sign in and out on the timesheet.

Qualifications:   Must be willing to work outdoors, willing to learn to thoroughly clean troughs, muck stalls, pastures and assists in cleaning tack.
Time Required:   Minimum of 3 hours per day.
Training Required: Must spend at least 30 minutes with Farm Manager or assistant Farm Manager reviewing responsibilities.
Appointed by: Farm Director
Supervisor: Farm Director or Assistant Manager
Scope of Authority: N/ A
Working Relationships: Will work with volunteers in a capacity that does not exceed his/her responsibilities or capabilities.
Available Resources: Farm tools, equipment, water, leather cleaners, conditioners, sponges, etc., will be provided for cleaning purposes.

REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSE
Within budgetary limits, volunteers may be eligible for reimbursement of certain expenses incurred while engaged in activities on behalf of FNF. Prior approval must be sought for any expenses not specifically outlined in the particular activities reimbursement guidelines by the Farm Manager or Executive Director. A volunteer’s supervisor will explain these guidelines and the procedures for requesting reimbursement.

Under special circumstances, for authorized events, and with written prior approval, spouses or companions of volunteers may be reimbursed for travel, accommodations, and other related expenses.

If appropriate and approved by the volunteer’s supervisor, a volunteer may be provided funds in advance for expenses.

CONFERENCES AND MEETINGS
Within budgetary limits, volunteers may be invited to attend conferences and meetings sponsored by FNF or may attend conferences or meetings of other organizations (related to their FNF volunteer assignments) and be reimbursed for certain expenses. Prior approval from the Farm Manager or Executive Director must be obtained to ensure for a reimbursement.

EMERGENCIES
Every volunteer is required to inform the president or management staff of any changes of information regarding whom to contact in the event of an emergency. A file will be maintained on all volunteers in the main office and a copy of that file maintained in the arena barn for easy access in an emergency.