Volunteer Manual High Desert Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation
High Desert Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation (HDWRR) Volunteer Manual Bend Rehabilitation Center 62410 Erickson Road Bend, OR 97701 Phone: (541) 241-8680 Volunteer Contacts: Dodie and Barbie [email protected] More info: www.highdesertwildlife.org/volunteertraining HDWRR Volunteer Manual - April 2014 Introduction Welcome to High Desert Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation. We are proud to have you join our team! Being a volunteer is extremely rewarding, educational, exciting and fun. Your attendance, dedication and participation help keep our facility operating. Thank you again for donating your time to the many animals in our care. This manual has been prepared for you as a reference. It should help you learn about us and will serve as your guideline as you begin your volunteer work with us. Feel free to ask questions. We believe all questions are important, so please do not hesitate to ask. As a volunteer, you are a vital and valuable component of our mission. As such, volunteers are expected to be familiar with and adhere to our policies and procedures. In addition to the work that requires close contact with animals, we also need help with clerical duties, fundraising, special events and special projects. All tasks are very important for the animals. If you would rather volunteer for tasks that do not directly involve animals, we can definitely use your help. Mission Statement “Providing quality healthcare for injured wildlife, sharing ideas and collaborating with others through research and education to foster a community dedicated to preserving biodiversity.” About Us HDWRR was established in March, 2013. We are dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of native Oregon wildlife. HDWRR started out with a veterinary technician and a veterinarian doing wildlife rehabilitation out of their private home. After establishment, HDWRR received a donation of a small house on four acres for use as a wildlife hospital and rehabilitation facility. In its first year of operation, approximately 250 animals have been cared for at this new location. -1- HDWRR Volunteer Manual - April 2014 The need for wildlife rehabilitation in Central Oregon is ongoing and growing, due to the increasing human population and, therefore, human/wildlife conflicts. Approximately 99% of wildlife received is in need of care due to human activity. HDWRR is a non-profit organization operating mainly on donations and volunteer help. We also rely on limited revenue from our reptile veterinary services. Rehabilitation Center Hours of Operation OPEN 24/7 HDWRR’s veterinary team will take phone calls 24 hours a day. Based on information collected from after hours phone calls, our veterinarian or veterinary technician will determine whether or not an animal needs to be admitted immediately. Wildlife in distress can be brought to the physical address on the following page. For animals needing urgent care, we are equipped for most emergencies. Our treatment area is set up for basic ER treatment: IV or SQ fluids, antibiotics, corticosteroids and pain medicines. We work cooperatively with the Animal Emergency Center of Bend and also Bend Veterinary Clinic, who graciously donates their anesthesia, radiology and surgery suites for our use with wildlife. Contact Information Veterinarian: Dr. Jeff Cooney Email: [email protected] Phone: (541) 241-8680 Cell: (541) 693-3416 Veterinary Technician: Jeannette Bonomo Email: [email protected] Phone: (541) 241-8680 Cell: (541) 306-8462 HDWRR Mailing Address: Physical Address: -2- HDWRR Volunteer Manual - April 2014 2660 NE Hwy. 20 Ste. 610 #219 Bend, OR 97701 62410 Erickson Road Bend, OR 97701 Volunteer Application Process All potential volunteers must submit a High Desert Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation volunteer application and waiver. This can be picked up at our rehabilitation center. Upon submission of your application and waiver, you will be contacted by the Volunteer Coordinator via telephone or email. All volunteers must go through a mandatory orientation. If accepted into our volunteer program, you will be contacted by the Volunteer Coordinator to schedule your volunteer hours. We reserve the right to deny any applicant. All applicants must be 18 years of age or older to volunteer with HDWRR. Volunteers MUST represent High Desert Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation in a professional manner at all times. Use of foul language is prohibited. Present yourself with a smile. Volunteers MUST never give false or inaccurate information to the public. If you do not know the answers to a question, direct the person to the Veterinary Technician or Veterinarian. Volunteers MUST be able to tolerate exposure to cleaning agents. Volunteers MUST learn and practice safe animal handling. Volunteer Positions and Descriptions Animal Care Assistant: Help give the wildlife a healthy, pleasant and stress-free environment while in our care. Duties include: Cleaning cages, crates and flight pens Provide fresh food and water to the animals/birds Washing food and water bowls, and any food prep utensils/kitchenware -3- HDWRR Volunteer Manual - April 2014 Laundering bedding, towels, blankets Cleaning general workspaces (exam and kitchen areas, intake area) Sweeping, mopping, vacuuming where appropriate Requirements: Must be able to bend and lift Must be able to dedicate a minimum of 2 hours of time per visit Rescue and Transport Volunteers: We are always in need of dedicated volunteers wiling to rescue and transport wildlife to the rehabilitation center. Duties include: Knowledge of safe animal/bird handling Insuring the safety and welfare of animals that you are transporting Requirements: Must be equipped with rescue supplies (crate/box, towels, gloves, intake paperwork) Keep transport as stress-free as possible for animal (no music, loud talking) Must be able to bend and lift Clerical Assistant: Provides assistance to HDWRR staff with office operations. Duties include: Answering phone or returning calls Filing paperwork Assisting the public with accurate information Data entry Other office work, as needed -4- HDWRR Volunteer Manual - April 2014 Requirements: Must have excellent customer service and communication skills Assisting the public with general questions Good organizational skills and a willingness to help Special Events/Fundraising Volunteers: These volunteers are on an as-needed basis to assist in special events or fundraisers. This is an excellent opportunity for those volunteers that do not wish to work directly with the animals or at the center. Duties include: Distribution of flyers and other advertisements Recruiting other event participants Collect materials and transport to event locations Attends and participates at events which include setup/cleanup Assist in transporting applicable animals to events (i.e. education animals) Speaking to the public under the instruction of the volunteer coordinator Requirements: Must be able to bend and lift Must have excellent customer service and communication skills Must be familiar and comfortable with animal handling Other Volunteer Opportunities: If you are unable to come in to the facility, there are still many more ways for you to help… Scrap-booking or photo albums – Put together a scrap book or photo album of wildlife being cared for by fellow volunteers or staff. Include newspaper articles and special stories. Collect and donate items from our wish list, such as towels, blankets, sheets, laundry supplies and animal carriers… Save newspapers for lining our cages and crates. -5- HDWRR Volunteer Manual - April 2014 Write short articles about our patients or what’s new at HDWRR, to be included in our newsletter. Set a positive example by being a responsible wildlife advocate. For example, if you’re a cat owner, keep your cat indoors. Educate others as to why this is so important. Spread the word about HDWRR - what we do, what sets us apart, and our mission. We welcome your creativity! We encourage you to use your individual talents, skills and ideas to make a difference for the wildlife at HDWRR and in our community. Volunteer Policies and Procedures High Desert Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation relies on its volunteers to be dependable and effective during their volunteer hours. All volunteers must abide by the policies and procedures. Accidents and Incidents Any accident or incident must be reported immediately to the Volunteer Coordinator or another supervisor or lead. You will be required to fill out an accident report and may be required to seek medical attention. Animal Bites or Scratches Animal bites are serious. If an animal bite breaks a person’s skin, a report may have to be completed. If you are bitten while volunteering, no matter how minor it may appear, it must be reported to a supervisor. If you are bitten by a mammal other than a squirrel or other rodent, a bite report will likely be filled out by a staff member so the animal can be observed for rabies. A volunteer who neglects to report a mammal bite they receive while volunteering for High Desert Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation will have their volunteer privileges immediately revoked. It is recommended that volunteers have a current Tetanus immunization. Volunteer should check with their family physician to see if a tetanus shot is needed before volunteering in a wildlife care facility. Only those volunteers with a current Rabies vaccination may be trained to care for bats. -6- HDWRR Volunteer Manual - April 2014 Euthanasia Euthanasia is not a pleasant topic, however it is a very real part of wildlife rehabilitation. It is the veterinarian and veterinary technician who bear the burden of this task. Volunteers do not participate in the euthanasia process and are asked to respect the veterinary team’s judgment and experience. If you have specific questions about a decision, or disposition of an animal, please ask the vet or vet tech. High Desert Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation euthanizes animals in the following circumstances: Critically ill or injured wildlife, with permanent disability due to illness or injury. Wildlife deemed non-releasable Patients exhibiting uncontrollable neurological symptoms Patients with untreatable, contagious diseases Species with “Non-Native” status, as required by State law Parking Please park along Erickson Road (north of driveway) or in driveway if able to do so without blocking in other vehicles. Restricted Areas Some of the areas in the rehabilitation center are off-limits to volunteers because of disease control, animal comfort or overnight staff privacy. Failure to comply with this rule is reason to immediately revoke volunteer privileges. Volunteers may work in some of the following areas to assist with cleaning only when accompanied by a staff member. The clinical/exam area is used for evaluating patients health status’ and treatments. Use of the exam table is off-limits to volunteers. Only the staff veterinarian may authorize a volunteer to assist in this area. -7- HDWRR Volunteer Manual - April 2014 The pharmacy shelves and drug safe are off-limits to volunteers. New intakes are not to be handled and/or fed by volunteers. This reduces the potential of volunteers being put in dangerous situations and helps insure the safety of the animals in our care. Volunteers are not permitted at the front desk unless they are assigned clerical duties. Revocation of Volunteer Privileges Volunteer privileges may be suspended or revoked at any time, with or without reason or cause. Safety It is essential that we work together to identify safety hazards for people and animals. Practice effective hygiene at the center and at home by adhering to the following: Wash hands frequently with antibacterial soap or an antimicrobial solution, especially before and after handling any animal/bird and prior to eating. Please be sure to wash hands in between any contact with patients. Educate yourself – be aware of the importance of wearing gloves and using antibacterial or antimicrobial solutions when working around animals. Use gloves when changing bedding, washing food or water bowls or cleaning up any animal excrements. Disinfect scratches and bites wounds thoroughly. All bite wounds must be reported to a supervisor. Stay current on appropriate vaccinations, such as tetanus. Tell your physician that you work closely with animals, particularly wildlife. Be sure that your own animals at home are up-to-date with their vaccinations. We suggest that you always change clothes before socializing with your own animals at home. -8- HDWRR Volunteer Manual - April 2014 Keeping the center a safe environment: Wear appropriate clothing and sturdy closed-toe shoes or boots. Refer to the “Center Attire” section below. “Wet Floor” signs should be placed on wet walking surfaces without exception. Use gloves when changing bedding, washing food or water bowls or cleaning up animal excrements. Disinfect scratches and bite wounds thoroughly. Never handle an animal/bird that you are uncomfortable with. Scheduling, Sign-in/out Procedures and Volunteer Status Scheduling Procedures: In order to help this program run effectively and efficiently, we require that volunteers schedule their volunteer visits in advance with our Volunteer Coordinator. This helps ensure that we have our volunteer positions covered and are not under or over staffed. It is important that in the event you cannot make it for your scheduled hours you remove yourself from the schedule. It is advisable to let the Volunteer Coordinator know of any changes in your schedule. Sign-in/out Procedures: All volunteers must sign in at the time of their arrival on each occasion they volunteer. Sign-in sheets are located in the front office area of the rehab center. Please do not forget to sign out before leaving. There are several reasons we ask our volunteers to sign in and out. Safety, statistics, and requirements of other programs are a few of the reasons. Safety: In case of an emergency event, we need to know who is in the facility. Statistics: It is important that we keep track of our volunteers, as we are a non-profit entity operating on donations and potential grant awards. Keeping accurate records of all aspects of our facility is imperative in order to continue to receive funding to operate and improve services -9- HDWRR Volunteer Manual - April 2014 for the animals in our care and in our community. We also need this information when applying for grants and other funding. Requirements of other programs: Many of our volunteers are offering their time as a requirement for schools and other organizations. In order to be assured that you receive the proper credit, the sign-in/out policies must be adhered to. Volunteer Status There are two status types for volunteers – Active and Inactive. An Active Volunteer is one that volunteers at least 6 hours every month. A volunteer’s status becomes inactive when they have not volunteered for 6 months. We request if a volunteer chooses to end their volunteer relationship with us that the volunteer notify the Volunteer Coordinator in writing or via email. This helps us improve our volunteer program. Rehabilitation Center Attire Volunteers should wear casual clothes that are appropriate both for working with animals and meeting the public. It is important to be able to function comfortably, and safely, with our volunteer tasks. Assigned facility shirts, jeans and long shorts are acceptable to wear. Surgical scrubs are an optimal uniform. Volunteers must remember that while you are here, you are representing the center and your professional appearance and conduct help form the public’s overall impression of the organization. Volunteers must represent the organization in a professional manner. Short-shorts, revealing clothing, or clothing with inappropriate slogans, advertisements or logos that are considered offensive to the public, other volunteers or staff are strictly prohibited. Non-slip, closed toed shoes are required. Open-toed shoes are prohibited (such as sandals or flipflops). Bare feet are strictly prohibited. Athletic shoes or other non-slip enclosed shoes would be appropriate center footwear. - 10 - HDWRR Volunteer Manual - April 2014 Jewelry and perfume should be kept to a minimum. Some animals are very sensitive to perfumes. Dangling jewelry such as necklaces, bracelets and earrings may become entangled on a cage or kennel, latch or fence. Some birds find these shiny items to be particularly fun and enticing! Drug and Alcohol Policy HDWRR has a zero tolerance policy for drug or alcohol use on company property. HDWRR has a significant interest in promoting a safe and productive atmosphere for all volunteers and staff. The use of or being under the influence of illegal drugs on HDWRR premises, or while conducting HDWRR business is inconsistent with HDWRR’s policy and is prohibited. Consumption of alcoholic beverages while on HDWRR’s premises is likewise prohibited unless authorized by the President solely at a corporate function. However, absolutely no circumstances will intoxication be tolerated while on HDWRR’s premises or while conducting HDWRR business. Behavior contrary to this policy may result in immediate termination from the volunteer program. Cell Phones and Other Electronic Devices The use of cell phones or other electronic devices is strictly forbidden when handling any of our animals. The sounds from these devices are stressful to wildlife. This rule is for the safety of the animal and the person handling the animal. You may use these devices outside, away from any wildlife in rehabilitation. Smoking HDWRR complies with the State and local laws concerning smoking and is a smoke-free workplace. Smoking is prohibited in front of the facility, or within 10 feet from HDWRR entrances, exits, windows that open or near any vehicles. Additionally, if you smoke while in a HDWRR provided uniform, you must cover up HDWRR’s logo or remove the uniform. Absenteeism/Tardiness Our staff and animals are counting on your help. Volunteers must make every effort to show up and be on time for their scheduled volunteer hours. We understand that there may be times when your absence or tardiness cannot be avoided. In these cases, it is your responsibility to email or call the - 11 - HDWRR Volunteer Manual - April 2014 Volunteer Coordinator or your supervisor prior to any absence or tardiness, or as soon as possible directly after. Failure to call or email, or show up for your scheduled hours THREE times within a sixmonth period may result in termination from the Volunteer Program. Please let the Volunteer Coordinator know if you plan to be absent for an extended amount of time, so other arrangements can be made to cover your volunteer hours. Friends and Relatives Volunteers are not allowed to bring friends or family members with them during their scheduled volunteer shifts. Only people who are over the age of 18 and have been trained as a volunteer in our program are allowed to be in the facilities. Pets are strictly prohibited from HDWRR premises. THANK YOU! Thank you for taking the time to read this manual. It is very important that all policies and procedures are followed, and that volunteers and staff work together. We appreciate your time and dedication and we want your volunteer experience to be rewarding. Welcome and thank you for your support. - 12 -
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