1. (a) Volunteer. A volunteer is any individual who donates time and services to facilitate Department of Public Safety (DPS) programs. Volunteers may serve as committee or task force members, interpreters, resource developers, office assistants, or interns performing non-paid work to meet degree requirements and could be involved in any aspect of policy, planning, and program development. DPS volunteer work will count as actual work experience when applying for a job within the agency.

   1. (1) Persons interested in volunteering should be referred to the DPS volunteer coordinator in Austin, Texas. The volunteer coordinator is aware of all DPS volunteer opportunities and is best equipped to match the volunteer's skills and interests with DPS needs. As the volunteer program expands and volunteer opportunities are identified in respective regions, a volunteer coordinator must be appointed to oversee their region's program. All volunteer coordinators will work closely with the volunteer coordinator in Austin to ensure consistency and efficiency throughout the program.
   2. (2) Volunteers may use DPS office space, supplies, files and records, equipment, and computers as deemed necessary to complete their assigned duties. DPS will maintain files that include records of donated time and services, a volunteer registration form, a confidentialty agreement, training records, emergency information, DPS volunteer evaluation forms, and commendations. Information from these files may be used for recognition and employment (internal/external) purposes.
   3. (3) Accident and personal liability insurance is required and is carried on all DPS volunteers.
   4. (4) Volunteer candidates must undergo a standard background check or record check depending on their volunteer positions. This check must be completed before the volunteer begins their duties. A conviction and/or probated or suspended sentence on any felony will disqualify the volunteer candidate. Volunteers must adhere to DPS policies and procedures. Failure to do so will terminate the volunteer relationship with DPS.
   5. (5) Volunteers must wear appropriate identification and will have access to their designated workstation.

2. (b) Students, interns, and other volunteers. An intern is a person enrolled in a high-school, university or college who desires to volunteer for limited periods of time; or who is enrolled in university/college courses which require "internship" programs that utilize business/agency practical experience and training for course credit and/or pre-professional training and work experience. Student interns are not employees of the agency and are considered "volunteers." These interns must adhere to DPS policies and procedures.

   1. (1) It is the responsibility of the students and interns to communicate their class requirements before they are placed as volunteers.
   2. (2) The DPS volunteer coordinator will ensure that students receive appropriate support.
3. (c) Supervisor responsibilities for volunteers. Each volunteer working directly for DPS must be supervised by a staff person. Although a volunteer may work with more than one staff person, the volunteer's supervisor should be clearly identified. That supervisor must have at least the level of job responsibility as the volunteer being supervised. Every supervisor must receive training in volunteer management (conducted by volunteer coordinator) prior to volunteer arrival. The supervisor is responsible for making sure adequate training, guidance, and instruction are provided for the volunteer; making sure hours are recorded and appropriate forms are completed and filed.
4. (d) Orientation. Staff assigned to supervise volunteers must attend an orientation to obtain additional information and requirements pertaining to volunteers. Staff will be notified of orientations by the volunteer coordinator.
5. (e) Supervision. Supervisors of volunteers are responsible for the day-to-day supervision of their volunteer(s). It is the responsibility of each supervisor to have planned activities and/or projects and to have adequate workspace and materials for their volunteer(s). Supervisors should be available to monitor the progress of the volunteer(s), and be accessible to answer any questions.
6. (f) Mentoring. Supervisors of volunteers should provide training, guidance, and support for their volunteer(s). It is the responsibility of the supervisor to set a good example and to be a role model for their volunteer. Supervisors should provide enrichment and learning opportunities to their volunteer(s).
7. (g) Time sheets. Volunteers are required to keep a time sheet to record their daily activities at DPS. The time sheets should be submitted to the volunteer coordinator.
8. (h) Evaluation. Evaluation forms should be completed by each supervisor and submitted to the volunteer coordinator. A college, university, or high school may request evaluation forms to verify an individual completed his/her internship.
9. (i) Recognition. Official DPS certificates and letters of commendation may be requested from the volunteer coordinator. Volunteer supervisors should submit this request in writing to the volunteer coordinator.

10. (j) Requesting volunteers. DPS staff must recruit and place volunteers without regard to age, race, sex, religion, color, national origin, or disability.

    1. (1) DPS departments should contact the volunteer coordinator to determine if a particular job is appropriate for volunteer performance.
    2. (2) DPS staff should submit a request for volunteers through their immediate supervisor to the volunteer coordinator. Written job functions must accompany all requests. Volunteer opportunities will be posted in the Human Resources Bureau.
    3. (3) Request forms may be obtained from the volunteer coordinator.
    4. (4) The volunteer coordinator will conduct or assist in the screening and referral processes.

Source Note:The provisions of this §1.42 adopted to be effective February 15, 2000, 25 TexReg 1125.