1. (a) Request for volunteers. Requests for volunteers from facility staff must be submitted to the community relations office for processing.
2. (b) Volunteer assignment job description. Each volunteer assignment must have a job description that accurately describes the duties of the assignment. All job descriptions must be reviewed periodically and revised as needed to accurately describe the duties actually being performed by the volunteer.
3. (c) Discrimination prohibited. Facility staff may not unlawfully discriminate against a volunteer or volunteer applicant based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, handicap, veteran status, or political affiliation. Facility staff may not discriminate against a volunteer or volunteer applicant based on sexual orientation.

4. (d) Volunteer application and placement process. Individuals interested in volunteering at a facility must complete an application for volunteer service using the "Volunteer Application" form, referenced as Exhibit D in §417.314 of this title (relating to Exhibits), or an appropriate substitute.

   1. (1) A individual must be at least 14 years of age to apply for volunteer service.

      1. (A) Facilities may specify a minimum age above 14 years for specific volunteer assignments.
      2. (B) Volunteer applicants who are ages 14-17 years must have permission from their parent or legal guardian as documented on the "Parental Permission Form For Volunteers Under 18 Years of Age," referenced as Exhibit E in §417.314 of this title (relating to Exhibits).
      3. (C) The number of volunteer hours for minors must not exceed the number of hours per week allowed for minors to work under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
   2. (2) All prospective volunteers are subject to a criminal history and registry check as authorized in the Texas Health and Safety Code, §533.007, and required by the Texas Health and Safety Code, §250.003 and Chapter 414, Subchapter K of this title, concerning Criminal History and Registry Clearances. Completion of the criminal history and registry clearance must occur prior to volunteer placement.
   3. (3) All prospective volunteers must be approved for volunteer assignment by the community relations (CR) director. A prospective volunteer is given a volunteer assignment with the agreement of the supervising staff member.
   4. (4) Before reporting to their volunteer assignment all volunteers are required to complete a basic orientation conducted by the community relations staff. Volunteers must also fulfill any other requirements necessary to successfully perform the duties outlined in the job description of their volunteer assignment.

5. (e) Separation from volunteer assignment.

   1. (1) The CR director may remove a volunteer from his/her assignment if it is determined that the volunteer is unsuited for the assignment. If the volunteer is removed from his/her assignment, the CR director may consider the volunteer for another assignment.
   2. (2) A volunteer may decide to leave his/her assignment at any time for any reason. A volunteer who decides to leave his/her assignment shall inform the community relations staff of such decision. If a person served volunteer decides to leave his/her assignment, the community relations staff will notify the person's treatment team.
6. (f) Visiting group placement. After consulting with the representative of each visiting group the CR director shall determine appropriate placement, orientation, and training. There is no minimum age for members of a visiting group.

Source Note:The provisions of this §417.305 adopted to be effective January 1, 2003, 27 TexReg 12239.