Best Practices for Training Your Staff in Supervising Volunteers
Posted Thursday, November 30th, 2017 by Sterling Volunteers Staff
The Characteristics of Good Volunteer Supervision
Volunteer supervisors are an important link between volunteers and the goals of the organization. What are the characteristics of a good volunteer supervisor? Good supervision is supporting others to be successful in their work. Supervisors should allow independence, give help and support and allow the volunteer to have ownership of their responsibilities and ultimately feel empowered. A good volunteer supervisor succeeds at these basic skills:- Provides clear direction
- Involves volunteers in the planning and setting of goals and expectations
- Gives the team freedom to do the work
- Checks in regularly to monitor progress and help resolve issues
- Builds trust
- Is a good listener
- Is excited by the success of others
- Is more “coach” than “boss”
The Similarities and Differences Between Supervising Salaried Staff and Volunteers
Many organizations rely on a large staff of volunteers to assist in their work. Based on budgets, a volunteer staff could be ten times the size of regular staff. That makes the role of volunteer supervisor very important. Of course, paid staff might be worried that their jobs could be taken over by the non-paid volunteers. Betsy McFarland recommended that the recruitment team get paid staff involved in the volunteer hiring process. It is not always obvious to paid staff members, but volunteers enhance organizations and help them thrive and grow, which ultimately could result in even more paid staff getting hired. It is critically important to get buy-in from volunteer supervisors. When preparing to train paid staff to be supervisors, make sure of the following:- The staff/leadership volunteers are expected to create the volunteer description together
- The staff has the opportunity to interview prospective volunteers
- Expectations for working with volunteers are covered in new staff orientations
- “Working with volunteers” is included in staff job descriptions
- Staff are evaluated on their work with volunteers
- Have clearly written job descriptions
- Undergo a screening and interview process
- Have the correct orientation
- Be given ongoing support and resources
- Receive feedback, keep records, and give recognition