Frequently Asked Questions About Volunteering at LSD Q: A: How do I start the process of volunteering at LSD? Contact Volunteer Coordinator, Patricia Mann, to request that an application be mailed to you, or download one off of our website under the Outreach section. Once you have completed the application, return it to the LSD Volunteer Coordinator and the process of finding a placement and having your fingerprints processed will begin. Contact: Patricia Mann, 225-757-3327 or outreach@lalsd.org After I complete the volunteer application, what will happen? Once the LSD Volunteer Coordinator receives your completed application, you will be contacted to discuss your schedule, availability, interests and skills. A volunteer placement will be found for you based on these parameters. You will be asked to come to our campus with a copy of your Social Security card so that we can initiate a criminal background check. You will be given a $10 voucher to pay for the cost of having your fingerprints recorded by the Louisiana State Police at 7919 Independence Boulevard, Baton Rouge. You will return the completed finger print cards to the Volunteer Coordinator and our school’s Human Resource Department will send them to be processed at a cost to us of $70. Why do I have to be fingerprinted? Louisiana law requires that anyone working with children be screened for criminal violations by having their fingerprints processed. What time commitment is expected of me? Because it costs our school $70 to have your fingerprints processed, it is asked that you make at least a one semester (four-month) commitment to volunteer service at LSD. How many hours per week am I required to volunteer? There is no specific time requirement per week. We recognize that every volunteer’s situation is different and work hours are flexible to meet the volunteer’s availability. Do I have to be fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) to volunteer? No. Individuals are welcome to apply regardless of their ASL skill levels. Placement will, in part, be based on ASL skill level, but they are not required to be fluent.
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Can I volunteer on weekends? LSD students go home every weekend, with the exception of very few students from the northern part of the state. Volunteer opportunities on weekends are very limited. What are some of the volunteer placements at LSD? Classroom assistants, library helpers, homework tutors, guest speakers, clerical assistants, gardeners, sports coaches, concession stand workers, dormitory volunteers, student health center assistants - these are a few of the volunteer placements that are possible. I know someone who works at LSD. Can I arrange a volunteer placement with them directly? All volunteers have to be registered through the Volunteer Coordinator and have their fingerprints processed. Specific placements can then be arranged through the Volunteer Coordinator. How will a placement be arranged? The Volunteer Coordinator will suggest to you one or several placements that match your availability. You will be asked to go meet the department supervisor to whom you will be assigned. If you and the supervisor mutually agree on the placement, then you will be ready to establish a schedule and begin your service. Who will supervise me once I am approved as a volunteer? Supervision will be provided by the department in which you are placed. What if something comes up and I need to change my hours or be absent for a period of time? You will set a schedule with your departmental supervisor and you can alter your schedule by contacting that same supervisor. How will staff know that I am a legitimate volunteer? You will be issued an ID badge which you are to wear at all times while on campus. At the end of your service, you are asked to return the badge to the Volunteer Coordinator. What perks will I get by volunteering at LSD? Besides the satisfaction of volunteer service, you will be offered a complimentary meal, once a day, if you are scheduled to work during a meal time. Your ID badge will be scanned to keep track of your complimentary meals. Where shall I park when volunteering? At the beginning of your service, you will be issued an hang tag for your vehicle. This tag will let the guard know that you have legitimate business
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on the campus. You may park in any available space near the building in which you are volunteering. At the end of your service, you are asked to return the hang tag to the Volunteer Coordinator. Q: A: Will I ever be left alone to supervise students? Volunteers are never to be left alone with students. LSD staff members must always be present when volunteers are in the company of students. What if I have questions, concerns, or want a different placement? Please contact your direct supervisor or the Volunteer Coordinator. Am I bound by any confidentiality regulations? Yes, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, (FERPA) is a Federal law that protects the confidentiality of student educational information. As a volunteer, you are never to disclose any information about students that you acquire during the course of performing your job duties. Can I arrange for a one-time project, such as a Service Learning Project or an Eagle Scout Project? Absolutely! Please contact the Volunteer Coordinator. What if I am injured while volunteering at LSD? Louisiana Workman’s Compensation will cover medical expenses for volunteers injured while performing their assigned duties. What if I have more questions about volunteering at LSD? Please contact Patricia Mann, LSD Volunteer Coordinator at 225-7573327, or toll free in Louisiana at 888-769-8111, ext. 327, or by e-mail: outreach@lalsd.org
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