Addendum
Volunteer Code of Conduct & Policies
Policies
Harassment and Discrimination
Cornerstones’ policy is to provide a work environment that is free from harassment or discrimination. Therefore, Cornerstones will not tolerate harassment or discrimination based on age, race, sex (which includes harassment or discrimination based on gender, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), color, religion, national origin, disability, marital status, covered veteran status, sexual orientation, status with respect to public assistance, and any other characteristics protected under state, federal, or local law. Such conduct is prohibited in any form at the workplace, at work‐related functions, or outside of work if it affects the workplace. This policy applies to all Cornerstones employees, volunteers, clients, customers, guests, vendors, and persons doing business with Cornerstones.
Sexual harassment, one type of prohibited harassment, warrants special mention. Sexual harassment has been defined according to Cornerstones guidelines as: Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.
If you believe that you are being subjected to harassment or discrimination, you should:
- Tell the harasser that his or her actions are not welcome, and they must stop, if you feel comfortable enough to do so.
- Report the incident immediately to the staff member supervising the volunteer activity and to Volunteer and Community Engagement Staff.
- Report any additional incidents or retaliation that may occur to Volunteer and Community Engagement Staff.
Conflict of Interest
Each volunteer must act in all matters in a manner that will safeguard the reputation and integrity of Cornerstones and will preserve and strengthen public confidence in Cornerstones activities. Volunteers must not have personal, professional, or financial interests or relationships that might be perceived to affect their volunteer participation with Cornerstones programs, services, or clients. An actual or potential conflict of interest occurs when a volunteer is in a position to influence a decision that may result in a personal gain for themselves or for a relative as a result of Cornerstones’ business dealings. For the purposes of this policy, a relative is a person who is related by blood or marriage, or whose relationship with the volunteer is similar to that of persons who are related by blood or marriage. No volunteer shall accept payment of any kind (including gifts, cash, discounts, concessions, services or other similar item or benefits) for services rendered as part of his or her volunteer service. No volunteer shall use Cornerstones stationery or any title of Cornerstones or refer to Cornerstones or misidentify themselves as an employee thereof in connection with any matter as to which they are not authorized as a representative of Cornerstones and to express an opinion on its behalf. Further, they must notify Volunteer and Community Engagement Staff in writing of any conflicts that may arise while serving as a Cornerstones volunteer.
Personal Beliefs
Cornerstones recognizes that its volunteers may hold a wide range of personal beliefs, values, and commitments. These represent a conflict of interest only if these beliefs prevent a volunteer from fulfilling their responsibilities. Volunteers may never discuss or provide information on their personal beliefs, values, or commitments with clients involved in Cornerstones programs. Cornerstones will not discriminate against volunteers on the basis of their personal beliefs, values, or commitment.
Media
In the normal course of their duties, volunteers may be contacted by members of the public, media, government officials, or others and asked to comment on Cornerstones policies and procedures or asked to make a statement or commitment (verbally or in writing) for the organization. Unless specifically authorized by the Volunteer and Community Engagement Staff, all such contacts must be referred to Volunteer and Community Engagement Staff who will forward to the appropriate staff member. As a reminder, photography, video recording, and social media posts of program participants and any law enforcement are strictly prohibited to protect privacy and ensure safety.
Drug-Free Workplace
Cornerstones provides a drug-free work environment. The unauthorized or illegal use, manufacture, distribution, or possession of controlled substances and illegal drugs in the workplace or while on company business is specifically prohibited. The possession or use of alcohol or marijuana, or being under the influence of alcohol or marijuana, in the workplace is also prohibited under this policy. Violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including immediate dismissal from the volunteer program.
Please note that the prior use, arrest and/or conviction for use of, or being under the influence of alcohol and drugs does not necessarily make a volunteer applicant ineligible for onboarding but will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Compliance
Volunteers may be asked to complete paperwork, provide updated information, or complete a background check or search for certain volunteer roles. Failure to complete these requirements may disqualify a volunteer from serving in a particular role. If appropriate based on the circumstances, volunteers who are disqualified for a volunteer role may have the option to explore other volunteer opportunities. Also, volunteers shall report any new convictions to Volunteer and Community Engagement Staff within 24 to 72 hours for staff evaluation. Please note that failure to report could result in dismissal from the Cornerstones volunteer program.
Polies Affecting Clients, Client Families, and Caregivers
Ethics for those Working with Children and Youth
Cornerstones programs for children and youth provide a nurturing, caring, and supportive environment. Employees and others associated with our programs are expressly prohibited from: (1) verbal, emotional, or physical mistreatment and abuse of children or youth; (2) sexual harassment of children or youth; and (3) sexual, seductive, or erotic behavior with children or youth.
Suspected or apparent violations by Cornerstones employees, contractors or program volunteers, or by client families, caregivers or others will be reported and investigated by appropriate local authorities and by Cornerstones. A founded violation of this policy by a Cornerstones employee or volunteer will result in termination. As per our policy, all incidents of suspected or observed child abuse and neglect or improper treatment should be immediately reported to your supervisor and/or the Chief Executive Officer.
Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect
Cornerstones volunteers shall report suspected abuse or neglect immediately to staff on duty and to the Director of Volunteer and Community Engagement.
This policy is important because child abuse and neglect interfere with healthy child
development and later achievement in life. Employees, volunteers, and clients should be aware of reporting requirements and procedures for handling reports of child abuse and neglect. Information on where to call and how to report abuse and neglect should be posted, so it is readily available to parents and staff.
Procedure and Practices, including responsible person(s): All observations or suspicions of child abuse or neglect will be immediately reported to the Child Protective Services hotline: 703‐324‐7400, no matter where the abuse might have occurred. In case of emergency or if you reasonably believe a child is in immediate danger, dial 911 first. Cornerstones staff with the volunteer will call to report the suspected abuse or neglect.
All staff involved in the reported incident will follow the direction of Child Protective Services regarding completion of written reports. If the parent or legal guardian of the child is suspected of abuse, staff will follow the guidance of Child Protective Services regarding notification of the child’s parent or legal guardian. Reporters of suspected child abuse will not be discharged for making a report; unless it is proven that a false report was knowingly made.
If a staff member or volunteer is suspected of abuse, parents or legal guardians of suspected abused children will be notified by Chief Operating Officer immediately after contact with Child Protective Services is made.
Staff or a volunteer who is accused of child abuse may be suspended or given leave
(with/without) pay (if staff), pending investigation of the accusation. Such staff or volunteer may also be removed from the site and given a job that does not require interaction with children. However, no accusation or affirmation of guilt will be made until the Child Protective Services investigation is complete. Employees and volunteers that are found guilty of child abuse will be immediately dismissed.
When this policy applies: Whenever any staff member or volunteer has reason to suspect that any child on the premises of any Cornerstones facility may have been abused or neglected by anyone.
Client Bill of Rights
Cornerstones recognizes and respects the dignity and right to privacy of all persons involved in its programs. Our standards for client eligibility for services and support (including financial support) will be clearly stated and fairly administered.
Cornerstones employees and others involved in our programs shall not engage in any behavior or conduct that could be construed as abusing, neglecting, or exploiting a client. Cornerstones outlines these principles in its “bill of rights” for clients, client families, and client caregivers, by affirming their right to:
- Privacy and confidentiality
- Be treated with dignity and respect
- Refuse participation in any survey or research project
- File grievances and suggest improvements in Cornerstones services.
Privacy and Confidentiality
Cornerstones is committed to ensuring the privacy, confidentiality, and safety of individuals involved in its programs and services, in keeping with federal, state, and county laws and regulations, or as required by the terms of any contract or grant. Under this law, client histories, records and other client information is private and privileged and must be treated with the utmost confidentiality.
Disclosure of client information is limited to that required by law enforcement or authorized by the client to promote his/her access to community resources or services, or necessary to support internal reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
This policy is also extended to protect information about our employees and supporters of Cornerstones. In support of this policy, Cornerstones requires all employees and others involved in conducting programs or services to sign a Pledge of Client Confidentiality as a condition of employment or affiliation with the agency and its programs.
Disqualification and/or dismissal
Cornerstones is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for both staff and volunteers. Volunteers who do not comply with the Code of Conduct, policies, procedures, or guidelines may be subject to disciplinary action, including and up to dismissal.
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