TLC Shadow/Volunteer Application

Volunteer/Shadow (Outside line techs) Policies

Welcome to TLC! 

We are so excited that you have selected TLC as the clinic to gain more knowledge and experience about the pediatric population. Please read and sign this policy handout prior to your volunteer/shadowing experience. We aim to work together with shadows and volunteers to help the children attending our services and programs to reach their full potential! 

Shadows and volunteers may be asked to shadow/volunteer at either Elmwood or Metairie clinics, where we offer individual occupational, speech, and physical therapy appointments and group based programming.

Metairie:

3329 Metairie Road,

Metairie, LA 70001 

Elmwood:

524 Elmwood Park Blvd. Suite 120, 

New Orleans, LA 70123 

Along with individual therapy, we also offer a variety of groups and programs at TLC. Our groups take place in the afternoons, in addition to day programs that are led by OT/SLPs. Building Blocks takes place from 8:45-2:30pm and is housed at the Metairie clinic. Talkin’ Toddlers takes place from 8:35-2pm and is housed at the Elmwood clinic. 

Our goal is to provide quality care to the children we see in groups, programs, and all services to help them be as successful as possible. We are looking forward to working with you to best support the children we service!

Dress code: 

Volunteers and shadows are expected to dress professionally when observing/ assisting with TLC Programs or individual sessions. 

Scrub top and pants, or scrub bottoms and t-shirt, and sneakers are acceptable.

Cell phones are strictly prohibited during observation/shadowing hours. It is imperative that we have eyes on the kids for liability purposes. It also allows you to gain the most from this experience. In addition, no pictures are allowed. Violation of this policy is grounds for immediate dismissal. Thank you for understanding! 

Punctuality:

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to a program start time. If you are going to be late, please contact our office and leave a message by calling (504)565-7300. If you need to leave early, please let the therapist know so arrangements can be made for staffing. 

Volunteers (For those seeking to volunteer for multiple days):

All volunteers are required to complete our TLC Student/Volunteer jotform prior to being allowed to volunteer. Once this link has been completed, the Programs Director will reach out via email to schedule an observation day. On this date, the volunteer will observe with a day program or individual sessions to further gauge what the volunteer is wishing to gain from this experience. Based on the observation day, the programs director will then meet with you to create a shadowing/observation schedule. The role of the volunteer is to observe while taking the initiative to help out as you see therapy techs doing in programs and/or groups. Feel free to ask the lead therapist for ideas on how to get involved (examples: cleaning up after a transition, assisting with potty breaks, getting lunches ready). We encourage collaboration and communication between techs, therapists, and volunteers to promote smooth transitions throughout the day. If you have any questions or concerns please consult with the lead therapist of the day program during (if not busy) or after the shift is over. 

 

Behavior shadows/line-techs for one on one support: 

All shadows are required to complete our TLC Student/Volunteer jotform prior to being allowed to attend our day programs. Once this link has been completed, the Programs Director will reach out via email to confirm the dates and child you will be working with (only for one-on-one line techs). When working with your client, please try to communicate with our team about your role with the client, including any goals you are working on with the client. If you do not have goals to work on with this client, please collaborate with the lead therapist to complete the list attached to this document to best support the child you are shadowing. It’s important for you and the therapist in charge to be on the same page and understand the expectations involved with you and the client. 

The role of the shadow is to be one-on-one with the child to whom you are assigned. If they need assistance completing an activity, participating in a task, or doing anything that day, it will be your responsibility to take the initiative and assist them. We encourage collaboration and communication between techs, therapists, and shadows to optimize the child’s ability to engage in his/her environment. Please try to encourage your client to engage in our provided activities. If you have any questions or concerns please consult with the lead therapist of the day program. 

 

Permission Slip, Indemnification, Medical Agreement and Grant of Rights

I hereby confirm that I am willingly participating as a volunteer/shadow opportunity in the Therapeutic Learning Center, LLC’s (“TLC”) Clinic ("clinic").  I understand that my participation in the clinic is completely voluntary. My signature below is an acknowledgement of voluntary consent to participate in this clinic. I agree to indemnify and hold harmless TLC from and against any and all claims, demands, expenses, losses and liability arising out of personal injuries or death to any person or the damage, loss or destruction of any property which may occur or in any way grow out of any act or omission by myself or any and all costs, expenses and/or attorney fees incurred as a result of any claims, demands, and/or causes of action, through, or under myself which may arise as a result of my participation in the clinic.

If any emergency medical procedures or treatments are required during the clinic, I hereby consent to the staff of TLC’s clinic, arranging for, or consenting to the procedures or treatment in his, her, or their discretion.  The only time a decision will be made in regard to serious illness or accident will be when extenuating circumstances prevent direct contact with parents/guardians regarding the matter.   

By signing a copy of this agreement, I hereby acknowledge and agree to the above terms, including the PERMISSION SLIP, INDEMNIFICATION, MEDICAL AGREEMENT and GRANT OF RIGHTS.  I have reviewed and read this agreement.  The terms and conditions were explained to me in full, and I understand its terms and conditions. I have been given ample opportunity to review this agreement with an attorney of my choosing.  My signature below is voluntary.  I further certify that I am of full legal capacity to execute this authorization. 

 The Undersigned expressly agrees that the foregoing Release, and Indemnity Agreement is intended to be as broad and inclusive as is permitted by the laws of the State of Louisiana and that if any portion or portions thereof shall be held invalid, it is agreed that said portion shall be severed from this Agreement and the balance shall, notwithstanding, continue in full legal force and effect.

 Terms & Conditions

If accepted as a Therapeutic Learning Center volunteer, I AGREE THAT: 

1.     I shall hold as absolutely confidential all information that I may obtain directly or indirectly concerning patients, doctors, or personnel, and not seek to obtain confidential information from a client or any staff.

2.     My services are donated to Therapeutic Learning Center without contemplation of compensation or future employment, and given with humanitarian or charitable reasons.

3.     I shall not sell or attempt to sell goods or services, request contributions, or to solicit persons to sign or distribute political petitions on clinic premises. 

4.     I shall be punctual and conscientious, conduct myself with dignity, courtesy, and consideration of others, and endeavor to make my work professional in quality.

5.     I shall attempt to resolve any problems related to my volunteer activities with my supervisor immediately.

6.     I shall make my best effort to fulfill my commitment to the clinic by completing all assignments that I accept. 

7.     I shall at all times uphold the philosophy and standards of the clinic and obey all clinic regulations, rules and policies as explained to me by my supervisor.

8.     I understand that Therapeutic Learning Center reserves the right to terminate my volunteer status as a result of (a) failure to comply with the clinic policies, rules, and regulations; (b) absences without prior notification; (c) unsatisfactory attitude, work or appearance: or (d) any other circumstances which, in the judgment of the supervisor, would make my continued service as a volunteer contrary to the best interests of the clinic.

I have read and understood each of the above conditions and I agree to be bound by them. I understand that I should consult these policies, if ever in doubt of my responsibilities. I understand that I should follow all policies consistently as a volunteer/shadow at Therapeutic Learning Center in order to maintain my observation/shadowing hours with Therapeutic Learning Center.