online vts orientation pp 7.15.15
TRANSCRIPT
Volunteer Transportation ServicesVolunteer Orientation Training
2015
Welcome!
Volunteers do not necessarily have the time, they just have the heart.
–Elizabeth Andrew
VTS MissionMission Centralina Connection, operating as Volunteer Transportation Services, provides rides to the transportation disadvantaged, including older adults, veterans, and persons with disabilities. Through partnerships with community organizations, existing transit and volunteers, individuals will have increased access to transportation services necessary for maintaining independence.
VTS GoalGoal To provide transportation options to older adults, veterans and adults with permanent or temporary disabilities in the nine-county Centralina area by linking them with volunteers who are able to drive them to their destinations.
The Importance of Mobility• Transportation is a lifeline service
for older adults, veterans, and people with disabilities
• People who cannot afford to own and operate their own car, or are uncomfortable or unable to drive need safe, reliable transportation
Current Transportation Gaps• Public funds for transportation
are often limited• State funding for public
transportation decreased by 15% in recent years• Eligibility criteria and destinations limit options
for transportation disadvantaged• Need outweighing funds available
Initial Project Background
• Funding: NCDOT FTA Section 5310 grant for $198,000• Period of Performance: December 2011- September 2013• Study Area: Nine-county Centralina Region• Objectives:
– Develop Mobility Management program for the nine-county region
– Increase coordination between systems – Establish one-call/one-click center
• Volunteer transportation was identified as a need through this process
What is Volunteer Transportation?• Volunteers using their personal vehicles to
transport those needing transportation
• VTS is operated by Centralina Connection, Inc., a non-profit organization whose mission is to help residents throughout the Centralina area in need of transportation
Why Volunteer Transportation?
• VTS allows neighbors to help neighbors
• VTS may be able to provide services for people who otherwise would fall through the cracks
• VTS System does not duplicate service yet complements existing services.
Benefits of VTS to Community• Additional capacity for public transportation
systems– Time of day– Day of week– Trip type
• Community linkages– Conduit to serve specific communities– Mitigate government funding cutbacks– Develop relationships throughout area
Who can ride?Eligibility: People who live in Anson, Cabarrus, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Stanly, or Union Counties and are:
• 50+• Veteran• Adult with a self described permanent or
temporary disability
• Service is limited to where volunteers are located.
Passenger Requirements• Sign a liability release statement• Sign a “Passenger Policy Manual”• Undergo screenings for criminal backgrounds,
pending charges and sex offender registry • MUST be an approved passenger before
making a request• Understand that trips are not guaranteed, VTS
relies solely upon volunteer drivers
VTS Specifics• Organized as a non-profit
– 15 person board of directors– Includes representatives for each of the nine counties
• Complimentary service no fee, but donations are accepted
– Volunteers covered by $1M in supplemental liability insurance. This comprehensive policy includes supplemental medical coverage, auto liability and an overall umbrella policy.
VTS Staff [email protected] or 844-887-7433
Katie KutcherAging [email protected]
Nikki MillerVolunteer Transportation [email protected] 704-348-2711
Who Can Volunteer?Be at least 21 years oldOwn a vehicleMaintain a clean vehicle in safe operating
condition, carry at least NC minimum liability insurance
Have a NC driver’s licenseUndergo background and driver record checksPass drug screening
Volunteer Characteristics
• Reliable
• Responsible
• Punctual
• Ethical
• Friendly
Volunteer Requirements
• Complete the Driver’s Application• Sign page 3 of the Policy Manual• Participate in Volunteer Training• Pass a criminal background check,
driving record check and drug screening
• Agree to participate in reoccurring volunteer training throughout the year
How Does it Work?• Volunteers have complete control of their
schedule
• VTS will allow curb to curb or door to door service agreed to by the volunteer driver
• Volunteer has the access and ability to self-assign to a request
• Volunteers also can be called or emailed with trip requests
Hours of Operation
• The Call Center (844-VTS-RIDE) will be open and staffed Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
• Trips may be arranged outside of this time based on driver availability and passenger need (including evenings and weekends)
Volunteer Benefits
• You determine your availability • Comprehensive training • Periodic volunteer appreciation events• Umbrella insurance• Mileage reimbursement• Feeling of satisfaction knowing you are serving
the community!
Mileage Reimbursement• Mileage reimbursement is
currently $0.14 per mile• Reimbursement starts at the
time you leave your home and ends when you arrive back home
• Scheduling software will maintain mileage records once trip completion report is entered
• Quarterly reimbursements will be made to volunteers
Time requirements?
• VTS is flexible!• Volunteers determine their schedule• You can drive as much or as little as you like
(we ask that volunteer drivers provide at least 2 trips a month)
• You determine your available hours• Volunteer drivers always have the choice to
confirm or deny trips
Certified Volunteers• We are only as good as our volunteers! VTS
has a very thorough volunteer training process. Before certification- volunteers must:– Complete Volunteer Application Driver &
Passenger information sheet – Sign receipt of Driver Policy Manual – VTS Volunteer Provide copy of NC driver’s license,
proof of current insurance and current NC registration
Insurance• As a volunteer, you must have an active vehicle
insurance policy that meets or exceeds NC requirements
• VTS provides an umbrella insurance policy in case of accident or incident while performing volunteer duties
• Personal insurance will provide primary coverage in the event of an accident, VTS insurance is secondary
• Please refer to the CIMA handouts for specifics on the VTS volunteer policy
Insurance• Drivers must update VTS with copies of
current driver’s license, registration cards and auto insurance policies (insurance policies can expire frequently)
• If there are any changes in coverage (companies,
cancellations or lapses) please notify VTS staff immediately
• Passengers, escorts, and volunteers each sign a liability release form
Pre-Trip• Volunteer information is
added to the scheduling software database
• Trip requests are entered into the database and able to be viewed when you log in
• You have the ability to assign yourself as the driver or simply keep scrolling
Pre-Trip
• VTS utilizes scheduling software through Assisted Rides.
• Assisted Rides is designed for organizations & communities that provide rides for senior citizens, people with disabilities, etc.
www.assistedrides.com
Assisted RidesView list of rides assigned and rides that need drivers.
Assign yourself as the driver!
Display Trip Manifest for details
Pre-Trip• Volunteers are asked to contact the
passenger to confirm pick up time and destination details. This is also notification to the passenger that (s)he has a volunteer for the trip!
• Page 19 in your handbook covers what volunteers must do prior to each trip
• Trip Information Log
During Trip Expectations• Be punctual• Introduce yourself• Confirm destination• Emergency plan• Seatbelts must be on before putting the car in
gear• Always use signals when turning• Follow all driving laws and safety measures
During Trip• When you arrive at the destination, confirm that
the passenger knows where they have arrived
• Give the passenger the donation request and VTS report card (pages 27 & 28). Explain to them their feedback is important!
• Ensure the passenger is safely at their destination before leaving the site
Post Trip• Review procedures on page 20
– Complete Trip Information Log to be submitted quarterly
– Complete the trip in Assisted Rides
Murphy’s Law
Cancellation Procedures
• If you, the volunteer driver, need to cancel a scheduled ride, please remove yourself as the driver for a ride in Assisted Rides and contact VTS immediately.
• If you attempt to provide a ride and the passenger is unable
to ride or is a no-show, there will be an entry in the Assisted Rides website reflecting a “no-show”. The volunteer driver will still get credit for the mileage incurred.
Safety FirstPre-Trip Actions• Walk around the vehicle• Check mirrors, wipers, turn signals lights and seatbelts• Ensure the interior of your vehicle
is clean and free of debris• Check fluid levels • Check brakes to see that they are working properly
Safety First
While conducting your volunteer assignment, if you feel that a passenger needs more assistance than you can provide, please contact VTS immediately before the ride begins.
Accidents & Incidents
• Contact VTS immediately
• Complete and file the accident/incident report within 24 hours
• Refer to page 23
Illness• Sick Passenger:– Return passenger back home if
they wish or take them to the nearest clinic or hospital or call 911
• Sick Volunteer:– Contact VTS. VTS will attempt to
make other arrangements
Weather Conditions
• Monitor news during periods of threatening weather
• Do not take unnecessary risks by driving when conditions are unsafe
Vehicle Breakdown• Try to maneuver your vehicle to
the side of the road• Turn on your four way flashers• Open hood of car• Contact roadside assistance or law
enforcement officer• Contact VTS• Alternative transportation will be
arranged for passenger
Seatbelts
You must comply with North Carolina Law requiring everyone in the vehicle must wear a seatbelt.
What to have in your vehicle:
• Volunteer Manual
• Paper Towels
• Tissues
• Small Waste Basket
Safety Procedures
• The safety of VTS volunteers and passengers is of the utmost importance
• Please follow all Safety procedures as outlined in the Policies & Procedures Manual
• In addition to these policies you will receive first aid training
Please complete and turn in these forms:
• Volunteer Driver Enrollment Application
• Page 3 of the VTS Driver Policy Manual
Be sure we have copies of your current:
• Driver’s License• Insurance Card • Registration Card
Be sure we have these from YOU!
Conduct & Customer Service• Refer to the Driver Policy Manual• Treat each passenger with respect and dignity in the
same fashion that you would like to be treated.
• Be a good listener, enjoy the conversation and participate if you feel so inclined.
• All information, especially medical information, about your passenger is confidential.
Passenger AssistanceHelpful Hints:• When you arrive at the pickup location– Greet the passenger– Show them your VTS badge to confirm your identify
• If you’d like, ask if you can help the passenger to and from the car by offering an arm and guiding them if they ask– this can help prevent accidents and promotes safety.
Report Card• The Driver will give each
passenger a Report Card and postage-paid envelope
• Driver will add their name and date of trip
• This will assist with Customer Service
Passenger Donations & Contributions• Each trip is at no cost to the
passenger, but there is an expense for providing the service
• Drivers must not accept tips, but instead give contribution information and postage-paid envelope to each passenger
• Passengers will place any completed envelope in the mail to VTS
Serve the community!
"Without community service, we would not have a strong quality of life. It's important to the person who serves as well as the recipient. It's the way in which we ourselves grow and develop..."
~Dr. Dorothy I. Height
“No joy can equal the joy serving others.” ~ Sai Baba