Volunteer Application Packet

This form is designed to help us provide a safe and secure environment for all who participate and serve in our programs and ministries. The information on this application will remain confidential, in keeping with the legal requirements of the church. This is not an application for employment.

What church or churches have you attended in the past five years? 

Please supply at least two independent references. Not relatives. Past ministry leaders or former employers preferred

Personal History: If you prefer, you may discuss your answers to the following questions in person rather than answering them on this application. Answering yes, or leaving the question unanswered, will not automatically disqualify you as an applicant.

 

Please Read/Sign

/ (Applicant's Name) recognize that Heights Church is relying on the accuracy of the information I provide on this application form. Accordingly, I attest and affirm that the information I have provided is absolutely true and correct.

I authorize the organization to contact the person or entity listed on this form, and / further authorize such person or entity to provide the organization with information, opinions, and impressions relating to my background or qualifications.

I voluntarily release the organization and any such person or entity listed on this Volunteer application from liability involving the communication of information relating to my background or qualifications.

MINOR APPLICANTS - Parental Affirmation and Consent

I, (print name)affirm that I am the parent/legal guardian of the applicant. I recognize that Heights Church is relying on the accuracy of the information provided. To the best of my knowledge, I affirm and attest that the information provided is true and correct. I further attest and affirm that I am aware of no traits or tendencies of the applicant that could pose any threat to children, youth, or others.

9.2. Child and Youth Protection Code of Conduct

The Foursquare Church is committed to protecting and releasing in our children the calling God has placed on their lives. We look to 1 Thessalonians 5:23 as a guide: may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete (NASB We have been charged by God with the responsibility of protecting each child's spirit, soul, and body; we will do everything possible to fulfill that charge.

We are committed to creating a safe and nurturing environment that fosters spiritual, emotional, and physical health for all children who participate in our ministries. We are also committed to protecting staff members and volunteers from unwarranted accusations. To that end, all staff members and volunteers who work with our children must abide by this Foursquare "Child and Youth Protection Code of Conduct."

 

1. Treat children with respect and fairness at all times, regardless of the child's race, sex, age, or religion.

2. Respond with Christian love and understanding in all situations.

3. Act as a positive role model for children by maintaining an attitude of respsect, loyalty, patience, courtesy, and maturity. 

4. Dress appropriately and avoid wearing provocative and/or revealing clothing.

5. Engage in appropriate displays of affection, as defined in Sections 4.2, 9.3, and 9.4.

6. Refrain from inappropriate physical interatcions as defined in Section 9.4.

7. Refrain from using inappropriate corrective measures as defined in Sections 9.5.

8. Refrain from swearing or telling offensive or vulgar jokes.

9. Avoid involving children in inappropriately burdensome or distrubing problems or issues.

10. Refrain from sharing or keeping secrets with children.

11. Not abuse alcohol or drugs.

12. Refrain from discussing sexual encounters in the presence of children.

13. Not have or view sexually explicit materials, including any type of pornography.

14. Refrain from staring at or commenting on a child's body.

15. Refrain from perpetuating any kind of abuse upon any child; this includes, but is not limited to the following:

     a. Verbal abuse: degrading, threatening, cursing

     b. Physical abuse: hitting, shaking, slapping, unnecessary restraint

     c. Sexual abuse: inappropriate touching, exposing oneself, sexually-oriented   conversations

     d. Emotional abuse: shaming, humiliating, cruelty

     e. Neglect: withholding or denying food, water, clothing, shelter, medical care, freedom of movement, or failure to protect

     Abuse of any kind will not be tolerated. Allegations of abuse may result in immediate removal of the stafff member or volunteer from duties, and may result in permanent dismissal at the sole discretion of The Foursquare Church. The Foursquare Church will fully cooperate with authorities if allegations of abuse are made and investigated. 

16.  Immediately report concerns or complaints, including suspicions of abuse, about a Foursquare church staff member, volunteer, or child to the immediate director of the program and to a member of the ministerial staff.

As an applicant for employment or for a volunteer position with access to children at Heights Church and its ministries, I, __print your name__________),have read, understand, and agree to abide by the "Child and Youth Protection Code of Conduct" of the Foursquare Church. I further agree to abide by all policies, procedures and rules of The Foursquare Church regarding children and as otherwise deemed applicable to me. I further understand that any violation of this code of conduct may result in my immediate and potentially permanent dismissal.

 

I declare that I will NOT abuse (physically, verbally, sexually, or emotionally) or neglect any child or adult and that I have bever been convicted of abuse or, indedency with, or injury to a child or adult.

9.3. Appropriate and Inappropriate Verbal Interactions

Appropriate Verbal Interactions:

     Positively reinforcing children

     Telling clean, positive, light hearted jokes

     Encouraging children

     Praising children

 

Inappropriate Verbal Interactions:

     Calling children derogatory names

     Discussing sexual encounters

     In any way involving children in personal problems or issues of staff        members/volunteers

     Sharing secrets with children

     Cursing Telling offensive, vulgar, or sexually oriented jokes

     Complimenting a child on his or her physique or body development

     Shaming Belittling Making derogatory remarks, including but not limited to       derogatory remarks about the child, the child's family or ethnic background

     Using harsh language that may frighten, threaten, or humiliate children

9.4. Appropriate and Inappropriate Physical Interactions

Appropriate Physical Interactions:

     Pats on the back, arm, or shoulder

     Side hugs Shoulder to shoulder, "temple" or "A-frame" hugs

     Handshakes

     "High fives" and hand slapping

     Touching hand, face, shoulder, arm

     Arms around shoulders Holding hands (with young children)

     Soothing infants

     Sitting beside a child

     Sitting with a small child on adult's legs

 

 

Inappropriate Physical Interactions:

Any form of affection that is unwanted by the child or the staff member/volunteer Any physical activity that is, or could be perceived by another to be, sexually stimulating to the adult or the child

     Full frontal hugs except when holding infants

     Kisses on the mouth

     Kisses of any kind that are unwanted by the child

     Touching chests or anywhere below the waist

     Showing affection in isolated locations such as closets, remote hallways, staff-only areas, or other private rooms

     Staff member/volunteer sleeping in bed with a child

     Wrestling with children

     Piggyback rides

     Tickling

     Allowing a child to cling to the leg of a staff member/volunteer

     Holding a child on a staff member/volunteer's lap so the child is straddled over private areas

     Massage given by a child to a staff member/volunteer

     Massage given by a staff member/volunteer to a child

9.5. Appropriate and Inappropriate Corrective Measures

It is important that program directors, staff members and volunteers make sure that each child clearly understands behavior expectations. It is essential that program directors ensure that each staff member and volunteer understands appropriate and inappropriate corrective measures and that children may never be punished because of bladder or bowel "accidents" nor because vomiting or other manifestations of illness. Always remember, correction is not punishment. Rather it is an opportunity to teach a child a better way to behave while stopping inappropriate behavior. Make an effort to praise good behavior the child displays. The staff member/volunteer must remain calm at all times when correcting a child When correction is necessary, the following guidelines apply.

Appropriate Correction Options

Talking with the child about what behavior would have been more appropriate. Explain natural consequences to inappropriate behavior. Assigning a period of time away from the other children. If the offense is repeated, place the child away from the group in a way that avoids public humiliation for approximately one minute per year of age, not to exceed five minutes. Calling for assistance in the case of persistent misbehavior, e.g., the program director, counselors, and/or pastors. The person called upon for assistance may contact the child's parent/guardian or sit with the child until the misbehavior subsides or for the duration of the Foursquare activity. Intervention to protect a child from harm or risk of being harmed.

Inappropriate Correction Options

Using condemning language or tone Employing corporal punishment: includes shaking, hitting, spanking, slapping, shoving Threatening to use corporal punishment Engaging in name calling, shaming, degrading or derogatory remarks, ostracism Biting, pinching, hair- and/or ear pulling Withholding food/water, or medical care Using mechanical or unnecessary physical restraints Isolating a child in a small, confined, and/or dark place Imposing physical exercise as a punishment

I have read the above child and youth protection code of conduct.

Please hit submit.