CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT, CODE OF CONDUCT, SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY, BACKGROUND SCREENING CONSENT (READ BEFORE SIGNING):
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Confidentiality Agreement for Volunteers
The relationship between Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County (JFS) and the people it serves is confidential.
Protecting that relationship is an essential part of the agency’s obligation to its clients. All JFS volunteers are
required to maintain the principle of confidentiality in obtaining and releasing information about clients.
Information about clients is made known to volunteers only as representatives of JFS and is, therefore, to be used
only for the purpose of providing services.
Specifically, this means you may not:
• Use a client’s name or other identifying information in any conversation outside the program setting.
• Discuss one client’s problems with another client.
• Describe a client’s case in such a manner that the client could be identified outside the program setting.
• Give out any information, written (including copies) or oral (by phone or in person) to anyone outside the
program setting. This includes telling anyone you have had contact with the client.
• No photos or videos of clients are to be distributed by volunteers. This includes photos in any form,
electronic, printed, or otherwise.
• Remove any records or papers from the program setting that contains client information without written
permission from the client and JFS.
• Access a client’s records, without explicit direction to do so from your supervisor.
Violation of any of the above standards could mean immediate dismissal as a JFS volunteer.
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JFS Volunteer Code of Conduct
As a JFS Volunteer, I understand that I will be acting as an extension of the agency itself. Therefore in order to begin
and continue in my role as a volunteer, I will abide by the following code of conduct.I understand that my commitment to act in a volunteer role is important and I will honor my commitment.
• I will respect the rights, dignity, and worth of all people involved with my volunteer experience including
but not limited to staff, clients, and other volunteers.
• I understand that the relationship I have with clients is important and governed by confidentiality. I will
not include other people in our activities.
• I understand that my role as a volunteer is a matter of trust and will not pursue any activities with the
client(s) outside the confines of the organization's program.
• I will not engage in activities that pose a serious risk of injury to myself or others, including but not limited
to, the use of alcohol, drugs, or smoking during my volunteer activities or when clients are present
• I will refrain from any form of personal abuse towards others, including verbal, physical, and emotional
abuse.
• I will not engage in any inappropriate contact or relationship with a client or other participant of JFS
programs. This includes contacting staff, clients, or other volunteers outside of the program without
explicit consent.
• I will report any suspicions of abuse or neglect to my supervisor.
• I will neither arrange nor participate in any overnight activities with clients (or other prohibited activities)
without express written permission from the organization.
• I will not buy gifts nor give money to any client without permission from a JFS staff member.
• I will maintain regular contact with my supervisor by responding promptly to calls, e-mails, or other means
of communication. I also understand that the organization may request a meeting to discuss my
participation and I will respond promptly.
• I understand that if a problem arises involving the client and/or the client's family and/or caregiver, I will
contact JFS immediately.
• I will follow JFS exit procedures when asked to do so. I understand that when my involvement with the
client(s) terminates, it is to occur professionally.
• I agree to follow all established volunteer policies and procedures
• I acknowledge and agree that any subject matter, trademarks, and/or service marks, or other proprietary information developed by me during my relationship with JFS, for use by JFS, shall become and remain exclusive property of JFS.
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JFS Social Media Policy for Volunteers
Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County requires the responsible use of social media as it relates to or stems
from your volunteer experience with JFS. By defining the expectations that JFS has for its volunteers, we aim
to protect clients, staff, the agency, and other volunteers from violations of confidentiality, privacy, and respect
online. Inappropriate use of social media can pose risks to our clients, confidential and proprietary information and
reputation, and can jeopardize our compliance with legal obligations. To minimize these risks, we require
volunteers to adhere to this policy in its entirety.
• You are required to respect confidentiality at all times. This includes but is not limited to posts indicating a
client’s name or identifiable information. Identifiable information includes but is not limited to name,
address, family size, personally identifiable characteristics, or unique circumstances.
• It’s appropriate and permissible to utilize social media to indicate or identify yourself as a JFS Volunteer and
with which volunteer program you are serving. Sharing your positive experience or the impact that you are
making is appropriate but you must do so while avoiding the following:
• No photos with or of clients are to be posted on any volunteer’s social media
• No identifying information regarding clients is to be posted.
• No disparaging remarks about JFS should be posted. Volunteer grievance procedures should be
followed instead.
• No photos with or of agency staff or volunteers without explicit permission should be posted
• If you disclose your affiliation as a volunteer of Jewish Family Services, you must also state that your views
do not represent those of the organization you are volunteering with. For example, you could state, “The
views in this posting do not represent the views of Jewish Family Services”
• If you are uncertain or concerned about the appropriateness of any statement or posting, refrain from
making the communication until you discuss it with your volunteer supervisor or the Volunteer Coordinator.
• Within each volunteer program, there may be additional guidelines or training regarding the appropriate use of
social media.
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Employee/Volunteer Background Screening Consent
As a prospective employee/volunteer of Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County, I understand that it is the
agency’s policy to secure conviction and criminal history information as part of the background screening process.
I hereby authorize Jewish Family Services to make an independent investigation of my background, references, past employment, education, credit history, adult criminal or police records, and motor vehicle records including those maintained by both public and private organizations and all public records for the purpose of confirming the information contained on my application and/or obtaining other
information which may be material to my qualifications as an employee/volunteer now and, if applicable, during the tenure of my employment/volunteer service with Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County.
I release Jewish Family Services from any and all liabilities, claims or law suits in regards to the information
obtained from any and all of the above referenced sources used. The following is my true and complete legal name
and all information is true and correct to the best of my knowledge:
*NOTE: The above information is required for State of Michigan background checks only, and is in no manner used
as qualification for employment, internship, or service as a volunteer. JFS abides by all applicable state and federal
employment laws.
By signing this waiver, I agree to the policies outlined above, I agree to review the Volunteer Handbook in its entirety, and to attend at least one Volunteer Orientation.