Volunteer Opportunities and Requirements
For safety as well as comfort, volunteers should dress in
close-fitting clothing. Loose, floppy clothing can get
caught and tangled with equipment. Dress in layer that you
can shed as you exercise, especially during cooler months.
Bring a jacket, even if you don't need it in town - it is
cooler at the barn than you might think!
During the summer, be sure to dress coolly and wear a hat
that won't fly off. Sunglasses are a big plus in the sunny
months, and sunscreen and insect repellent are recommended,
as are sunglasses.
You will be doing a lot of walking and jogging on uneven
terrain, so comfortable shoes are important. It hurts when a
horse steps on your foot, so make sure your footwear is
sturdy. Last but not least, avoid dangle earrings and
bracelets that can hamper your movements, get pulled off by
a rider or distract the horse. Perfumes can attract bees and
other biting insects. Asthmatics or persons with allergies
should not forget their inhalers or other medications such
as Epi-Pens.
An interview is required for all prospective volunteers, a
screen is conducted at your initial contact. The interview
gives the volunteer an opportunity to ask questions and the
Volunteer Coordinator or Executive Director an opportunity
to see if the applicant has the needed qualifications. An
application must be completed. Applications can be obtained
from the Volunteer Coordinator, the Executive Director and
at the barn.
The Volunteer Coordinator and the prospective volunteer
choose a position that will be beneficial to the volunteer
and RCTRC. Such considerations as openings, day and time,
suitability and qualifications of the volunteer are made in
conjunction with the placement and assignment. Assignments
are issued on a six week probationary period.
Education/Training courses will be held approximately every
three months, so we may keep our volunteers and our staff up
to date on all safety and barn procedures.
If a
volunteer has been under the care of a doctor and away from
his/her volunteer work for an extended period, he/she must
have a medical authorization to return to RCTRC. Volunteers
should be capable of assisting a client during lesson
activities and in emergency situations.
The client is the most important person to anyone, staff or
volunteer, working in any health care environment. The
rights and feelings of the clients at RCTRC are as important
as their physical and mental well being. While serving our
clients, everyone will use kindness, gentleness, and
empathy. We should all attempt to perform personalized care
without the distinction as to race, religion, sex, age,
physical handicap, or national origin.
Any information concerning clients, staff, other volunteers
are to be considered confidential and remain so. Whether the
information is in writing or verbal, everyone is to keep the
information confidential. The most innocent release of
information may be damaging to a client or staff member.
Breach of confidentiality is reason for immediate
termination.
Safety is a prime concern at RCTRC. Below is information for
general use, specific instructions will be provided during
the orientation process and emergency numbers are posted by
the telephone.
-
No Smoking anywhere at RCTRC facilities.
-
Mounted persons must wear helmets at all times.
-
Insure that the horses are properly tacked up with all
safety equipment
-
All children should be supervised by an adult when on
the premises.
-
Teachers and volunteers should not bring children to
class sessions.
-
Only authorized personnel (instructors and volunteers)
are allowed in the hay loft.
-
Observe and obey all safety signs posted.
We do not have an indoor arena, classes will not be
cancelled during the summer months if we have
rain on the day before or the day of
class. There will be no riding! But groundwork and other
activities will be utilized to accomplish all of our goals.
Should you have questions – you need to call before coming
to the riding center:
Golden-Aire Farm/RCTRC:
304-743-5267 or
Connie’s Cell: 304-634-1845.
Extreme heat also limits our
ability to hold classes. Please be aware that
classes will be cancelled if the temperature and heat index
is over 95 degrees. Should the weather forecast on
television say that the temperature is 91 and above, with
the humidity level over 90 % - YOU need to confirm
classes!
Children and adults with some disabling
conditions can possibly have seizures and fatigue
prematurely due to the high heat. If you are concerned that
classes might be cancelled please call (304) 743-5267 or
Connie’s Cell: 304-634-1845.
Connie will also notify you of class changes, time changes,
etc. We may even ask that volunteers call other volunteers,
when changes occur.
Your volunteer time is important to us for recognizing
outstanding volunteers and funding purposes. Please be sure
to record your hours each time you come on the daily sign-in
sheet. These records are used for recording individual
hours, monthly reports and recognition. The sign-in
sheets/cards are located in the tack room.
Include your drive time and round off your hours to the
nearest half hour. If you work more than one class for that
day, record your total hours on the first class sheet and
initial the rest. If you are substituting for someone else,
be sure to fill out the appropriate information on the right
hand side of the sign-in sheet. Separate sign-in sheets are
kept for special events, workdays, etc.
|
River
Cities Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc.
