Community Service Requirements and Procedures
Responsibilities
To follow the rules and policies agreed to
To maintain professional attitudes, body language, and language
To state your limitations, if any exist, prior to starting
To follow through with you commitment and schedule
To follow the task list provided to you be the STHS staff members
To respect all confidential information
Community Service Minors: Community Service members ages 13-15 are required to have a parent or guardian present on STHS property, along with a signed liability waiver form. Any community service member ages 16-17 are required to have a parent or guardian sign a waiver form for minors. Parents/Guardians are not to complete any task for the community service worker.
Drugs and Alcohol
The sale, use, possession or transfer of a controlled substance or alcohol on the STHS premises is prohibited and illegal. Community service workers found under the influence of alcohol or controlled drugs will be instructed to leave the premises immediately and will not be permitted to continue any more community service hours at STHS.
Personal Property
The STHS is not responsible for loss, theft or damage of personal items. We recommend leaving any valuable items at home.
Professional Attitude
Treat this commitment like a job, and take this seriously. Please remember this is a public place, you should remain professional and polite while on premises. Ask staff questions if you are unsure of how to complete a task, or need guidance. While you are here, please keep all personal information confidential of those that work here and that come into the building. (This includes names and information on applications)
Harassment
Any form of harassment by a community service worker is not permitted and will lead to termination of Community Service Commitment. If you are a victim of harassment, please report it to an STHS employee or the STHS Shelter Manager immediately.
Equipment
Community service workers are not allowed to use shelter equipment and supplies for personal needs. This includes shelter computers, printers and software (or other shelter equipment) unless given permission by a staff member.
Reason for Dismissal
Failure to complete tasks, or follow instructions given by STHS staff
Failure to follow STHS policies and procedures
Any abuse or unauthorized removal of an animal from property
Making damaging statements about STHS (ex: social media posts, word of mouth, photographs, ect…)
Openly challenges the authority or any staff members
Verbally harassing any volunteer, staff ot members of the public
Misappropriation of STHS money or property
Falsifying community service hours or documents
Reason for Hour Reduction
STHS staff are allowed to take time off your community service sheet if they feel that you are not doing your job efficiently and accurately, taking excessive breaks, or being on the phone too much, amongst other reasons. If you received hour reduction, you will be told the reason and they will be written on the sheet for your worker.
Proper Dress
Community Service workers are expected to dress in an appropriate manner. STHS asks that you are well groomed and presentable when you come in for your shift. We suggest comfortable clothing that does not restrict movement, and closed toed shoes for your safety. Please keep in mind this is a public place, and your attire should be presentable to those that come into the building.
Accident or Injuries
All accidents and injuries must be reported to a staff member who will then alert the Shelter Manager. If an injury to a community service worker occurs, an First Report of Injury Form will be completed by the community service worker and alerting staff members. If medical attention is required, the community service worker agrees to seek appropriate medical care and alert the Humane Society of any further pertinent information.
Visitors and Personal Guests
Community service workers are not allowed to receive personal visitors while completing service hours at STHS. Friends and family are not to join you while you are completing your hours, and they are not allowed to assist with your jobs.
Zoonotic Diseases
Zoonotic Diseases are diseases that can be transferred from animals to humans. Potential zoonotic agents include bacteria, viruses, fungi and interna/external parasites.
To protect yourself and our shelter animals
Sanitize and wash hands thoroughly after handling an animal
Do not enter healthy animal areas after being in quarantine areas
Change clothing and shoes after visiting the shelter
Do not touch your face to an animal’s face and avoid allowing an animals lick you.
Read all signage posted on an animal’s kennel as this will notify you if an animal require special handling
Ensure you are up to date on tetanus
5 Freedoms of Animals
Scruffy Tails Humane Society is committed to providing the best care possible to the animals under our care. All STHS staff, volunteers, and community service workers are expected to treat every animal with kindness and ensure the five freedoms for animals are maintained:
Freedom of hunger and thirst
Freedom from discomfort
Freedom from pain, injury and disease
Freedom to express normal and natural behavior
Freedom from fear and distress